Abstract

BETANCOURT GRANDAL, Mayda et al. Mesoclimate effects on the maturity of grapefruit (Citrus paradisi Macf.) in Cuba. Agric. Téc. Méx [online]. 2006, vol.32, n.2, pp.153-160. ISSN 0568-2517.

Climate constitutes a critical factor on plant development by limiting and modifying biological processes. This study was carried out during five consecutive years, during 2000 to 2004, in a commercial plantation of grapefruit (Citrus paradisi Macf.) cv. 'Marsh seedless' in the Island of Youth (Cuba). The objective of this research was to determine the influence of the mesoclimate during the yearly growth cycle on fruit maturity. The analysis was done in two stages of fruit development, a period from 121 to 180 and from 181 to 300 days after full bloom. Total soluble solids, acidity, maturity index and juice content were evaluated and related to nine meteorological variables. These meteorological variables were considered at 10, 30 and 90 days before fruit sampling. Results show that the interaction among different variables of the mesoclimate, such as temperature, wind speed, insolation, evapotranspiration, rainfall and relative humidity, modified the maturity of grapefruit, mainly during the second stage of fruit development.

Keywords : Citrus paradisi; fruit maturity; meteorological parameters.