Introduction. Mineral status related to micronutrients and sodium is important to obtain high yields, despite the fact that no standardized contents have been established for yellow passion fruit. Biofertilizers have emerged as an important component of the integrated nutrient supply system aiming at an environmentally better nutrient supply because they have a direct action on micronutrient uptake. In this context, the objective of our research was to evaluate the micronutrient and sodium foliar contents of yellow passion fruit plants fertilized with two different biofertilizers in Brazil. Materials and methods. A randomized block design with treatments distributed in a factorial arrangement (2 × 5) referring to two biofertilizers (simple and enriched with Zn, Mg, Mn, Cu, Co, Fe, Ca, B and Mo) and five doses of each biofertilizer [(0.0, 0.6, 1.2, 1.8 and 2.4) L·plant–1] was adopted. Results of boron, copper, iron, manganese, zinc and sodium foliar contents were submitted to variance analysis, the Tukey test and regression analysis. Results and discussion. The results indicate that enriched biofertilizer promoted the statistically highest foliar contents of all elements. The biofertilizer doses applied had different effects on foliar contents of the elements studied. Conclusion. Micronutrient and sodium foliar contents of yellow passion fruit were affected by both the type and doses of biofertilizers. Simple biofertilizer promoted optimum supplies of boron and iron, while enriched biofertilizer supplied boron, iron, manganese and zinc.

Introduction. Farm typologies and cropping practice typologies generally aim at seeking determinants of existing crop management strategies. They constitute the first step for setting improvement goals for cropping systems. Though there are a host of farm typology methods, few deal specifically with farmers’ practices, and even fewer investigate the correlations between practices. We propose here a framework for analysing the determinants of crop management, based on a vision of a crop management sequence condensed into logical combinations of cropping techniques. Materials and methods. This analytical framework was applied to the case of Guadeloupian citrus production, using a representative sample of 41 producers. Three stages were necessary to implement our analytical framework. At stage 1, logical and ordered combinations of cropping practices (CCPs), constitutive of observed as well as reference crop managements (RCMs), were identified through expert analysis. Based on measurements of deviations between farmers’ CCPs and RCMs’ CCPs, a typology of cropping practices was next built. At stage 2, the performances of farmers’ crop managements were evaluated using relevant indicators. Finally, at stage 3, constraints – either related to the environment or to the whole farm management – that determined producers’ cropping practices were identified for making, with the stakeholders, proposals for further technical improvements. Results. Crop management sequences were condensed into five CCPs. A technical profile was then determined for every producer, before a multiple correspondence factorial analysis was run. It identified two groups of producers with contrasting technical profiles. The collective analysis of these results pointed out “weed management” as a major constraint on the cropping systems, revealing that the RCM was inadequate in a context of impossible mechanisation. Discussion. Restructuring complex sequences of cropping techniques into five logical combinations of techniques enabled the comparison with a reference crop management. The cropping systems’ constraints and the objectives for further improvements were then set up collectively by the farmers and social stakeholders, along with the researchers. This analysis constitutes the first stage of a process of redesigning cropping systems, and its result provides a sound basis for a participatory approach

Introduction. Pour la mise en place de mesures à promouvoir dans le cadre d'une protection intégrée, celles concernant un aménagement des abords des cultures deviennent un objectif principal. Cependant, jusqu'à présent, cet aménagement s'est fait sans véritable critère. La présente étude montre comment il est possible de raisonner le choix des espèces végétales. Matériel et méthodes. L'entomofaune de 44 espèces ligneuses dont celle du poirier cultivé a été observée, pour chacune de ces espèces, à raison de 30 arbres par mois, pendant 10 mois de l'année 1998. La collecte de l'entomofaune a été réalisée par la méthode du battage de Fauvel. Résultats et discussion. Des recherches fondamentales ont été conduites sur la composition et la structure des communautés animales hébergées par les feuillus et comparées à celles d'un verger de poiriers. Le peuplement de 43 espèces ligneuses a ainsi été étudié. Après avoir montré la spécificité des peuplements, des corrélations de rang de Spearman entre le peuplement d'auxiliaires des 43 essences et celui du poirier ont été mises en évidence et montrent une ressemblance entre l'entomofaune utile du poirier et celle de certaines essences végétales. Conclusion. Les résultats obtenus permettent de raisonner le choix des essences pouvant servir de réservoir à une entomofaune prédatrice dans le cadre de la protection intégrée du verger de poiriers. Cette méthode est applicable à d'autres types de culture.

Introduction. Au Maroc, le porte-greffe d’agrumes le plus utilisé est le bigaradier (Citrus aurantium L.). Il confère aux arbres une résistance acceptable vis-à-vis de la pourriture racinaire causée par Phytophthora parasitica. Cependant, la salinité des sols et des eaux d’irrigation observée dans la majorité des régions productrices d’agrumes au Maroc peuvent affecter cette résistance. L’objectif de notre expérimentation a été d’évaluer l’effet de la salinité sur la colonisation des racines de quelques porte-greffes d’agrumes par P. parasitica. Matériel et méthodes. Des plants de bigaradier, citrange Troyer (Poncirus trifoliata × Citrus sinensis) et Rough lemon (C. jambhiri) âgés de 6 mois ont été irrigués pendant 21 jours avec une solution de Hoagland à 50 % de potentiel osmotique variable, car ajusté à (–1,28, –2,32 et –3,11) bars par addition soit de chlorure de sodium (NaCl), soit de sulfate de sodium (Na2SO4). Une inoculation a alors été faite par trempage des systèmes racinaires dans une suspension de spores de P. parasitica pendant 24 h. Résultats. L’augmentation du potentiel osmotique de la solution d’irrigation par addition de NaCl ou de Na2SO4 a favorisé le développement d’une pourriture racinaire chez les trois porte-greffes. En outre, l’augmentation du potentiel osmotique de la solution d’irrigation par addition de NaCl a prédisposé les systèmes racinaires à une colonisation intense par P. parasitica. Discussion. L’effet spécifique de la salinité serait à l’origine de l’augmentation de la colonisation des racines des porte-greffes par P. parasitica.

Introduction. Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) can promote host growth and, among other benefits, alleviate the stress produced by transplanting seedlings from the nursery to the field. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of the amount of AMF inoculum on growth of Hancornia speciosa (Mangaba tree). Materials and methods. A greenhouse experiment was performed using a randomized experimental design in a factorial arrangement of 3 × 3 corresponding to: two AMF (Gigaspora albida Schenck & Smith andGlomus etunicatum Becker & Gerdeman) treatments plus one control with plants without AMF three inoculum densities [(50, 100 and 300) spores per plant], with five replicates, in a methyl bromide sterilized soil. Results. After 120 d, seedlings associated with G. albida had greater height, shoot diameter and dry biomass of the aerial part and leaf area than those associated with G. tunicatum, independent of inoculum density. G. etunicatum did not influence growth of H. speciosa. Positive correlations occurred between plant growth parameters and root colonization promoted by G. albida. Regression analysis showed interaction between the inoculum density of G. albida and plant growth parameters. Discussion and conclusion. Increments in growth of H. speciosa can be obtained with inoculation of approximately 180 spores of G. albida per plant, which could reduce the necessary period of time for the transplanting of seedlings from the nursery to the field.

Introduction. In Mexico, the rambutan is not a well-known fruit tree, but it has great potential for its establishment and development in the Soconusco region because of the local good agro-ecological conditions for the production of its fruit. Currently, there are already 200 ha of plantations in the region with a good adaptation and a rewarding yield. Rambutan history, cultivation practices, post-harvest operation and commercialisation in the Soconusco region were studied to identify the possibilities of an expansion of the species. In particular, the work aimed at identifying different varieties inside the rambutan orchards. Materials and methods. Four areas were studied from a survey in 14 farms. Different parameters of fruit quality were analysed (ten trees sampled per farm): fruit diameter, fruit length, rind colour, spintern appearance, aril diameter, aril length, aril weight, flesh colour, flavour, succulence, adherence of flesh, and presence of pests and diseases. Results. Fruit quality was dissimilar for the four studied areas. Among the different fruit samples collected, it appeared that the environment and cultivation management play an important role in fruit size. The diversity of varieties planted in the different sites was determined by clustering analyses. Independent of their site of origin, at least six well-defined cluster classes could be identified. Conclusion. Fruit weight, spintern appearance and colour, as well as fruit diameter and aril to fruit weight appeared to be good indicators to identify fruit quality. The clustering analyses showed that there is a wide range of overlapping varieties to be found in the Soconusco region. Six major varietal groups were identified. Further varietal differentiation and characterisation of rambutan in the Soconusco region will be necessary for a better establishment of this fruit tree crop.

Introduction. Research on the mineral nutrition of Barbados cherry is scarce. Leaf sampling techniques for this crop are unknown. Leaf analysis, associated with the determination of the nutrient availability in the soil, can provide reliable orientation for the establishment of fertilizer programs. For a correct interpretation of the nutritional status, it is important (1) to evaluate the seasonal variation of nutrient contents in the leaves, (2) to determine the appropriate time for leaf sampling and analysis, and (3) to indicate the best part of the plant for determination of the nutritional status. These subjects were the three objectives of this study. Materials and methods. The experiment was conducted from March 1997 to February 1998 in Visconde do Rio Branco, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The dynamics of the elements N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn were studied in leaves at the apical, median and basal positions of branches located in the upper, median and lower portions of the plant canopy. Results. The minimum variation in the foliar contents occurred at the medium third of the branches located in the upper portion of the canopy. So, these parts are the most appropriate for leaf sampling. Moreover, December was characterized as the appropriate time for leaf sampling. Conclusion. The leaf sampling techniques developed will allow better study of the mineral nutrition of M. emarginata in order to establish reliable fertilizer programs and to improve the yields of this fruit tree.

Introduction. Cashew production has been on a decline due to poor yield resulting from poor quality traits of open-pollinated seedling populations that were used to establish plantations. Clones established from outstanding individuals through air-layering root poorly and are not likely to survive transplanting, thus clonal propagation by air-layering has been of little value for cashew propagation. Materials and method. To improve the rooting percentages of air-layering, three auxins (IBA, NAA and IAA) were applied at six concentrations [(0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5)%] on four cashew genotypes. Results and discussion. Significant improvement was recorded in terms of layer take, number of roots per layer, number of days to rooting, length of roots and percentage of surviving clones after transplanting. Improvement varied between the different auxins, concentrations and genotypes. We observed that degree of rooting was genotype-specific and influenced by auxin type and specific concentration. Our data showed that, among the auxins tested, IBA was most effective, with optimum performance at the 2% concentration. Conclusion. Using auxins made it possible to significantly improve the rooting and survival of cashew propagules; however, to achieve sufficient rooting and better establishment after transplanting, auxin treatment should not exceed 3% concentration. This intervention would help alleviate the problem of clonal establishment in cashew.

Introduction. Chez Ananas comosus, les variations entre clones des caractéristiques organoleptiques sont faibles ; celles entre variétés sont plus marquées. Une dizaine d’hybrides Cayenne × Perolera a été sélectionnée par le Cirad pour être développée commercialement. Ils présentent des profils aromatiques distincts des parents. L’ananas doit être récolté relativement vert pour pouvoir parvenir en bon état sur les marchés consommateurs. L’arôme dégagé pouvant inciter le consommateur à acheter le fruit frais, nous avons étudié, sur différentes variétés et hybrides, l’impact du stade de maturation du fruit à la récolte et de la durée de conservation sur l’émission des composés volatils. Matériel et méthodes. Les différences de teneurs en composés volatils entre les variétés d’ananas ont pu être mesurées par extraction en espace de tête par SPME (fibre PDMS 100 µm), suivie d’une analyse CPG/FID sur colonne Stabilwax. Les analyses ont porté sur les fruits de quatre ou cinq clones de chacune des variétés Cayenne, Perolera, Queen, Rondon, ainsi que de cinq hybrides Cirad et d’un hybride MD2. L’impact du stade de maturité (extrait sec et acidité libre) et des conditions de conservation sur les composés volatils a été évalué. Résultats et discussion. Les profils aromatiques obtenus pour les clones d’une même variété ont été très semblables et les différences intervariétales se sont révélées répétables. Au cours de la maturation, une augmentation de l’émission des composés volatils s’est produite avant la pleine maturation. La conservation au froid entre 13 °C et 24 °C a provoqué une forte augmentation de l’émission aromatique. Conclusion. Différencier les profils aromatiques par SPME/GC-FID de différentes variétés d’ananas semble possible malgré leur grande similitude. Une identification plus poussée, par GC-MS, des composés volatils d’ananas de différentes origines pourrait permettre de mieux préciser leur caractérisation.

Introduction. The peel of lychee fruit turns from its attractive bright red color to a dull brown color when the fruit starts to age. This study reports how the color change of lychee pericarp from red to brown is associated with several factors and may be reversed depending on its pH, anthocyanin content and brown pigments. Materials and methods. After transport by air transit from China to Canada, arriving 4 d after harvest, the anthocyanin, brown pigment concentrations and the pH values in the lychee (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) pericarp were determined over a period of 5 d at 25 °C and 65% RH. The macromolecular sizes of the brown pigment extract were measured in solutions between a pH of 4 and 6. Results and discussion. The acidity in the lychee pericarp decreased from a pH of 4.3 to 5.3, at the end of the 5-day period. The anthocyanins in the lychee pericarp decreased and the brown pigment increased. Polyphenol oxidase in the pericarp was active when its pH was between 4.1 and 4.6, and became less active when its pH was above 4.6. The diameter of the brown pigment molecules in the solutions increased when the pH of the solutions was increased and maintained for 5 d. The anthocyanins returned to their original redness and concentrations if they were placed in solutions with a pH value ranging between 4 and 6 for 10 min or they were placed in solutions with a pH value of 4 for 5 d. However, the anthocyanins did not return to their original redness and concentration if they were placed in solutions with a pH value ranging between 5 and 6 for 5 d. Conclusion. This study suggests that the bright red color of lychee peel could be maintained if its pericarp pH could be maintained at a pH of 4. If the pericarp pH is above 4, the reversibility of its bright red color from brown pigments is dependent on storage time.

Introduction. Les transferts de matière intervenant au cours du procédé de DII influencent la composition finale du produit. Ces transferts dépendent essentiellement de la forme et de la taille des produits immergés, ainsi que de la température, la concentration et la nature de la solution d'immersion. Afin de parvenir à une bonne maîtrise de ces paramètres et d'obtenir, après traitement, un produit de qualité, les cinétiques de certains éléments constitutifs de mangues (Mangifera indica) ont été suivies au cours d'un traitement par DII. Matériel et méthodes. Des morceaux de mangues d'une variété camerounaise locale, de 9 mm d'épaisseur et de 31 mm de diamètre, ont été immergés dans une solution de saccharose à 50, 60 ou 70 °Brix, maintenue à une température stabilisée à 30, 50 ou 60 °C. Pour les échantillons, les paramètres suivis au cours du temps ont été la perte d'eau, la réduction de poids, le gain en soluté et le degré Brix, tandis que, pour la solution, ce sont la concentration en vitamine C, le pH et la conductivité qui ont été mesurés. Résultats et discussion. La perte d'eau et le degré Brix final des produits ont augmenté avec la température et la concentration de la solution. Au-delà de 50 °C, l'augmentation de la température n'a pas influencé significativement la réduction de poids qui, pour une température donnée, a augmenté avec la concentration de la solution d'immersion. Le gain en solutés a diminué avec l'augmentation de la concentration. Enfin, pour les conditions opératoires testées, les pertes en vitamine C ont augmenté avec la température et diminué avec l'augmentation de la concentration de la solution de saccharose.

Introduction. Black pepper (P. nigrum L.), the major world spice, is a climbing vine of historical, religious and economic importance. Landraces or farmer’s cultivars constitute the major component of this tropical vine's diversity. Normal spike formation. Berries of P. nigrum are produced in solitary, unbranched, axillary spikes. The apical bud of the plagiotropic branches transforms into an inflorescence (spike). Spike variant. Mutation in the floral meristem of black pepper could result in inflorescence proliferation. A variant with 100% of proliferating spikes was collected from a farmer’s plot, and then propagated by cuttings. The proliferating spikes are of indeterminate growth habit. Benefits. This natural mutant of Piper nigrum resulted in improved socioeconomic status of the farmer through sale of the rooted cuttings at a premium price. The variant can also be used as a donor for improvement of black pepper, besides as a novelty in potted pepper culture. Since berries of varying maturity are produced due to indeterminate growth, and since immature berries are rich in oleoresin, a single harvest will be yielding matured berries, which can be traded as black pepper of commerce, and half-matured berries suited to the value-added industry. Discussion. Mutations in the floral organ identity genes and their effect on altered flower/inflorescence development have been reported in the literature. In the case of spike proliferation, the transformation of the floral primordia in the mutant spike into inflorescence primordia has resulted in the modified spike architecture.

Introduction. En Afriquede l’Ouest, plusieurs études ont révélé la richesse numérique des espècescomposant les zones de forêts et savanes ainsi que la diversitéde leurs utilisations. Parmi les espèces utilitaires, les lianesoccupent une place importante car leurs fruits sont très prisésdans l’alimentation, la pharmacopée et l’artisanat ; elles sontde plus une source de revenus non négligeables pour les populationslocales. Au Togo, les informations relatives aux lianes restentfragmentaires ; il nous est donc apparu urgent de recenser cellesentrant dans l’alimentation humaine afin de proposer des mesuresde conservation et de valorisation en leur faveur. Matérielet méthodes. Des enquêtes ethnobotaniques ont été réaliséessur un échantillon de 433 personnes dans 60 localités mono-ethniquesregroupant 28 ethnies, dans quatre zones écologiques du Togo. Des interviewssemi-structurées ont été effectuées pour la collecte d’informations. Lesquestions ont porté sur le nom vernaculaire des espèces fruitières,le moment d’apparition des fleurs et des fruits, ainsi que sur lesautres utilisations des fruits. Ces enquêtes ethnobotaniques ontété complétées par des observations sur le terrain qui ont permisla réalisation de 215 relevés floristiques. Résultats.Au total, dix-sept espèces de lianes à fruits comestibles appartenantà 15 genres et 13 familles (dont essentiellement des Apocynaceaeet des Rubiaceae) ont été recensées. Ces espèces produisent pour laplupart des fruits charnus (baies et drupes). Ils sont principalementconsommés crus sur les lieux de cueillette, commercialisés sur lesmarchés locaux, ou utilisés à des fins condimentaires. Ils représentent uneressource alimentaire importante et fournissent un complément appréciable derevenus. Conclusion. Du fait de leur potentiel alimentaireet économique, la plupart des espèces lianescentes à fruits comestiblesmériteraient d’être valorisées. Mais leur statut de plantes alimentairessauvages et leur port lianescent constituent des facteurs qui handicapent leurvalorisation.

Introduction. The high intra-specific variation insafou traits and the perishable nature of the fruit hampers commercialization. Knowledgeof the parameters that determine the acceptability of safou productsand the shelf life of fresh fruits is critical for marketing anduseful as a first step toward cultivar development. Materials andmethods. Safou fruits of different pulp colors, skin colors andstages of ripening were collected from clones. Physicochemical andorganoleptic analyses were performed on fresh and processed safoupulp, respectively, to elucidate parameters that could be used todetermine the acceptability of boiled and dried safou pulp, andthe shelf life of fresh fruits. Results and discussions. Our studydemonstrated that the pH and color of raw pulp could be used todetermine the acceptability of boiled and dried safou. Consumerspreferred products which were not acidic (sour), with a nice aroma.There was a negative correlation between the pH of raw pulp andthe acceptability of boiled and dried safou pulp. Likewise, there wasa positive correlation between the color of raw pulp and the acceptabilityof boiled and dried safou pulp. These parameters were used to predictthe taste of finished products. Polygalacturonase activity was higherin fully ripe and unripe fruits than in semi-ripe fruits. Polygalacturonaseactivity had a strong positive correlation with percentage lossof fully ripe fruit during storage and, as such, can also be usedto predict the postharvest loss of safou. Conclusion. The pH andcolor of raw (uncooked) pulp of safou can be used to determine thetaste and acceptability of boiled and dried pulp. Likewise, the activityof polygalacturonase in raw pulp can be used to predict its postharvest shelflife.

Introduction In Morocco the olive growers rely totally on pesticides to control the black scale Saissetia oleae, although this technique has adverse effects on natural enemies, on product quality and on the environment. However, the pesticides are not used efficiently because of ignorance of the developmental cycle of the insect, and of the periods of vulnerable instar presence. We studied these two parameters. Next, we tested the efficacy of the pesticide and we studied the effect of pruning on the scales as an alternative to chemicals. Materials and methods The seasonal trend of the black scale was studied in two olive orchards near Essaouira, in the west of Morocco, during 2005 and 2006. One of these orchards was subject to chemical treatment in 2007, while two new orchards were selected to study the effect of pruning on the scales. The evolution of crawler and nymph density on different olive tree organs was followed in order to discover their preferences for these different organs. Results and discussion The seasonal trend study showed the presence of one generation of S. oleae per year and the tendency to colonise young organs rather than old ones. The optimum of mobile instar population coincided with the beginning and the end of July. On the organs of the chemically-treated samples, numbers of crawlers and nymphs were highly reduced. The results showed a small-scale infestation in pruned trees compared with the unpruned trees (control). Conclusion. Though the chemical control has good results, pruning remains very efficient and can help improve the control of the black scale populations without harming the environment

Introduction. The peel of bananas that ripen at ≥ 24 ℃ does not turn fully yellow, but retains a green colour, reducing the commercial value of the fruit. Historically, in experimental studies of this problem, fruit are ripened at constant temperatures; for example, either 20 ℃ or 30 ℃. In our experiments, we systematically varied the temperature of banana storage during ripening to investigate early events in ripening that may determine whether or not the peel remained green. Materials and methods. Fruits were exposed to temperatures of 20 ℃ or 30 ℃ for short periods before then storing at 30 ℃ or 20 ℃ to complete ripening. The L* a* b* colour system was used to measure change in green colour in the banana peel. Results. If the temperature of the fruit stored was 20 ℃ for the first few hours (≥ 14 h), then the peel became fully yellow, even in fruit subsequently ripened at 30 ℃. Conversely, if the temperature of the bananas stored was 30 ℃ for the first few hours of ripening, then full yellow colour was not obtained even if fruits were subsequently ripened at 20 ℃. Conclusion. The temperature of the first few hours of banana ripening determines whether or not the peel reaches full yellow colour.

Introduction. Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich.) Hochst. subsp. birrea est un fruitier sauvage très répandu au Burkina Faso. Bien que très apprécié par les populations rurales, il demeure non domestiqué et sous utilisé. Jusqu’à présent, les études sur la variation et la qualité des fruits se sont concentrées sur la sous espèce caffra, originaire de l’Afrique australe. Matériel et méthodes. La composition biochimique des fruits de 106 arbres de Sclerocarya birrea au Burkina Faso a été étudiée le long d’un transect Nord-Sud (gradient climatique) traversant le Burkina Faso à partir de cinq caractères quantitatifs du fruit et de la graine. Le taux en sucres totaux et en sucres réducteurs, la teneur en acidité libre totale et le rapport [acidité libre totale / sucres solubles totaux] ont été définis dans la pulpe. La teneur en lipides des graines a été déterminée. Résultats et discussion. Pour les caractères étudiés, l’analyse des résultats a mis en évidence une grande variabilité inter- et intra-population. La variabilité inter-population s’explique par le gradient climatique qui caractérise la zone d’échantillonnage. Conclusion. La variabilité de la composition des fruits de Sclerocarya birrea subsp. birrea mise en évidence pourra servir de base pour un programme d’amélioration.

Introduction. Strawberry is basically a temperate fruit, but, due to itsshort production cycle (100–120 days), it has now become the fastest growing crop in thetropical and sub-tropical regions of the Asian nations. In India, farmers of northernplain regions transplant the strawberries before the onset of the winter and keep onharvesting until early summer. Not much is known about the impact of the harvesting season(winter and summer) on the accumulation of health-promoting substances or on qualitytraits. Considering the existing research gaps and practical utility, the present studywas undertaken. Materials and methods. Four varieties were grown on raisedbeds with black polythene mulch, and a drip and fertigation system. Fruits were harvestedat the ¾ colour (scarlet) development stage and observations were recorded on differentphysiological and functional attributes consecutively during three harvesting months.Results and discussion. Our results indicated that both cultivars andharvesting months affected the physiology and functional quality of strawberry fruit.Anthocyanin, ascorbic acid and total antioxidants were found to be higher during March.Ascorbic acid content registered ≈ 50% reduction during advance summer harvesting (April).Among the tested varieties, Camarosa gave better results during all three harvestingmonths in terms of desirable quality traits. Conclusion. Our findings showthat there are some varieties such as Camarosa which have the potential to producefunctionally superior fruits over other cultivars even during early summer. Theinformation presented may be helpful in selection of suitable cultivars, and postharvesthandling and processing measures for strawberry fruits harvested during differentmonths.

Introduction. Bananas are traditionally propagated by suckers: nevertheless, the advantage of using tissue-cultured plants for banana production has been demonstrated in recent years. Despite the large-scale use of micropropagated plants in the subtropical regions, little information is available on the performance of these crops in tropical countries. So we compared the yield potential of some Cavendish banana cultivars propagated either by traditional suckers or by tissue culture. Materials and methods. A randomized complete block experiment was established in a commercial plantation in Cameroon to compare the performance of three tissue-cultured banana plants of Grand Nain, Williams and Zelig cultivars and two conventionally-propagated plants of Grand Nain and Williams. Morphological, phenological and yield component data were collected for six crop cycles. Results. All the plants grew vigorously and produced quality exportable fruits. However, the tissue-cultured plants consistently produced heavier bunches and higher yields than the conventionally-propagated plants. The highest yields (65.92 t·ha–1 for Grand Nain, 64.60 t·ha–1 for Williams and 65.58 t·ha–1 for Zelig) were obtained for the tissue-cultured plants in the third crop cycle compared with 51.43 t·ha–1 and 59.02 t·ha–1 obtained for the traditionally-propagated Grand Nain and Williams plants, respectively. There were no significant yield differences between the plants of different origin in the second and fourth cycles, respectively. However, the tissue-cultured Williams and Zelig plants outperformed the other plants in the sixth crop cycle. Conclusion. The tissue-cultured plants of the three Cavendish cultivars studied performed better than the plants resulting from conventional suckers. The best cultivar for commercial plantation used, that is located in a tropical environment, was Williams. In general, to obtain an optimum benefit, we would recommend the use of tissue-cultured plants over a period of 6–7 years with good management practices.

Introduction. We present some protocols aiming at partially characterizing banana fruit quality through measurement of some key biochemical parameters. The principle, key advantages, starting plant material, time required and expected results are presented. Materials and methods. This part describes the required laboratory materials and the steps necessary for achieving four protocols making it possible to measure sugar, organic acids and free ACC contents, and in vitro ACC oxidase activity. Results. Standard results obtained by using the protocols described are presented in the figures.