Effects of Succinic Acid-2,2-Dimethylhydrazide on the Color, Firmness, and Uniformity of Processing Peaches1

Abstract

Application of succinic acid,2,2-dimethylhydrazide (SADH) to peaches at the onset of pit hardening advanced maturity and caused more rapid softening during ripening on the tree. Flesh color at a given firmness was improved by SADH over a wide maturity range. The color difference was maintained after processing; canned halves from SADH trees had a higher USDA color grade than control fruit of comparable firmness. Uniformity of firmness and flesh color among fruit within trees varied with crop maturity, but uniformity was not substantially affected by SADH. However, enhancement of flesh color by SADH improved the quality of fruit obtained by once-over harvest and tended to concentrate the grade distribution of canned halves in USDA color grades A and B.

Ground Color Measurements of Peach

“…The authors suggested that colorimeter readings could be used to develop standard grades of ground color for peaches. Several other researchers have reported good correlations between col orimeter readings of flesh color and flesh firmness (2,9).…”

Consumer Acceptance of Mississippi and California Non-melting Cling Canned Peaches1

“…;2) The increase in yields from B application is not due to the correc tion of an incipient B deficiency of the kind reported by Batjer et al(1,2) on pears, but rather a direct effect on the reproductive physiology of the plant; 3) Fall B spray applications furnish B in a form and at a location in the plant which can supply the needs for floral development and fruit set.…”