Behavior of Ten Chironja Clones at Three Sites. II. Fruit Quality

Abstract

Ten chironja clonal varieties were studied at the Isabela, Corozal, and Adjuntas Substations with respect to their fruit qualities. The total soluble solids at Isabela and Corozal was 11%, significantly lower than that at Adjuntas, (15%). The total soluble solids increased as the tree became older. The citric acid content at the Isabela and Corozal Substations was 0.6%, significantly lower than that at Adjuntas, (0.9%). Acid content varied significantly between years and Substations. The Brix/acid ratio at Adjuntas was 17, significantly lower than that at Isabela and Corozal, where it was 19. The citric acid content varied among the different clonal varieties. The fruits harvested during 1971 were rounder than those of 1972, which were elongated. The fruits at Adjuntas were smaller and had a significantly lower percentage of juice than those at Isabela and Corozal, which were equal in size and juice content. Fruits at Isabela had significantly lower peel percentage than those at Corozal and Adjuntas, which did not differ. Fruits produced at Isabela had significantly more seeds than those at Corozal and Adjuntas. The number of seeds per fruit varied significantly among years and Substations. The 2-3 and 3-6 clonal varieties had 11 and 14 seconds respectively, significantly fewer than those all other clones. Therefore, these two clones should be propagated by growers who prefer chironja fruits with fewer seeds.