Physical and chemical characterization of nightshade fruits (Solanum sessilifl orum Dunal) during their development

Abstract

Several criteria have been used to determine maturity of fruit, based on appearance and chemical composition of the product at harvesting. The objective of this work was to evaluate physical and chemical characteristics of the nightshade fruit during its development, to determine adequate maturity for harvesting and storage. The experiment was conducted at the CCA-UFES, Alegre-ES, following a completely randomized block design, with four replications, each one with five plants, treatments being different harvesting times. The fruits were collected at different maturity stages, 20 to 110 days after antese at 10 days intervals. Observed data were: diameter, length, fresh and dry weight, percentage of pulp, color and total soluble solids, of the fruit. A polynomial quadratic function was adjusted for all characteristics, with an R2 coefficient above 0.77. Development cycle, from anthesis to fruit maturity, was 90 days, with increasing of length and diameter, fresh and dry weight during the period. Mature fruit presented an intense orange color and 3.9 ° Brix. Ideal harvesting time was around 90 days after anthesis, with the best characteristics of the fruit.