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.

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. Chlordecone (CLD), an organochlorine formerly used to control the banana black weevil, is strongly adsorbed on soils, particularly on andosols. A simplified analytical procedure for the quantitative determination of chlordecone residues in water and micro-samples of soil and plants was compared with a standard method. Materials and methods. The procedure combines a simplified sampling protocol and a 10-min solid phase microextraction (SPME), followed by gas chromatographic separation (GC) and mass spectrometric (MS and MS/MS) identification. Quantitation of CLD used a standard addition method with zero extrapolation. First, seventy samples were analysed using the proposed method and the standard method based on hot solvent extraction. Second, fifteen soil samples were analysed with two SPME methods followed by GC-MS but using CLD labelled with C13 as an internal standard or the proposed method. Results and discussion. The detection (LOD) and quantitation (LOQ) limits of our SPME extraction procedure were determined for GC-MS and GC-MS/MS with water, plant (pineapple roots) and soil samples: in water for MS/MS, LODMS/MS-water = 0.5 ng×L–1, LOQMS/MS-water = 2.0 ng×L–1; in andosol for MS/MS, LODMS/MS-soil = 15.0 ng×kg–1 dw, LOQMS/MS-soil = 80.0 ng×kg–1 dw. Data from the seventy contaminated soils obtained with the proposed method and the standard method showed a correlation coefficient of r = 0.86. Data obtained by the two SPME/GC-MS quantitation procedures showed a correlation of r = 0.8073. Conclusion. The method proposes a simplified sample preparation and extraction of CLD in water, plant and soil samples, with no solvent manipulation and which is not time-consuming. The LOD and LOQ were similar to those obtained with other currently used methods. The method is reliable and accurate and may be considered as a good tool for research purposes.

Introduction. Films act as semi-permeable gaseous barriers capable of maintaining fruit postharvest quality; thus coatings consisting of non-traditional sources may represent an alternative tool for producers. The objective of our work was to investigate the effect of a galactomannan coating on postharvest quality and physiology of ‘Tommy Atkins’ mangoes. Materials and methods. Physiologically mature mangoes were divided into four lots and stored for 16 d. Control uncoated fruits (lot 1) were stored at ambient temperature (25 °C), the second lot was uncoated and refrigerated (14 °C), the third lot was coated and stored at ambient temperature, and the fourth lot was coated and refrigerated. Fruit were analyzed for physicochemical quality parameters, antioxidant enzymatic activity and lipid peroxidation. Results and discussion. Control fruit (lot 1) lost almost twice the weight of uncoated refrigerated (lot 2) and coated mangoes at both temperatures (lots 3 and 4); the fruit of lot 1 softened faster. Regarding the antioxidant enzymes, the activity of superoxide dismutase decreased throughout storage without statistical differences between treatments and catalasic activity was significantly inhibited under refrigeration. At ambient temperature, coating delayed the catalasic activity peak to day 12, which was coincident with the lowest lipid peroxidation degree, evidencing the association of free radical production and scavenging mechanisms. The galactomannan coating was efficient in reducing weight loss and delaying softening; thus, it maintained quality of ‘Tommy Atkins’ mangoes for a longer period of time than the control treatment during storage at ambient temperature. Refrigeration (14 °C) enhanced the performance of the galactomannan coating; it was effective in slowing down the metabolism and delaying softening to day 12.

Introduction. Olive processing in producing countries, such as Iran, is often not well synchronized with crop harvests due to the number and size of the oil-extraction facilities. After harvest, olives might be piled in heaps and stored at ambient temperatures for up to several weeks and, during this period, the greatest deterioration takes place. Therefore, the green olive processing industry is interested in the use of an alternative to the above pre-processing storage method for fresh olives. Materials and methods. Green olives cvs. Blady, Conservolea Mission and Shengeh were harvested at the mature green stage and stored at (5, 10 and 20) °C for 10–15 weeks to evaluate their postharvest physiology and quality changes. In the second year of the experiment, olives were treated with 1-MCP at concentrations of (0.45, 0.9 and 1.8) µL·L–1 at 20 °C for 24 h and stored at 5 °C. Olive quality was measured periodically for skin color, fresh firmness, mass loss and fruit deterioration. Results and discussion. Generally, storage of olive fruits at (5, 10 and 20) °C caused a decrease in flesh firmness, but fruit softening was faster in fruits stored at (20 and 10) °C than in fruits at 5 °C. Olives stored for 60 d at 5 °C showed no symptoms of chilling injury whatever the cultivar. Olive cultivars retained satisfactory firm flesh above 2 kg for 60 d at 5 °C, 30 d at 10 °C and 15 d at 20 °C. After 60 d of storage, red skin color development did not progress much with fruits stored at 5 °C, but there was a significant difference with the other temperature treatments. However, cv. Shengeh developed red skin color greater and sooner than other cultivars did. In the second year of the experiment, 1-MCP treatment effectively reduced loss of firmness for fruits stored at 5 °C for 15 weeks. Application of (0.9 and 1.8) µL 1-MCP·L-1 was sufficient to delay significantly olive softening and color changes (P < 0.05), compared with control untreated fruits. Conclusion. Conservolea, Mission and Blady olive cvs. can be stored for up to 60 d at 5 °C and this could be extended to 15 weeks when fruits are treated with (0.9 and 1.8) µL 1-MCP·L-1 before storage.

 Introduction. Our investigation aimed to examine the influence of eco-friendly edible coatings composed of sodium alginate, olive oil and green tea extract (GTE) on improving the shelf life and nutritional quality of carambola (A. carambola L.). Materials and methods. The combinations and concentrations of composite coatings tested were (2% sodium alginate + 0.1% olive oil) (T1), (2% sodium alginate + 0.2% olive oil) (T2) and (2% sodium alginate + 0.1% olive oil + 0.25% GTE) (T3), while the untreated fruit served as control (T4) and were stored at (25 ± 5) °C and (65 ± 5)% RH. All the stored fruit were subjected to physico-chemical and biochemical analysis at regular intervals of 4 days up to 16 days of their storage period. Results and discussion. Weight loss and decay occurrence were least in the fruit treated with T1 and T2 as compared with those of T3 and uncoated fruit (T4). The contents of total soluble solids, total sugars and changes in pigments were found to be least in fruit treated with T1 followed by those treated with T2 and T3. The addition of GTE (T3) to treated fruit during the storage helped enhance the antioxidants such as total phenols and ascorbic acid. Conclusion. The composite edible coatings tested in our study enhanced the shelf life of coated carambola fruit, i.e., thirteen days for T1, sixteen days for T2, fourteen days for T3 and twelve days for control or untreated fruit (T4); the nutritional quality of carambola was enhanced with the treatment of edible coating containing GTE.

Introduction. Le babaco (Carica pentagona Heilb.), plante équatoriale de mon- tagne, est originaire d'Équateur. Ses fruits sont particulièrement appréciés pour leur arôme caractéristique. La plante. Le babaco est un arbuste semi-ligneux de la famille des Caricacées. Cet hybride naturel se cultive en Équateur entre (1500 et 2500) m. Les rendements de production sont compris entre (60 et 80) fruits par plante et par an. Le fruit. Le fruit du babaco est une baie asperme jaune à maturité. Son arôme caractéristique se rapproche à la fois de l'ananas, du citron et de la papaye. Quand le fruit est vert, il exsude un latex qui con- tient une activité protéolytique semblable à celle de la papaye. Transformation. Le fruit est consommé essentiellement à l'état frais. La fabrication de pulpe, conserves et de fruits déshy- dratés est également possible. L'extraction et la purification des enzymes protéolytiques du latex des fruits verts pourrait être une nouvelle voie de valorisation industrielle du babaco. Tendances économiques. Grâce à des rendements de production élevés, ce fruit a éveillé un grand intérêt commercial. L'Équateur et la Nouvelle-Zélande sont les deux seuls pays où le babaco est cultivé à grande échelle. Conclusion. Le babaco présente d'intéressantes perspec- tives économiques, grâce notamment à ses propriétés sensorielles et à ses potentialités comme source d'enzymes protéolytiques.

Botanique. Originaire d’Afrique tropicale, Detarium senegalense J.F. Gmel. appartient à la famille des Caesalpiniaceae et au genre Detarium Juss. C’est un grand arbre multicaule de (15 à 40) m de haut. Ses feuilles sont composées, paripennées, avec cinq à six paires de folioles opposées, disposées de manière alterne. Répartition. D. senegalense est rencontré sur les lisières de la forêt dense humide, dans les régions côtières, septentrionales et dans la zone soudano-guinéenne. Désigné par le terme « ditax » en Wolof, D. senegalense fait partie des espèces fruitières forestières les plus importantes dans l’économie d’exploitation au Sénégal. Il pousse de façon sauvage dans les îles du Sine-Saloum et en Casamance. Composition et transformation. Le fruit est caractérisé par sa pulpe verte très riche en vitamine C (plus de 1 g·100 g–1). C’est un fruit très populaire et largement consommé au Sénégal principalement sous forme de boisson, de marmelade, de sorbet ou à l’état frais. Le fruit possède également des vertus thérapeutiques contre la toux, les maux de reins et la lèpre. Certaines variétés de D. senegalense produisent des fruits toxiques mais les composés responsables de la toxicité n’ont pas encore été totalement identifiés. Aucune méthode objective permettant de différencier les fruits comestibles des fruits toxiques n’est disponible à l’heure actuelle. Bilan. Malgré ses potentialités nutritionnelles et organoleptiques, le ditax reste sous-exploité. Dès lors, la caractérisation biochimique complète des fruits, l’évaluation du potentiel technologique, le développement de méthodes de détection rapide des fruits toxiques et l’amélioration de la stabilité des produits transformés à base de ditax seraient des perspectives de recherches intéressantes pour mieux valoriser ce fruit riche en vitamine C. La culture contrôlée de la plante mériterait également d’être envisagée pour le développement de la production.

Introduction. Many fruit trees with a hard seed coat exhibit seed dormancy, posing problems for their regeneration. Vitex doniana, an indigenous multipurpose but threatened fruit and vegetable tree that supports the livelihoods of many households in West Africa, is a typical example. Materials and methods. In our research, we evaluated five dormancy-breaking treatments. We tested the effects of sulphuric acid at 95% concentration (T1); 3 d sun-drying + 48 h soaking in tap water (T2); 3 d alternation of 8 h sun-drying + 1 h soaking in tap water (T3); 2 weeks sun-drying with regular watering in the daytime (T4); and physical shock (T5). These treatments were compared with two controls (T0 and Tc), with seeds from two different sources. The germination percentage, mean germination time, time to first germination and time to threshold germination (20%) were compared; the seedling height, diameter and biomass produced were monitored for 15 weeks. We used generalised linear models and correlation tests to compare the effects of the various treatments on germination and seedling growth. Results and discussion. T3 significantly enhanced seed germination in V. doniana (72% after 12 months). T4 best promoted homogeneity in germination (p < 0.01), followed by T3. The best seedling growth was obtained with T4 and T3. Alternation of sun-drying followed by soaking of seeds, a technique with almost no cost, improved seed germination in V. doniana and, in 33 d, just over 1 month, 20% germination can be achieved. Vitex doniana is a fast-growing species (at the nursery stage), in contrast to the common opinion. Conclusion. Our method should be further investigated to assess the adequate soaking and drying length so as to speed up germination and reach homogenous cohorts.

Introduction. Shea tree (V.paradoxa C.F. Gaertn.), a species endemic to the Sudaniansavanna woodlands, is dominant in the parklands of West Africa whereit is of great socioeconomic importance. However, shea tree hasbeen reported in recent decades to be threatened by plant parasites,Loranthaceae. Our study aimed to assess possible variation of theimpact of these parasites on shea tree fruit yield in two contrastinghabitats. Materials and methods. We selected 41 weaklyand 41 heavily infected shea tree individuals, of similar size,in a protected area as well as in its adjacent parklands. Shea treetraits such as diameter at breast height, canopy diameter, treeheight, canopy height, number of fruit yielded, number of parasite stumpsper tree and an impact index ratio were assessed on each shea treeindividual. Two-way ANOVA was performed to compare parasite impacton shea tree fruit yield in relation to habitat. Hierarchical cluster, canonicaldiscriminant and one-way ANOVA analyses were used to show quantitativetraits that characterize shea tree groups from habitats. Results.Loranthaceae did not reduce fruit yield significantly either inthe parklands or in the protected area. Quantitative traits tendedto discriminate all pooled shea trees in relation to habitats. Sheatree individuals in parklands were characterized mostly by the highestvalue of number of infected stumps per tree and of the impact index ratio,suggesting that many shea tree individuals in parklands were sensitiveto Loranthaceae impact on their fruit yield. Conclusion.These findings were helpful for implementing some shea tree conservationplans.

Introduction. Açaí is a common palm in the Amazon River basin, from which a much-appreciated drink is prepared in the North of Brazil. Despite the strong increase in the drink market, some basic questions about the fruit postharvest physiology have not been properly studied. Our paper presents results about the fruit water absorption at different temperatures and times of storage, which may help the development of more efficient procedures for fruit transport and processing. Materials and methods. The experiments began approximately 3 h after harvest of fruits collected early in the morning. In a first experiment, to evaluate the effect of temperature on water absorption, fruits were submitted to five treatments: 0 °C, 6 °C, 12 °C, 26 °C and 39 °C. Each treatment was applied to 50 fruits, with four repetitions. Fruits from each lot were put into a beaker with water at the temperature of the selected treatment. Lots were weighed before immersion and every 10 min up to 60 min. The fruit relative increase in mass (dMasserel) was calculated according to experiment time. In a second experiment, to evaluate the effect of storage, fruits collected at the same spot were immediately stored in the lab at 10 °C under relative air humidity of 81% to 87%. After (5, 6 and 7) days of storage, the dMasserel curves were determined. Results and discussion. Between 0 °C and 26 °C, the absorption reaches an asymptote after 30 min, and at 39 °C, the absorption continues to increase for a longer period. The maximum (dMasserel) regarding the temperature was fitted by a parabole, with a minimum at 13 °C. Fruits stored at 10 °C presented an increase in the absorption rate after the fifth day. Conclusion. Our data suggest that: (i) water absorption is minimum at 13 °C; (ii) the imbibition rate is temperature-related, and (iii) fruit stored at 10 °C, and relative humidity 81% to 87%, increases its water absorption rate at the end of the shelf-life time (5th day).

Introduction.Annona muricata L. is a fruit tree species of tropical origin whose fruit, the soursop, although having great potential, is not commercially exploited enough. So there is little information on this species and, in particular, on its germplasm characterization. Consequently, the purpose of our study was to estimate the genetic variability between nine soursop accessions using the RAPD marker technique. Materials and methods. By means of RAPD analysis, using the Jaccard's coefficient, a similarity matrix was generated between nine accessions, seven of them collected in Venezuela and two in Brazil. With these, a phenogram was obtained using UPGMA clustering analysis. The ordering of the accessions was also achieved by means of a principal component analysis. Results. Seventeen RAPD fragments were obtained, of which 14 were polymorphic. Average similarity was 0.5333, and ranged from 0.2627 to 1.000. The phenogram identified two groups, equal to principal coordinates analysis. The Venezuelan accessions showed more variability when compared with the Brazilian ones (Jaccard's coefficient of 0.5038 and 0.5442, respectively). Discussion. Compared with other studies on various fruit trees, that carried out here on A. muricata underlined a great genetic variability. The situation is thus favorable to undertake in Venezuela a breeding program in this still under-exploited fruit species.

Introduction. Research was conducted at the Pistachio Research Institute in Rafsanjan, Iran, to evaluate the effects of ‘Badami’ (Pistacia vera L.), ‘Sarakhs’ (wild P. vera) and ‘Beneh’ (P. mutica F. & M.) seedling rootstocks on the nut quality of ‘Owhadi’, ‘Kalleh-ghuochi’ and ‘Ahmad-aghaie’ pistachio cultivars. Twenty-year-old trees of these nine rootstock/scion combinations were used in a two-year study done in 2003 and 2004. Materials and methods. Growth parameters [trunk cross-sectional area (TCA), tree height, canopy diameter, shoot growth, leaf area and number of suckers], yield parameters (cumulative yield and yield efficiency), and nut quality (blankness, splitting, nuts per ounce and weight of 100 nuts) were measured. Results and discussion. TCA was significantly lower on ‘Sarakhs’ rootstock than on the two other rootstocks and ‘Sarakhs’ was the least vigorous among the tested rootstocks and gave the lowest leaf area of scion cultivars. ‘Sarakhs’ rootstock consistently influenced the formation of the highest number of suckers. ‘Badami’ rootstock allowed us to obtain the greatest cumulative production and yield efficiency, the lowest blankness of pistachio nuts, and the highest percentage of splitting of pistachio nuts. Conclusion. Our study showed that genetic variability among pistachio rootstocks may influence scion vigour, yield, extent of shell splitting, blankness and nut weight.

Introduction. The fruit of `Encore' mandarin (Citrus deliciosa × Citrus nobilis) usually shows chlorotic spots in the epicarp from the first stages of development. Thispeel disorder triggers off, thereafter, the occurrence of a large quantity of dark stains (pre-harvest`peel pitting'). Materials and methods. A biochemical and ultra-structural study of the flavedo,using epicarp with and without stains, was carried out. Quality assays were assessed on the edible portionof the fruit or on juice. Results. The cell structure of pitted and unpitted epicarp analysed byelectron microscopy revealed that dark spots were associated with the degradation of cellular membranes.The peroxidase system that shields the epicarp against photooxidative stress showed an inhibition ofcatalase activity and an increase of superoxide dismutase functioning. Moreover, the activities ofascorbate peroxidase and glutathione reductase remained unaffected in stained tissues. In sunshade trees,it was also found that the number of dark stains per fruit decreased but the internal quality of theendocarp was not significantly affected. The weight and the caliber of the fruit also slightly decreased.Discussion. High light intensities induce an oxidative stress in the epicarp, which is characterized by anincreased peroxidation and degradation of biological membranes. On the other hand, protection againstsolar radiation alleviates the stress, but, although not affecting the internal quality of the fruit,slightly decreases the fruit weight and size.

Introduction. The genus Phoenix has 13 species. Dates from P. dactylifera and P. theophrasti are the only ones that have been characterised so far. The aim of our study was to evaluate the physico-chemical and functional characteristics of date fruits in the Khalal and Rutab stages of P. loureiroi, P. canariensis, P. reclinata and P. roebelenii, and compare them with P. dactylifera. Materials and methods. Two samples of 15 date fruits in the Khalal stage and another 15 date fruits in the Rutab stage were chosen from each species for analyses and quality parameters. Results and discussion. Significant differences in the measured parameters were observed among the different species. Dates of P. dactylifera were larger than those of the other species and had the lowest [seed weight/fruit weight] proportion. In the Khalal stage, dates from P. canariensis and P. dactylifera were yellow, P. loureiroi and P. reclinata were dark yellow to orange, and those of P. roebelenii were brown purple. Dates of P. dactylifera (Rutab stage) showed higher sugar and lower organic acid contents than those of the other dates. Dates of P. reclinata, P. roebelenii and P. canariensis presented values of antioxidant activity and total phenols in the Khalal stage that were very high compared with those of P. dactylifera. These species are used as ornamental palms but their fruits are consumed locally as food. These dates presented high nutritional quality and can be used as novel foods for different purposes, such as snacks or food fortification, especially due to their high value in functional properties.

Introduction. A study was carried out to investigate the proximate and mineral composition of plantain and banana fruits of new hybrids selected in Nigeria, compared with those of a local cultivar, Agbagba. Our aim was to assess their nutritional value and to enhance the adoption and utilization potential of these new selected hybrids. Materials and methods. Five new Musa hybrids developed at the IITA, Nigeria, were investigated. Proximate values of fat, carbohydrate and protein of the samples were determined and the energy content of each sample was calculated. Fruit mineral analysis was performed for each cultivar studied. The data were statistically analyzed. Results and discussion. All the new hybrids were higher than the local cultivar Agbagba in protein and crude fiber content. Conversely, Agbagba fruit had the highest level of carbohydrate. A significant difference was observed between the PITA 14 hybrid and the rest of the cultivars in total energy and fat content. Both the BITA 3 and PITA 26 hybrids contained the highest levels of ash. The PITA 17 hybrid contained the highest moisture. The PITA 14 and PITA 24 hybrids were different from all other cultivars in phosphorus and copper contents. The calcium concentration in the PITA 14 and PITA 17 hybrids differed regarding the rest of the cultivars assessed. Also, the levels of potassium and manganese found in all the hybrids were different from those obtained in Agbagba, while the latter differed from all the hybrids in magnesium and sodium levels. Conclusion. The new Musa hybrids assessed are superior to the Agbagba plantain in nutritional value, which could enhance the adoption and utilization potential of these new hybrids by the local population.

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.