Harvest Time and Postharvest Behavior of Six Japanese Nonastringent Persimmon Cultivars Grown under Mediterranean Conditions

Abstract

Persimmon cultivation has significantly grown in the Mediterranean Region in recent years. The production concentrates mainly in three astringent cultivars: Kaki Tipo in Italy, Triumph in Israel, and Rojo Brillante in Spain. Therefore, the varietal range expansion is one of the current challenges for persimmon producers in this area. Moreover, the introduction of nonastringent persimmon cultivars is particularly interesting because they can be commercialized immediately after harvest without applying deastringency treatment before commercialization. This study evaluated the harvest period and the postharvest response of six Japanese nonastringent cultivars (Kanshu, Shinshu, Soshu, Suruga, Youhou, Izu). During two seasons, fruit from each cultivar were harvested at two maturity stages. Fruit quality (external color, firmness, and total soluble solids) was evaluated after harvest and after different commercial scenarios (domestic market: 7 days at 20 °C, market to European Union (EU): 5 days at 5 °C plus 5 days at 20 °C, and market to countries with cold-quarantine treatment requirements: 21 days at 0 °C plus 5 days at 20 °C). Cultivars Kanshu, Shinshu, Soshu, and Izu were identified as early cultivars, and Soshu was the earliest one, which reached commercial maturity at the beginning of September. These four cultivars showed good quality after simulating commercialization on domestic and EU markets. Cultivars Suruga and Youhou overlapped the current harvest window, but their low chilling injury sensitiveness is highlighted, so they are of special interest to be cold-stored at the end of the season to be commercialized in overseas markets.

Marketing Cost, Producer's Share, and Marketing Efficiency in Different Marketing Channels of Persimmon Crop in Kullu District of Himachal Pradesh

“…With the efforts being made in recent years to overcome the problems, and with the diversification in fruit culture, its cultivation seems to be gaining importance and more areas are being opened for its cultivation (Mehta et al 2005). At the state level, persimmon cultivation has gained prominence in various regions, including Himachal Pradesh in India, known for its picturesque landscapes and favourable climatic conditions, Himachal Pradesh has emerged as a significant persimmon-producing region within the country [18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25]. The state's Kullu district, in particular, has shown substantial potential for persimmon cultivation, attracting farmers and investors due to its conducive agroclimatic factors and suitable soil conditions.…”

Optimization of postharvest Technology for "Rojo brillante" Persimmon and Introduction of New Varieties in the Mediterranean Area

“…The alterations which occurred in fruit associated with cold storage are named 'chilling injury' (CI) symptoms. Some varieties can be stored for two months at 0 °C without any loss of quality (Testoni, 2002), while other varieties are more sensitive and prone to develop CI symptoms at low temperatures . Cultivars like 'Hachiya' and 'Triumph' have low sensitivity to CI, whereas cultivars such as 'Fuyu' and 'Rojo Brillante' are highly susceptible to this disorder Zhang et al, 2010).…”

“…The most regularly applied system to prolong the postharvest life of perishable vegetables is refrigeration. Although the standard recommended storage temperature for persimmon fruit is 0 °C Crisosto, 2004), the most of the cultivars are sensitive to low temperatures, and they develop physiological disorders (chilling injury) when exposed at a temperature below a critical temperature (Testoni, 2002;. This is the case of 'Rojo Brillante' persimmons, which manifest chilling injury symptoms when stored at temperatures below 11 °C .…”