Introduction. Diverse fruit crops with a high value reduce the risk of crop failure and offer alternatives to farmers and the market. The scope of profitable production with such quality crops along with environmental concerns make the evaluation of new species desirable. The aim of our study was to determine the most appropriate species of Physalis for small-scale commercial production in the temperate climate of western Himalayan regions. Materials and methods. Four Physalis species, viz., P. peruviana, P. ixocarpa, P. pruinosa and P. nicandroides, were field-grown during 2010–2011 in the experimental field of the Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture, Srinagar, India, to determine the most appropriate species of Physalis suitable for a temperate climate. Results and discussion. All the species tested produced vegetative growth, flowered and fruited; however, they differed significantly. The number of basal shoots was found to be maximum for P. pruinosa (6.37), whereas the maximum number of prickles per shoot was recorded as maximum for P. nicandroides (6.48). The number of points of attachment varied significantly with species, and the maximum was recorded for P. pruinosa and P. ixocarpa (7.16 for each); the maximum size of fully developed leaves (146.8 mm) and overall plant height (168.27 cm) were recorded for P. pruinosa. Physalis pruinosa and P. ixocarpa were found to exhibit vigorous growth under a temperate climate. Significant differences were recorded for fruiting, flowering and yield potential among the Physalis species. The minimum days taken for bud burst were reported for P. nicandroides (23.55) and P. ixocarpa (24.41). Similarly, the minimum days taken to reach maturity were reported for P. peruviana (64.96). The maximum number of fruits per plant (260.23), length of fruit (33.83 mm), average fruit weight (37.19 g), husk weight (0.32 g), fruit husk ratio (121.27), maximum fruit firmness (43.96 Relative Index) and yield (9.96 Relative Index) were recorded for P. pruinosa. Significant variation was recorded in quality attributes. The highest total soluble solids were found for P. nicandroides (8.46 °Brix), whereas the minimum total titrable acidity (0.35%) and maximum ascorbic content (38.41 mg·100 g–1) were recorded for P. peruviana. The ‘L’ value of fruits, showing brightness, was recorded as the highest for P. peruviana (58.97), whereas fruits of all the species showed a negative ‘a’ value, indicating that none of them produced redness; however, the ‘b’ value, indicating yellowness, was maximum for P. pruinosa (18.72).

Introduction.Saskatoon berry (Amelanchier alnifolia Nutt.) isa promising fruit species originating from North America. Amongpomaceous fruits, saskatoon berries are a valuable source of chemicalcompounds with an antioxidant effect. Materials and methods.The total phenolic content, total flavonoid content and their correlationassociated with the total antioxidant capacity of fruit of fiveparticular cultivars were ascertained. Reactive oxygen species (specificallynitric oxide, superoxide anion and hydroxyl radical) and antioxidantactivity in the liver lipid system of their methanolic extractswere also assessed. Results and discusssion. In saskatoonberry cultivars the total contents of phenolic compounds rangedfrom (2.52 to 3.82) g gallic acid Eq·kg–1 of fresh mass, while thevalues of total antioxidant capacity were observed to be from (4.17to 5.29) g of ascorbic acid Eq·kg–1 of fresh mass. High correlationcoefficients between phenolics as well as flavonoids and antioxidant capacitywere calculated (r2 = 0.8921 and r2= 0.9901, respectively). Nitric oxide, superoxide anion, hydroxylradical and antioxidant activity in the liver lipid system of saskatoonberry fruit methanolic extracts (10%) were provided for the firsttime. In the case of nitric oxide, the inhibitions were 21.08–27.52%;as regards superoxide anion, they were 25.14–30.73%; concerning hydroxylradical, 18.25–21.18%, and in respect of antioxidant activity inthe liver lipid system, 7.90–8.38%. These inhibitions are strongerthan, e.g., in apples which are the most importantspecies of pomaceous fruit worldwide. Conclusions.Saskatoon berry fruit could be a suitable supplement for modern humannutrition. Furthermore, our work contributes to the popularisationof this pomaceous species, with the focus on its potential in relationto high antioxidant strength.

Introduction. The mango tree is one of the most widespread fruit trees in West Africa. A history of its introduction into that area was recently published. To follow upon this document, the presented analysis was devoted to the principal varieties that are cultivated there today and to the impact of the historical and commercial factors on the varietal composition of the orchards. Some definitions. In precondition to an inventory of the varieties, certain terms making it possible to characterise them were specified (precocity, monoembryony and polyembryony) and some information on the origin of the Floridian varieties was provided. Principal varieties cultivated in West Africa. Four mango variety categories were distinguished: varieties of local or polyembryonic mangos (mangots and Number One), first monoembryonic varieties propagated by grafting (Amélie, Julie, Sabot, Djibelor and Cuisse Madame), and the Floridian varieties, also monoembryonic and propagated by grafting, introduced later and used either for export (Kent, Keitt, Palmer, Zill, Valencia, Smith, Irwin and Haden), or for the regional markets (Brooks, Davis-Haden, Miami Late, Springfels, Beverly, Eldon and Ruby). Each variety was described, like its farming characteristics and its outlets. The composition of the grafted mango tree orchards. This composition is influenced by the historical evolution and the purpose of the fruits that can be eaten, sold on the local, national or subregional market, exported toward the international market or processed in artisanal or industrial units. This orchard composition was specified for Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal and Togo.

Introduction. This protocol aims to diagnose under laboratory conditions the main Mycosphaerella spp. pathogens of bananas and plantains. The three pathogens Mycosphaerella fijiensis (anamorph Paracercospora fijiensis), M. musicola (anamorph Pseudocercospora musae) and M. eumusae (anamorph Pseudocercospora eumusae) are, respectively, the causal agents of Black Leaf Streak disease, Sigatoka disease and Eumusae Leaf Spot disease. The principle, key advantages, starting plant material and time required for the method are presented. Materials and methods. The laboratory materials required and details of the thirteen steps of the protocols (tissue clearing and in situ microscopic observations, isolation on artificial medium and cloning of single-spore isolate, in vitro sporulation and microscopic observations of conidia, and long-term storage of isolates) are described. Results. Diagnosis is based on the observations of anamorphs (conidiophores and conidia) which can be observed directly from banana leaves or after sporulation of cultivated isolates if sporulating lesions are not present on banana samples.

Introduction. The distribution of shoots and fruits in the tree is an important consideration to improve peach cropping. Therefore, the effects of intensity of pruning were investigated for two years in trees with the same fruit load and, the following year, in trees with different fruit loads. Materials and methods. In an early-maturing peach orchard (cv. Alexandra), three pruning intensities were applied for three years: light, medium and severe. The first two years, the same fruit load was applied for the different pruning treatments; in the last year, three fruit loads per tree were tested: low, intermediate and high. Results and discussion. Increasing severity of pruning stimulated average fruit weight and fruit diameter, limiting (2nd year) or not (3rd year) fruit yield. Severe pruning also tended to enhance young shoot growth on the shoot bearing fruit and on the scaffold branch. Fruit diameter improvement with severe pruning might be therefore explained by the increase in vegetative growth likely to enhance available assimilates for fruit growth. However, severe pruning could favor an alternation in flower setting, as observed in the 2nd year. Increasing fruit load stimulated fruit yield, but, with the highest fruit load, no significant fruit yield enhancement was detected compared with the intermediate fruit load. On the contrary, average fruit weight and fruit soluble solids always decreased with increasing fruit load. Conclusion. Intensity of pruning and fruit load must be well adapted to ensure an appropriate peach production; excessive pruning and fruit load of an early-maturing peach cultivar should be avoided in order not to limit fruit yield and quality, respectively.

Introduction.Peach brown rot caused by the fungus Monilinia fructicola is a major disease leadingto considerable economic loss during storage. Our previous studyuncovered the striking inhibition of the natural alkaloid berberineagainst M. fructicola. Materials and methods.A berberine-chitosan composite membrane (BCCM) able to slowly releaseberberine was prepared and used for peach preservation. The examinedfruits were stored at 4 °C and treated as follows: (I) control fruits withoutpackaging; (ii) fruits that were transiently immersed in pre-solidifiedBCCM liquid and taken out; (iii) fruit coating either with a BCCM,or with a membrane containing chitosan only (without berberine),and (iv) fruit coating with a PVC membrane. Results and discussion.The group immersed in BCCM showed a high infection rate due to thecytotoxicity of acetic acid, but the coating group showed only a10% infection rate after 40 days of storage. Moreover, the BCCM-coatinggroup showed a significantly lower infection rate than that coatedwith chitosan membrane (without berberine), clearly indicating theantimicrobial activity of berberine therein. Consequently, packedin BCCM and stored at 4 °C, peach fruits could be well preservedover 40 days with very low infection. Conclusion. Consideringits safety and low cost, the berberine-containing chitosan composite membranecould be applicable in controlling diseases during peach storage.

Introduction. A comparative study of antinutrients and heavy metals in the peels of five improved varieties of plantain and banana hybrids was investigated. Our aim was to provide information on plantain and banana peels that may circumvent huge losses during fruit processing by converting waste into wealth and health. Materials and methods. Four new plantain hybrids developed at the IITA, Nigeria, named PITA 14, PITA 17, PITA 24 and PITA 26, one cooking banana hybrid (BITA 3) and an African plantain landrace, Agbagba, were investigated. Antinutrient and heavy metal contents of the dried peels from the different cultivars were determined and the data were statistically analyzed. Results and discussion. The plantain hybrid PITA 14 differed significantly from other cultivars in saponin, tannin and oxalate. A significant difference was observed between PITA 17 in phytate compared with other cultivars. Cyanogenic glucosides found in PITA 17, PITA 26 and BITA 3 differed significantly from the values obtained in other cultivars. Both BITA 3 and Agbagba are significantly different from other cultivars in phenolic content, while PITA 24 and Agbagba differed significantly from other cultivars in lead. PITA 24 peels differed significantly from other cultivars in cadmium, but no significant difference was found among the different Musa varieties in mercury. Conclusion. In spite of the antinutritional properties ascribed to the various constituents investigated, the levels found in the peels of new Musa hybrids suggest that new varieties might not constitute a health hazard when ingested. Plantain and banana peels may be converted into livestock feeds, which will eventually provide protein and other nutrients to humans from consumption of meat and other products derived from the animals.

Introduction. In-package biofumigation with the volatile-producing fungus Muscodor albus was tested to control fungal decay in organic table grapes stored at a commercial packinghouse. Materials and methods. Sachets containing two different amounts of activated M. albus culture were inserted into shipping boxes containing approximately 4.5 kg of ‘Thompson Seedless’ or ‘Red Seedless’ table grapes. The volatiles were contained inside the boxes either by wrapping pallets of the boxes externally with plastic film after pre-cooling (pallet wrapping) or by using a modified atmosphere liner inside each box. Decay incidence was evaluated after 7 weeks of storage at 0 °C. Results. The M. albus sachets reduced decay incidence among ‘Red Seedless’ table grapes in both wrapped pallets and boxes with liners. In this cultivar, the modified atmosphere liner alone reduced decay incidence by about 70% and the M. albus treatment in the liner further reduced decay incidence, regardless of the amount of M. albus used. The combination of the M. albus sachet and the modified atmosphere liner proved to be the most effective decay control treatment. Decay incidence was lower among ‘Thompson Seedless’ table grapes and a significant decay control was only observed after the grapes had been allowed to warm up after storage with the 50-g rates applied inside the liner. No adverse effects were associated with the treatment or the liners. Discussion. Based on our results, biofumigation with M. albus sachets is compatible with the commercial handling of organic table grapes and could provide significant improvement in their shelf life.

Introduction. In Mexico, the Myrtillocactus fruit production levels are substantial, yet fruits are often under-used. Although the focus of interest is on their potential as food colourings, the fruits deserve more attention for their other food properties but information on their physico-chemical composition is scarce. To offer a baseline for the development of Myrtillocactus cultivation, we reviewed the information so far available. Botanical description. Four Myrtillocactus species have been identified and reported in the literature. They differ in shape, colour and other phenotypic characteristics. In Mexico, the predominant species is M. geometrizans, but M. schenckii also grows abundantly throughout the arid and semi-arid lands of the country. Cytological analyses performed on M. geometrizans showed that the plant is diploid (2n = 22). Agronomic aspects. Myrtillocactus species belong to the Cactaceae family. Because of their Crassulacean acid metabolism, they are able to grow in the arid and semi-arid highlands of Mexico. Myrtillocactus species have been propagated asexually by explants or cloning. Under controlled conditions, in vitro micropropagation from apical and basal explants gives rise to high yields. For cultivation, attention should be paid especially to minimum winter temperatures. Description of fruits and biochemical characterisation. The edible fruit is globular, with diameters reaching 1.5 cm. The pulp is gel-like, ranging in colour from glowing red to bluish. Chemical characterisation has mainly focused on betalain compounds, the predominant ones of which are betanin and betaxanthins. Contents are reported to be about 2.3 mg betalain·100 g–1of pulp. Colour appears to be more stable than for red beets. Human consumption and commercial importance. In the production season (June to September), the fruits are found in all public markets in the states where they are grown. They are eaten either fresh or in processed forms. The commercialisation of the fruit is restricted mainly to rural production areas in certain states of Mexico. Conclusions. Our review establishes that published information on Myrtillocactus species is scarce and incomplete. The plant is under-utilised, despite its nutritional properties and commercial potential. Because they adapt easily to severely dry conditions, the Myrtillocactus species merit much more research.

Introduction. V. doniana Sweet fruit juice is sweet and has been fermented for many years in Nigeria using a traditional technology to produce wine. In this country, black plum is collected from wild trees in the natural ecosystem or from trees cultivated in isolated farms. Our study compared the chemical and sensory properties of wine produced from traditional or controlled fermentation of black plum juice. Materials and methods. Four types of experiments, two with spontaneous fermentation and two with controlled fermentation, were carried out, each with five replicates. The proximate composition, alcohol content and pH of the solutions obtained after spontaneous or controlled fermentation were determined. Moulds and yeasts isolated in the fermented juice were identified. Results and discussion. Wine obtained from controlled fermentation had 10.5% alcohol content while the spontaneous fermentation produced a wine of 5.0% alcohol content. The chemical analysis of juice produced from harvested ripe Vitex doniana fruit showed that it contained a soluble protein content of 75.62 ${\rm mg} \cdot {\rm mL}^{-1}$, pH of 4.5, total sugars of 95.10 ${\rm mg} \cdot {\rm mL}^{-1}$, titratable acidity of 0.33 ${\rm mg}\cdot 100$ mL-1, and ascorbic acid of 5.2 ${\rm mg} \cdot {\rm mL}^{-1}$. The yeasts isolated from the wine were Saccharomyces cerevisiae and S. coreanus, and filamentous moulds were Rhizopus stolonifer, Penicillium sp. and Aspergillus sp. Single cell protein was produced from the fruit juice by cultivation in it of Saccharomyces cerevisiae isolated from the fruit. The yeast had a protein content of 6.8 ${\rm mg} \cdot {\rm mL}^{-1}$ when grown at 20 °C for 36 h at pH 5.8. Conclusion. Wine produced from Vitex doniana Sweet juice has quite high alcohol content and is palatable with good flavor. The stability of the juice for yeast growth is an advantage for the production of single cell protein.

Introduction. L’acarien Oligonychus afrasiaticus, localement appelé « Boufaroua », est un ravageur des palmeraies algériennes. Pour se nourrir, il pique les dattes qui se dessèchent ensuite en fin de maturité et deviennent impropres à la commercialisation et à la consommation humaine. Des pertes économiques importantes sont alors enregistrées. Les dégâts les plus spectaculaires ont été notés sur la variété Deglet-Nour à haute valeur marchande. Matériel et méthodes. Le taux d’infestation des arbres d’une palmeraie de la région d’Ouargla a été évalué. Quatre stades phénologiques ont été considérés. Une coccinelle très vorace, Stethorus punctillum, a été récoltée dans six palmeraies puis lâchée sur des arbres expérimentaux afin de vérifier son efficacité prédatrice sur le « Boufaroua ». Résultats. L’infestation des arbres a été très variable et a augmenté au fur et à mesure de la maturité des dattes. L’efficacité de la coccinelle lâchée a été significative, et cela a été d’autant plus constaté que les arbres étaient fortement infestés. Discussion et conclusion. Stethorus punctillum joue un rôle important dans le contrôle de l’acarien O. afrasiaticus. D’autres prédateurs seraient toutefois présents en Algérie ; ils devront être testés afin d’établir une méthode de lutte biologique apte à protéger suffisamment les palmeraies contre O. afrasiaticus.

Introduction. Nos travaux ont eu pour objectif de comparer les performances agronomiques des plants d’un hybride de bananier plantain (CRBP-39, Musa cv. AAAB) obtenus par utilisation de deux méthodes de multiplication végétative : la culture de tissus in vitro (CIV) et une technique de propagation par multiplication de plants à partir de fragments de tiges (dite technique des PIF) développée récemment. L'étude, effectuée au Cameroun, a été menée en altitude (1250 m) ; elle a porté sur un cycle de culture. L'hybride CRBP-39 a été choisi en raison de sa résistance à la maladie des raies noires et de ses performances agronomiques. Matériel et méthodes. Des vitroplants et des plants obtenus par la technique des PIF, technique de propagation horticole développée au CARBAP (Cameroun), ont été plantés séparément en blocs, dans des parcelles de terrain élémentaires de 16 plants. Aucun traitement chimique n'a été appliqué contre la maladie des raies noires. Les observations ont été faites essentiellement sur des caractéristiques agronomiques. Résultats et discussion. Pour le pied-mère, il n'y a eu aucune différence significative entre les plantes obtenues à partir de l'une ou de l’autre méthode de multiplication végétative quant à la taille et au périmètre de la pseudo-tige ; le nombre de feuilles fonctionnelles à la floraison ; la durée du cycle de production ; le poids de régime ; le nombre de mains et de fruits du régime ; la longueur et la circonférence du fruit. Pour le rejet successeur, il y a eu des différences significatives de taille et de périmètre de la pseudo-tige, ainsi que du nombre de feuilles émises et fonctionnelles à la récolte. Ces résultats montrent globalement une grande similitude des caractéristiques agronomiques des plants issus des deux méthodes de multiplication végétative. La technique des PIF, de plus en plus utilisée compte tenu de sa simplicité, son faible coût de production et sa rapidité de mise en œuvre, est donc une technique horticole qui permet de produire des plants de qualité agronomique comparable aux vitroplants.

Introduction. Traditionally the control of fruit flies is based on the use of pesticides, which increase production costs and have led to many environmental concerns. Our study aimed to evaluate the effect of neem cake on the larval and pupal stages of Ceratitis capitata. Materials and methods. Third instar larvae were transferred to plastic vials with neem cake in different proportions. The treatments consisted of vermiculite with neem cake in the concentrations: control (vermiculite only), then (10, 25, 50, 75 and 100)% of neem seed cake. The bioassay was completely randomized, with six treatments, ten replicates and ten third instar larvae per replicate. The results were statistically analyzed. Results. At concentrations of 75% or more of neem cake in vermiculite, practically no adult flies emerged. At 50%, more than 80% of the adults did not emerge and the pupal period was prolonged. The sex ratio of the adults was not affected after the contact of the pupae with the neem cake. The estimated lethal concentrations to kill 50% and 90% of the population were 30.6% and 51.6%, respectively. Conclusion. The neem seed cake has contact actions against the larval-pupal stage of C. capitata. Neem seed cake in the pupation substrate can cause high mortality when its concentration is 50% or more, and it prolongs the delay of the pupal period of C. capitata.

Introduction. Root restriction occurs when seedlings are grown in increasingly small containers and it reduces plant growth in different ways. Therefore, the objectives of our study were to investigate the effects of varying container sizes and irrigation frequency on growth parameters of ‘Rough lemon’ (C. limon) plants Maseno, Kenya. Materials and methods. The treatments tested the effect of three container volumes (1.7 L, 2.7 L and 4.5 L) and three irrigation frequencies [every day (W1), every two days (W2) and every 3 days (W3)]. The design of the experiment was completely randomized with three replications. Growth parameters studied were plant height, canopy height, shoot and root weight, number of leaves and shoot to root ratio. Results and discussion. Increasing container volumes generally increased the height of plants, height of canopy, weight of whole plants and weight of roots, but it did not affect number of leaves, stem diameter or shoot to root ratio. Irrigation frequency increased number of leaves, height of plants, height of canopy, stem diameter and weight of shoots and roots, but this factor had no effect on weight of whole plants. These findings are explained by reduced root restriction in the largest container volumes. Conclusion. Increasing container volumes from 1.7 L to 4.5 L and irrigation frequency from every 3 days to every day increases plant growth as expressed in the various plant growth parameters.

Introduction. Mango-based orchards in Senegal occur in a large diversity of cropping systems, but few typologies of these systems exist and none are associated with their comprehensive and quantitative analysis. In this study we defined and characterized the typology of these systems based on a quantitative assessment of their planting design, management, vegetative state, hedgerow structure and infestation by a major pest of mango, the Bactrocera invadens fly. Materials and methods. Multivariate analysis and clustering methods were applied to data from 64 mango-based orchards and their surrounding hedgerows sampled in the Dakar and Thiès regions, in Senegal. Results and discussion. Four types of cropping systems were identified according to orchard design and management patterns: (1) ‘No-input mango diversified orchards’, (2) ‘Low-input mango orchards’, (3) ‘Medium-input citrus-predominant orchards’ and (4) ‘Medium-input large mango- or citrus-predominant orchards’. Orchard characteristics varied among these patterns. For instance, vegetation was dense and homogeneous in system 1, and the mortality rate of trees was high in system 2 but low in system 3. Orchards of systems 3 and 4 were mostly associated with hedgerows with, respectively, boundary-marking and defensive species. Lastly, the number of B. invadens flies was high in orchards of system 4, whereas it was low in those of system 2. Conclusion. The diversity of mango-based cropping systems in Senegal is now well described and quantified. This characterization is a preliminary step that is essential for further studies aiming to improve these systems.

Introduction. This protocol aims at monitoring the development of Sigatoka disease (Mycosphaerella musicola / Pseudocercospora musae) of banana plants in order to control this disease with a minimum of fungicide applications. A good timing of fungicide application will result in lower cost of control, lower risk of fungicide resistance and lower negative environmental impact. The principle, key advantages, starting plant material and expected results are presented. Materials and methods. Details of the seven steps of the protocol allowing banana plot preparation, data collection, stage of evolution of the disease (SED) calculation, and timing of fungicide applications are described. Possible troubleshooting is mentioned. Results. Weekly observation of selected banana plants allows filling in a data sheet used for the calculation of the SED. A graphic representation of the weekly evolution of this SED can then be used for timing of fungicide spraying decisions.

Introduction. Mamey (Mammea americana L., Clusiaceae) was present in Martinique before the Spanish colonization. Its distribution area includes tropical America and the Caribbean. A significant phenotypical diversity is observed on the island, with fruits of very uneven quality as well as various agronomic, pomological and biochemical characteristics. The aim of our work was to localize, identify and characterize trees considered of superior quality. Materials and methods. A survey carried out between April and September 2005 allowed the selection of 10 trees renowned by the people as bearing high-quality fruits. These fruits present a small number of seeds and nonadhesive pulp, and develop a sweet taste as well as a strong flavor. During the year 2006, pomological description and biochemical analysis (total soluble solids and total titrable acidity) were carried out on the fruits. Results and discussion. The biometric and biochemical characteristics measured were generally better than those cited in the literature. Some accessions stand out and present great assets for their promotion for the fresh market as well as for processing. Moreover, some tendencies emerged from the variability observed for a few characters: thus, the variability of the biochemical characteristics measured within one accession, as well as between accessions originating from the same land, is low. It is null for the seed adhesion to the pulp for fruits belonging to the same accession. Conclusion and perspectives. Our work is one of the first relating to identification and characterization of phenotypical diversity of the M. americana L. species, especially in Martinique Island. Our results are likely to promote the development of a diversification network. Some highlighted trends suggest new research to be able to distinguish the role of the environmental versus genetic components in the performance of the phenotypes observed.

Introduction. Rose apple fruit ripens on the tree, has a thin peel, softflesh and deteriorates quickly after harvest. Water loss contributes to rapiddeterioration. 1-MCP can extend the postharvest life of non-climacteric fruits eitherdirectly through its effect as an ethylene blocker or through indirect effects.Materials and methods. We investigated the effect of 1-MCP(1 µL·L–1) on shelf life and quality of Rose apple fruits (Syzygiumjambos Alston) cv. Tabtim Chan. Fruit were exposed to 1-MCP for (0, 6, 12, 18or 24) h, then stored at (15 ± 1) °C for 12 days. Subsequently, we investigated the effectof 1-MCP (1 µL·L–1) for 12 h on fruit stored at 5 °C or 10 °C. Weight loss,skin colour, total soluble solids, fruit firmness and percentage of diseased fruit weremeasured during storage. Results. 1-MCP reduced weight loss from about 13% of initialweight to 6%, irrespective of the time of exposure. 1-MCP applied to fruit for 12 h or18 h increased firmness from 3.2 N to 3.8 N and more than halved the percentage of fruitshowing disease. Exposure to 1-MCP for 12 h or 18 h was optimum for reducing disease.1-MCP for 12 h and storage at (10 ± 1) °C doubled shelf life to 24 days compared withfruit stored at the same temperature, but without 1-MCP. Storage at less than 10 °C didnot extend shelf life any further. Conclusion. 1-MCP extended the shelf lifeof Rose apple fruit by reducing weight loss, maintaining flesh firmness and slowingdisease development.

L'aiélé (Canarium Schweinfurthii Engl.) : premier essai de plantationdans l'ouest du Cameroun. Résumé - Introduction. L'aiélé (Burseraceae) pousse à l'état isolé en savane humide duCameroun. Dans l'ouest du pays, l'intérêt de l'arbre réside surtout dans sa production defruits, mais C. Schweinfurthii est aussi exploité pour son bois. En préalable à unedomestication plus avancée, des travaux ont été entrepris par l'Irad (Cameroun) en 1987.Matériel et méthodes. Les travaux de domestication ont débuté par la mise au pointd'une technique de germination des semences qui a finalement permis d'obtenir un taux moyende levée de 95 % au bout de 3 mois. Les plants ont ensuite séjourné en pépinière pendant6 mois avant d'être transplantés en parcelle expérimentale. La croissance, la floraison et laproduction des arbres ont alors été suivies. Résultats. Le taux moyen de survie enplantation a peu à peu diminué de 1988 à 1992 pour se stabiliser à 84 % de 1992 à 1997. Ilétait de 42 % en 2000, par suite des dégâts occasionnés par un feu de brousse survenu enmars 1998. La hauteur totale moyenne des arbres à 12 ans a été de 6,8 m environ et leurdiamètre moyen a été proche de 8,6 cm. Les hauteur et diamètre dominants ont étérespectivement de 10,8 m et 14,3 cm. L'aiélé est une espèce dioïque. Les premièresfructifications ont été observées sur des arbres âgés de 8 ans. De 1996 à 2001, 19 % del'effectif total de la parcelle sont entrés en floraison ou en fructification. Des analysesflorales ont montré que, pendant la même période, le peuplement expérimental présentait unesex-ratio de 38 % d'individus mâles pour 62 % d'arbres femelles. Conclusions. Lestravaux préliminaires de domestication de l'aiélé ont montré que l'arbre pouvait produire dès8 ans et que sa croissance en peuplement était satisfaisante. Des études complémentairesdevront être entreprises. Ainsi, la mise en évidence de différences végétatives entre plantsmâles et femelles au stade pépinière pourrait permettre un sexage précoce. Par ailleurs,l'utilisation de techniques de multiplication végétative pourrait permettre de ne mettre à ladisposition des paysans intéressés que des arbres femelles, seuls capables de fructifier.

Introduction. Le manguier aujourd’hui très apprécié en Afrique de l’Ouest pour ses fruits et son ombrage est pourtant d’introduction récente en Afrique. L’article retrace l’historique de son expansion dans la zone. L'expansion du manguier en Afrique de l’Ouest. Originaire d’Inde, le manguier a été signalé pour la première fois en Afrique de l’Ouest, au Sénégal, en 1824. C’est à la fin du xixe siècle que les manguiers ont commencé à connaître une diffusion significative, surtout dans les zones côtières. Leur extension deviendra importante pendant la première moitié du xxe siècle. Un manguier Amélie introduit au Mali vers 1890 fut à l’origine de nombreux plants greffés qui furent largement diffusés dans les pays limitrophes. Dès la fin des années 1940, des collections furent établies progressivement dans toute la zone et, au cours de la décennie 1970–1980, chaque pays d’Afrique de l’Ouest francophone possédait au moins une collection de manguiers. l'évolution des exportations. Le Mali fut le premier pays à exporter, vers la fin des années 1960, des mangues vers l’Europe. Il fut suivi par le Burkina, la Guinée, le Sénégal, et surtout la Côte d’Ivoire, dont les exportations, d’environ 2 500 t au début des années 1990, ont été multipliées par 4,5 en 2000. Cette croissance rapide des exportations ivoiriennes a bénéficié de la présence d’une façade maritime et d’un effet de masse créé par les exportations de bananes et d’ananas. Amélie a longtemps constitué l’essentiel des exportations du Mali, du Burkina Faso et de la Côte d’Ivoire. Cependant dès 1971, des expéditions expérimentales de mangues colorées furent réalisées avec succès. La consommation de mangues se démocratisant en Europe, le choix variétal s’est progressivement resserré : Amélie, en début de campagne, puis Kent, Keitt et Palmer. Parallèlement à cette évolution variétale, les techniques de conditionnement se sont progressivement modernisées.