Introduction. This protocol aims at measuring the mechanical characteristics of bananas, especially peel and fruit hardness, and pulp firmness; it can also allow the mechanical characterisation of green or ripening fruit of different pedo-climatic origins and/or varieties. Materials and methods. This part describes the required laboratory materials and the three steps necessary for the measurement of the mechanical characteristics of bananas. Results. The data allow the drawing of a curve characterising the firmness of the fruit (slope), hardness of the peel (peak) and hardness of the pulp (plateau).

Introduction. For the micropropagation of woody species, contamination of in vitro cultured explants is a constant problem, which can compromise the development of the technique. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of an antibiotic and a fungicide on surface and endophytic microorganisms associated with Annona cauliflora, A. bahiensis and A. glabra (Annonaceae) tissue culture. Materials and methods. Our work made it possible to compare a standard disinfection of in vitro cultured explants and the use of either a commercial fungicide, Benlate 500 (50% of benomyl) at (0.0, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0) ${\rm g} \cdot {\rm L}^{-1}$, or an antibiotic, ampicillin at (0.0, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0) ${\rm mg} \cdot {\rm L}^{-1}$. Results. The study revealed considerable variations in the infection rates within species and according to the concentrations of benomyl and ampicillin used. Benomyl was effective at cleaning leaf segments, and, at a concentration of 1.0 ${\rm g} \cdot {\rm L}^{-1}$, this fungicide was sufficient to eliminate all fungi. Ampicillin treatments at (0.0 to 4.0) ${\rm mg} \cdot {\rm L}^{-1}$ were ineffective at controlling bacterial contamination. Conclusion. Referring to the difficulty in obtaining an aseptic in vitro culture starting from a woody species, the average number of healthy explants obtained after the disinfection of foliar explants of Annona sp. using the antimicrobial substances tested was significant. Further studies to evaluate the effects of the concentration of chemicals on in vitro plant regeneration for Annona species are needed to clarify the relationship between the concentration and phytotoxic effect of chemicals.

Introduction. Banana and plantain (ban+plant) play a substantial role in people’s diet in Cameroon. A survey was carried out in 240 households in four localities to determine the daily consumption of (ban+plant)-derived foods and the contribution of these foods to iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and vitamin A intake by children of less than 5 years of age and mothers. Materials and methods. The daily consumption level was assessed by a 24-h dietary recall during three consecutive days. The Fe, Zn and β-carotene (precursor of vitamin A) contents of (ban+plant) products were determined and the bioavailability of these micronutrients was estimated using the [phytate:Fe] and [phytate:Zn] molar ratios. Results. On a dry-weight basis, Fe content in (ban+plant)-based foods ranged from (0.78 to 1.32) mg·100 g–1; Zn content from (0.22 to 0.41) mg·100 g–1 and β-carotene content from (336 to 724) µg·100 g–1. Phytate content was between (0.17 and 1.23) g·100 g–1, with [phytate:Fe] and [phytate:Zn] molar ratios above the estimated bioavailability thresholds of 10–14 and 15, respectively, for all dishes. The daily quantities consumed by rural and urban subjects were not significantly different. The daily supply of Fe by (ban+plant) to children and mothers was 5% and 2%; Zn supply was 3% and 4%, respectively. In contrast, the daily vitamin A supply by (ban+plant) foods was relatively significant, reaching 13% on average per day for both children and mothers. In certain cases, this contribution was as high as 20%. Conclusion. Estimated bioavailability of Fe and Zn is low in (ban+plant) that, therefore, poorly contribute to Fe and Zn intake in the households. However, (ban+plant) are a good source of β-carotene and can make a substantial contribution to meeting vitamin A requirements of children and their mothers.

Introduction. A study of accessions from the major production areas of Dacryodes edulis (Don) Lam. (Burseraceae) in Cameroon was carried out in order to assess the impact of pedoclimatic parameters and genetic factors on the characteristics and the classification of the fruits. The work focused on statistical analysis of fruit morphological and chemical parameters to distinguish accessions. Materials and methods. The fruits were collected from five localities of Cameroon (Obala, Boumyebel, Makenene, Njombe and Kekem). Twenty-six characters, among which were eleven quantitative morphological, nine qualitative morphological and six chemical characters, were the object of a correlation analysis, a principal component analysis and hierarchical classification. Results. Among the twenty-six characters studied, eighteen presented interesting morpho-chemical characters to discriminate the accessions. The fruit quantitative morphological characters were not significantly different, while the qualitative morphological and chemical characters showed significant differences for the localities concerned. A principal component analysis and hierarchical classification distinguished three major groups at a genetic distance of between 5.70 and 6.92: group I consists of accessions from Makenene and Kekem, discriminated by five characters (lipids, protein, grain colour, texture and colour of the mesocarp); group II consists of accessions from Njombe and Obala and was discriminated by six characters (weight of fruits, amino acids, sugars, phenols, epicarp colour and shape of grains); group III consists of the accession from Boumyebel and was discriminated by seven characters (fruit length and diameter; [fruit diameter / fruit length] ratio; weight of fruit, mesocarp and grain; and mesocarp thickness). Discussion and conclusion. Like agro-forestry species such as Ricinodendron heudelotii and Irvingia gabonensis, D. edulis presents intra-specific variations that are related to pedoclimatic conditions and genetic factors.

Introduction. Tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) belongs to the Fabaceae family; it is a multipurpose tree with slow growth. In order to help improve its growth and development, we assessed mycorrhizal diversity of tamarind parklands in Senegal. Materials and methods. Three sites of tamarind populations were sampled for each agro-ecological zone in Senegal: the Sahelian zone (i), Sahelo-Sudan zone (ii) and Sudan zone (iii). Soil and root samples were collected in each site and used for arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) spore isolation and root colonization assessment. We identified the mycorrhizal fungi from spore collections and evaluated the root mycorrhization rate, defined as percentage of roots colonized according to agro-ecological zones. Results and discussion. The results did not reveal a specific AM fungal strain associated with tamarind plants. Three arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) were identified from spores on the genus level: Glomus, Scutellospora and Acaulospora. Tamarind sites with sandy soil texture (70–90%) and located in dry areas (Sahel and Sudano-Sahel zones) were shown to be rich in mycorrhizal propagules. High densities of soil AM propagules evaluated with the Most Probable Number method (MPN) were found in Niokhoul (1100 propagules per 50 g of soil), Sakal (790 propagules per 50 g of soil) and Mbassis (780 propagules per 50 g of soil). However, higher mycorrhizal colonization (11%) was observed in the Sahel agro-ecological zone compared with the Sudano-Sahelian and Sahelian zones (3%) of Senegal. Conclusion. Our study explored natural AMF diversity as a starting point to develop inocula to be used in commercial nursery production of tamarinds.

Introduction. En Tunisie, les dattes de type Deglet Nour sont réputées pour leur couleur jaune doré et elles présentent une valeur marchande élevée ; elles constituent la majorité des dattes exportées vers l’Europe. L’objectif de nos travaux a été d’étudier l’effet de l’oxygène et de la température sur la dégradation de la couleur de ce type de dattes durant la période d’entreposage. Matériel et méthodes. L’évolution de la couleur de dattes du type Deglet Nour stockées sous humidité relative constante (75 %), à trois températures différentes [(10, 25 et 37) °C] et en présence de trois concentrations d’oxygène [(0, 20 et 40) %] a été suivie chaque semaine durant 35 jours à l’aide de la mesure des paramètres L* et b* de l’échelle Hunter Lab. Résultats. La température a joué un rôle déterminant dans la dégradation de la couleur des dattes durant l’entreposage et l’effet de l’oxygène a été important quoique secondaire. Conclusion. La couleur des dattes au cours de leur stockage se révèle pouvoir être prédite à partir du seul paramètre b* de l’échelle Hunter Lab. Dans le cas des dattes conditionnées sous différentes concentrations en oxygène et à différentes températures, la perte de la couleur initiale du fruit a été davantage expliquée par une augmentation de la température ambiante que par la variation de la concentration en oxygène du milieu de conservation. La dégradation de la couleur serait causée par des brunissements non enzymatiques et enzymatiques oxydatifs.

Introduction. The fruit of Averrhoa carambola L., or carambola, is an attractive tropical fruit of the Oxalidaceae family. As most of the carambola crop is consumed fresh, very few carambolas are processed. However, the high variability in fruit quality produced by Caribbean countries is a major limitation to market penetration. Processing of carambolas could allow the utilization of low quality fruits, which cannot be marketed, to reduce waste, improve on the economic returns of farmers and increase the value of the crop. Our work thus aimed at studying carambola wine quality in relation to certain treatments applied before the fermentation of the must. Materials and methods. Pectolase was added to the pasteurized carambola pulp to the concentrations of (0, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3)%. Another treatment used pectolase to 0.3% with addition of 1% of citric acid and 0.25% of ascorbic acid and associated with the use of various yeast strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae from various wines (Super, Chablis and Sweet Mead). The must was adjusted to 25 °Brix and pH 3.0–3.5. The carambola wine quality obtained at the end of each treatment was assessed using physicochemical characteristics and sensory evaluations. Results and discussion. Addition of pectolase improved the carambola wine’s light transmittance, sensory color, sensory clarity and overall acceptability. Addition of 1% citric acid and 0.25% ascorbic acid to the must resulted in less dark and yellow wines with a more acceptable color. Wines fermented with the Chablis yeast strain had the highest clarity (88.55% of light transmittance). The wines were microbiologically stable. Conclusion. Carambola wine treated with 0.3% pectolase with the inclusion of 1% citric acid and 0.25% ascorbic acid with different yeast strains had (7.35 to 7.65) °Brix, (10.25 to 11.50)% alcohol, pH 3.01 to 3.02, (79.20 to 88.55)% of light transmittance and (17.50 to 17.76) mg ascorbic acid·100 mL–1. These wines had overall acceptability rating from slightly to moderately liked and they were judged as superior.

Introduction. Timing of management practices requires an understanding of pest population dynamics in given cropping systems. Our study was designed to establish the population trends of B. invadens in mango orchards and to determine if population fluctuations were reflected in fruit infestation levels during changes in mango phenology. Materials and methods. Bactrocera invadens flies were trapped weekly from February 2011 to November 2012, using methyl eugenol and DDVP (dichlorvos) insecticidal strips. Trapping was done in three mango orchards in the Luweero district of Uganda’s Lake Victoria Crescent. Mango fruit samples were incubated for the retrieval of puparia to calculate positivity (proportion of fruits infested) and fruit infestation indices (number of puparia per kg of fruit) for each stage of fruit maturity. Results. Mean trap catches of adult B. invadens varied significantly over the months (range : ~11 flies per trap per day (FTD) to over 590 FTD; P £ 0.0001). During each year, infestations peaked during June-July and January-February. Trap catches were higher in the major fruiting season compared with the minor fruiting season and were the highest when mango was at the physiological maturity and ripe stages. Fruit infestation and positivity were highest for fruit at the physiological maturity and ripe stages and lowest at the fruit set stage. Discussion. Our findings show that B. invadens is present year-round and all stages of mango fruit development are susceptible to attack. Thus, control measures should be implemented throughout the year and preferably started at fruit set to lessen fruit fly population build-up and damage to fruits.

Introduction. Aroma is often used as a fruit quality marker. Several researchers have used the analysis of volatile compounds to characterize dates (Phoenix dactylifera). Nevertheless, it is difficult to analyze this subtle aroma in spite of the many techniques available, such as liquid-liquid extractions and headspace analysis. The global approach of the e-nose with a minimum handling of the sample is a fast and efficient alternative to these techniques. This rather new tool, simulating the behavior of the human nose, thus aroused our interest for application to dates. Materials and methods. Dates were harvested, in 2005, at the Tamar stage from nine date varieties, in Zagora, Morocco. They were frozen after harvest and sent by air to the laboratory of CIRAD (Montpellier, France). All data were collected at the same time. Five hundred g of dates were taken at random, pitted and cut into small pieces. After homogenization, an aliquot of 3.0 g was put into a 10-mL headspace flask and immediately sealed. Six replicates per sample were prepared for later electronic-nose analysis. An electronic nose (e-nose) from Alpha MOS, equipped with Metal Oxide Sensors (MOS), was used. Data were analyzed using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The Discrimination Index (DI), created by Alpha MOS, was used to describe the discriminatory power of the groups’ separation. Alpha MOS considers that good discrimination and reliability are achieved for DI over 80%. Results. Discrimination indexes > 88% and means of the coefficients of variation obtained for each sensor < 4% demonstrate the high performance and good reproducibility of the e-nose. Conclusion. The e-nose is sensitive to date volatile emissions. All the date varieties studied were well separated. This fast screening technique, creating a specific olfactory fingerprint as a genuine identity card, could be used to follow changes in maturity, assure the identity of lots of dates and detect adulteration.

Introduction.Detarium microcarpum Guill. et Perr., espèce forestière fruitière de la zone soudano-sahélienne, est actuellement menacée de disparition au sud du Mali suite à des actions anthropiques. L'objectif global des travaux présentés a été d'inventorier les connaissances des populations locales sur la plante afin d'acquérir des informations relatives à la caractérisation, la gestion, la protection et l'utilisation durable des ressources génétiques de D. microcarpum dans cette zone. Matériel et méthodes. Une enquête a été menée, par interviews, sur la base de questionnaires ouverts dans 23 villages (216 personnes) appartenant aux zones agro-écologiques du plateau de Koutiala au sud du Mali. Résultats et discussion. L'enquête a confirmé que l'espèce joue un rôle important sur les plans socioculturel, médicinal, écologique et environnemental au sud du Mali. Les critères d'appréciation paysans des écotypes de D. microcarpum portent surtout sur la couleur de l'écorce, la taille des feuilles et la qualité des fruits. Selon les personnes interrogées, la perpétuation de D. microcarpum passe par la réglementation de la coupe de bois et le contrôle des feux. Conclusion. Les connaissances locales permettront d'élaborer une stratégie de conservation durable de D. microcarpum. Auparavant, certains aspects devront être élucidés.

Introduction. La durée de vie verte (DVV), qui indique l’état physiologique des bananes à la récolte, est un critère de qualité majeur pour l’exportation des fruits. Afin d’évaluer et de comprendre la variabilité de la DVV existant en exploitation, une enquête diagnostic a été menée chez trois producteurs de bananes en Martinique utilisant la méthode des sommes thermiques comme outil de décision de récolte. Matériel et méthodes. Pour chaque producteur, des fruits ont été prélevés en sortie de station d’emballage sur 10 % des régimes récoltés pendant une semaine. Ces bananes ont ensuite été conservées à 14 °C dans des sacs perforés en polyéthylène jusqu’au stade de maturité « tournant vert ». La DVV a été définie par le temps écoulé en jour entre la récolte et ce stade de maturité. Résultats et discussion. La DVV a varié entre (18 et 69) jours avec une moyenne de 42 jours pour l’ensemble des producteurs. Près de 80 % de la production a eu une DVV entre (25 et 50) jours et moins de 4 % en dessous de 25 jours. La variabilité de la DVV a été liée principalement à l’âge des fruits à la récolte, exprimée en somme thermique (R = –0,74). Celle-ci a varié entre (600 et 1150) degrés-jour pour l’ensemble des exploitations. Les fruits contaminés par l’anthracnose de blessure et les pourritures de couronne ont présenté une DVV plus courte que les fruits sains et cela indépendamment du stade de récolte (p < 0,001). L’origine de cette contamination a été discutée. À même somme thermique, des différences significatives de DVV ont été mises en évidence selon le lieu de production (parcelle) (p < 0,001). Des écarts de plus de 7 jours en moyenne ont été observés entre des parcelles provenant du même producteur et situées à même altitude. L’origine de ces différences a également été discutée.

Introduction. In Cameroon, most subsistence farmers apply a mixed cropping system, resulting in a range of possible nematode host plants. Bananas and plantains (Musa spp.) are an important component of these cropping systems, both as a source of cash income and as a staple food. In order to program future extension projects, our study analyzed the cropping associations and their constraints in the West and Northwest provinces of Cameroon highlands. As nematodes have been identified as a major constraint to Musa production worldwide, we tried to assess the nematode presence. Materials and methods. A survey of over 200 households was done throughout the Cameroon highlands to identify the types of crop associations and preferences, management practices and pest awareness of small-scale farmers. In addition, samples were taken to examine the prevalence of Pratylenchus goodeyi on bananas and plantains in the home garden and one field of each household visited. Results and discussion. Cropping systems were highly variable between households, in so far as they could not easily be typified. Thirty-eight crops were identified planted in association with Musa spp. Bananas and plantains ranked as the most important crop for 43% of the farmers, followed by the staple crop maize (19%) and the traditional cash crop coffee (12%). Pest awareness (% awareness) was relatively high with respect to weevils (72%). The major constraints as perceived by the farmers related to leaf necrosis, weevils and nematode damage. Nevertheless, only 15% of them had heard of a nematode before. All root samples revealed nematode presence (over 40% showed more than 104 individuals·100 g–1 root fresh weight). P. goodeyi was the dominant species found.

Introduction. Mature green vanilla pods accumulate 4-O-(3-methoxy-benzaldehyde)-β-D-glucoside (glucovanillin), which, upon hydrolysis by an endogenous b-glucosidase, liberates vanillin, the major aroma component of vanilla. Little is known on the spatial distribution of aroma-generating phenolics, and the enzymes responsible for their liberation (β-glucosidase) and oxidation (peroxidase). We report here quantitative data with respect to these three components in relation to the anatomy of the pod. Furthermore, the spatial progression of oxidation is shown. Materials and methods. Mature green vanilla pods were analyzed for their contents of phenolics (HPLC), and β-glucosidase and peroxidase activities by spectrophotometric techniques using p-nitrophenyl glucoside and vanillin as substrates, respectively. Lipids were examined under fluorescence microscopy after Nile red staining. Oxidation development was observed on transverse slices of pods. Results and discussion. Phenolics, and β-glucosidase and peroxidase activities showed gradients of increasing-decreasing concentrations from the stem to the blossom end of pods. The β-glucosidase activity is distributed in between the placentae, mesocarp, and trichomes in a [7 / 2 / 1] proportion while that of peroxidase shows a [38 / 1] ratio in the mesocarp and placentae, and was absent from trichomes. Oxidation begins from the blossom end in the placentae, progressively invading the mesocarp and moving towards the stem end. Conclusion. The green mature vanilla pod is spatially heterogeneous for its phenolics, and β-glucosidase and peroxidase activities, its placentae playing an important role in the liberation of vanillin and its subsequent oxidation.

Introduction. Pitaya (Hylocereus undatus) is an exotic fruit species little known in Brazil and which needs basic studies about plant nutrition, propagation and physiology. Emphasizing the co-existence of juvenile and adult stages in the pitaya canopy, the plant is generally propagated by cuttings. Materials and methods. A completely randomized design with four treatments and five replications was adopted. Each treatment was represented by the part of the canopy from which the cutting was taken (upper, middle and lower cutting and cuttings from young plants). The following variables were registered: % cuttings with roots, % of live cuttings, root density, root diameter, root area, root length and root dry mass. Results were submitted to variance analyses, Tukey’s test at 0.01 probability error and simple correlation analysis. Results and discussion. The results indicated that the position from which the cutting is taken had a quantitative effect on rooting formation of pitaya cuttings. Juvenile cuttings presented 35% more cuttings with roots than adult cuttings. Root density, root area, root length and root dry mass depended on juvenility, the highest results being registered for juvenile cuttings, independently of the variable. Conclusion. Juvenile and adult stages co-exist in the pitaya canopy. Juvenility is an important rooting factor for red pitaya cuttings.

Introduction. Dacryodes edulis and Canarium schweinfurthii are two tropical multi-purpose trees in Cameroon which produce fruits (African pear and Black olive, respectively) for human consumption, which are marketed more and more on the national and international markets. This study aimed at characterising these two fruits starting from their physical and chemical properties. Materials and methods. Fruits were collected during the harvest peak in three agro-ecological zones of Cameroon. The physical properties measured were the weight, the length, the fruit circumference and the pulp thickness, while the chemical analyses included the moisture and protein, lipid and ash contents. Results. The fruits from the humid forest were largest (96 g), whereas the smallest came from the grassland (54 g). The highest pulp per fruit content (69% for the African pear and 57% for Black olive) was observed in fruits harvested in the humid forest zone. The strongest correlation (r = 0.25) between the fruit weight and that of pulp was observed for Black olive produced in the humid forest zone. The crude protein rate was highest (8%) in fruits from the humid forest, whereas that of the lipids (42%) prevailed in the semi-forest zone. Conclusion. The humid forest zone offers the best agro-ecological conditions for commercial production of the fruits of D. edulis and C schweinfurthii. These two fruits contain proteins and lipids in significant quantities and can, consequently, be used as alternative sources for these nutritive elements.

Introduction. A study on postharvest treatments of wild peppers was carried out in Madagascar with the aim of describing the local practices and measuring their impacts on the quality of the products. Materials and methods. Four distinct pepper production systems (PPS) were observed, described and compared in two separate areas in East Madagascar. Major quality characteristics (piperine and essential oil) of the peppercorns were assessed in samples collected in the four systems. Results and discussion. Two main postharvest processes (dry and wet) were identified. The wet process differed from the dry one in that it involved two specific operations, blanching and sweating. The processes influenced the color of the pepper. Piperine contents were not affected by any of the pepper production systems, whereas essential oil contents were reduced by up to 27% by the wet process. After processing, piperine contents were up to eight times lower, whereas essential oil contents were up to six times higher than the specifications of the standard ISO 959-1 for black pepper ready for commercialization. Conclusion. Two main processes (dry and wet) for treatment of peppercorns in Madagascar were identified and described. The dry process, with two steps less, appeared to be easier to implement and more respectful to the product. Improving maturity control and processing according to the quality expected by the markets will be necessary to promote Malagasy peppers.

Introduction. Bananas are harvestedat the green preclimacteric stage prior to sale. The time betweenharvest and the initiation of the natural ripening process is calledgreen life. Black Leaf Streak Disease and Sigatoka Disease are themain foliar diseases affecting banana production. Sigatoka Disease (SD)is due to Mycosphaerella musicola, which frequently causesearly ripening in commercial banana plantations, considered as animportant source of damage. Our work aimed at determining the effectivenessof the removal of necrotic leaves, one month before harvest, onrecovering banana quality arising from SD-infested plants. Materialsand methods. Banana plants (totaling 80) at the floweringstage were selected in an experimental plot. These plants were dividedinto two groups of SD infestation levels: level 1 (Severity Indexat flowering < 10%) and level 2 (Severity Index at flowering > 25%).We divided each group into two treatments: a treatment with no necroticleaf removal and a treatment with necrotic leaf removal. Fruitswere harvested at the same physiological age, at 900 degree-days. Fruitquality was characterized by weight, diameter, % of ripe fruit inthe field and fruit green life. Results. Our resultsshowed that the removal of necrotic leaves causes a reduction insize parameters but leads to a strong reduction in SD effects onthe fruit maturity, thereby preventing premature ripening. Bananaplants whose necrotic leaves were removed produced fruit with a verylong green life. Discussion. Removal of necrotic leaves allowsthwarting the negative effect of SD on fruit physiology. This showsthat the presence of necrosis during the last month of fruit growth isresponsible for this fruit physiological modification characterizedby early ripening. Conclusion. Removal of necroticleaves one month before the date of harvest may be a technique thatcan limit production losses when the infestation level by SD ishigh.

Introduction. Les aliments dits de disette, dont la plupart sont des fruits, sont identifiés un peu partout dans le monde tel qu’en Australie au Soudan, au Sénégal, en Amérique, au Sahel et au Tchad. Les travaux réalisés sur ces fruits portent souvent sur leurs valeurs nutritives. Au Sénégal, Maerua pseudopetalosa (Gil & Gil-Ben) De Wolf, espèce de la famille des capparidacées, fournit des fruits consommables aux populations autochtones pendant la période de soudure. Aucune étude scientifique n’a encore fait mention de la composition nutritive et de l’apport énergétique du fruit de cette espèce. Nos travaux ont permis d’évaluer l’apport en éléments nutritifs de son fruit. Matériel et méthodes. Des fruits de M. pseudopetalosa ont été récoltés à maturité au mois de juin 2007 et mai 2008 aux alentours des villages de Kéniéba et de Koussane, dans la région de Tambacounda au Sénégal. Les amandes ont été séchées et broyées pour les besoins des différents dosages. Les cendres, protéine, sucres, matières grasses, et sels minéraux ont été déterminés par des méthodes d’analyse classiques normalisées. Résultats et discussions. Nos résultats ont montré que le fruit de M. pseudopetalosa était riche en fer (26,8–45,9 mg·kg–1), en potassium (1098–1342 mg·100 g–1) et en protéine (19,26–22,06%). Cependant, le profil d’acides aminés témoigne d’une médiocre qualité nutritionnelle de sa protéine. Conclusion. Il ressort de cette analyse que le fruit de M. pseudopetalosa constitue malgré tout une excellente source de nutriments et peut valablement combler certaines carences, surtout en période de disette.

Introduction. Tamarindus indica est une espèce fruitièred’intérêt économique. Sa domestication au Sahel impose d’évaluer en préalable lavariabilité de ses caractères phénotypiques sur l’ensemble de son aire de répartition.L’objectif de notre étude a été de caractériser différentes provenances de tamarinier àpartir des caractères phénotypiques de leurs graines et plantules. Matériel etméthodes. L’étude menée en pépinière au Burkina Faso a porté sur l’étude desgraines et germinations issues de neuf provenances dont deux d’Afrique de l’Est, deuxd’Afrique de l’Ouest, deux d’Asie et trois de zones insulaires. Nous avons mesuré lalongueur, la largeur, l’épaisseur et le poids de 100 graines de chaque provenance, et lahauteur, le diamètre au collet et le poids sec de la tige, ainsi que la longueur de laracine principale, le nombre de racines secondaires et le poids sec du système racinairede 50 plantules âgées de 3 mois. Nous avons effectué une analyse de variance, puis uneanalyse en composantes principales sur les données centrées réduites de toutes lesvariables, enfin une classification hiérarchisée ascendante basée sur des indices desimilarité. Résultats et discussion. Les différences entre variables ont étéhautement significatives. Lors de l’étude des graines, nous avons obtenu un groupe lié àla provenance d’Inde et d’Afrique de l’Est, un autre lié aux provenances ouest-africaineset un groupe intermédiaire en provenance de Thaïlande. Lors de l’étude des plantules, ilest apparu un groupe avec croissance aérienne forte et racine principale courte, fortementramifiée et un groupe avec croissance aérienne faible, racine principale très longue, maisfaiblement ramifiée. Le dendrogramme obtenu à partir des ressemblances phénotypiques(variables des graines et plantules) montre une structuration par aire géographique.Conclusion. La variabilité phénotypique inter provenance des plantules etdes graines combinée aux corrélations entre variables pourrait permettre de sélectionnerde façon précoce les provenances en fonction des objectifs définis pour la sélection.

Introduction. The objectiveof this study was to examine the relationships among the ripeningattributes of ‘Honeycrisp’ apples at harvest and after storage,and the direct and indirect contributions of these attributes topeel greasiness and the incidence of soft scald and soggy breakdownduring storage using correlation and path-coefficient analyses. Materialsand methods. Fruit were harvested from a commercial orchardat least five times throughout the commercial harvest period during foursubsequent years (2008 to 2011). In two of the years, fruit werestored in air for 3 months at 3 °C and/or in a controlled atmosphere(1–2 kPa O2 + 1–2 kPa CO2) for 6 months at 3 °C. Fruit were analyzedat harvest and after storage. Results and discussion.Negative correlations were detected between internal ethylene concentration(IEC) and soluble solids concentration (SSC) or titratable acidity(TA) (the higher the IEC, the lower the SSC and TA) and a positivecorrelation between firmness and TA (the higher the firmness, thehigher the TA). More peel greasiness and higher incidence of soggybreakdown during storage were associated with lower firmness, SSCand TA. Negative correlations were also detected between the incidence ofsoft scald and IEC or peel greasiness. The results of the path-coefficientanalyses suggest that, in ‘Honeycrisp’, interrelationships amongpostharvest ripening indices and each individual disorder differ. Threepossible path models for the interrelationships among ripening attributes (independent variables)and the incidence of peel greasiness, soft scald and soggy breakdown(dependent variables) are presented.