Effects of Different Rootstocks on Storage Life and Quality of Loquat Fruit (cv. Gold Nugget)

Abstract

In this study, the effects of rootstocks on storage life and quality in Gold Nugget loquat grafted on quince, hawthorn and loquat rootstocks were investigated. After harvest, fruit were placed in plastic boxes (2 kg) covered with stretch film and stored for 45 days at 5 ± 0.5°C and 90 ± 5% RH. Weight loss, fruit firmness, total soluble solid, titratable acidity, maturity rate, respiration rate, ethylene production, CO2 and O2 concentrations in package, skin colour (L*,a*,b*,C*,h°), decay rate and sensory quality of fruit were determined at 15-day intervals during storage. The same analyzes were repeated for shelf life evaluation after keeping fruit 2 days in ambient condition (20°C and 70±5 RH%). Fruit grown on quince rootstock had the best results for maintaining external appearance, titratable acidity, maturation rate and vivid skin colour. The lowest decay rate and respiration rate during storage were also obtained from this combination. Quince and Loquat seedling rootstocks had similar results for sensory quality and decay rate. Covering boxes by stretch film (20 µm) reduced the weight loss in the all the combination of scion/rootstock but, increased pathogens development. These findings revealed that fruit, obtained from the combinations of Gold Nugget variety with quince and loquat seedling rootstocks, can be stored with good quality for 30+2 days at 5 °C and 90 ± 5 RH%.