Abstract:
【Objective】 To accurately determine the grading methods and standards for different maturity levels of
Prunus domestica ×
armeniaca ‘Konglongdan’. This finding can provide a metric basis for evaluating the maturity of
Prunus domestica ×
armeniaca.
【Methods】 This study measured indicators such as fruit peel hardness, peel hardness, and average single fruit weight during 21 consecutive sampling periods from fruit color transition to complete fruit maturity from 2022 to 2023. Meanwhile, different maturity quality indicators and chromaticity indicators were quantified.
【Results】 Principal component screening and maturity clustering analysis were conducted on physiological indicators such as fruit hardness and single fruit weight. It was found that single fruit weight, peel hardness, peel hardness, solid acid ratio, peel yellow blue value
b*, peel color ratio
a*/b*, flesh brightness value
L*, and flesh red green value
a* were the indicators that had a significant impact on the maturity of ‘Konglongdan’. According to different growth and development stages of the fruit, it was divided into five maturity levels, namely 60% maturity, 70% maturity, 80% maturity, 90% maturity, and 100% maturity. The cumulative contribution rate of the two was 96.30%, and the discrimination accuracy was 95.20%.
【Conclusion】 The conclusion indicates that different methods and standards for determining the maturity of ‘Konglongdan’ can be used to accurately and scientifically distinguish different ripeness levels of fruits. Firstly, referring to the ‘color chart’ of fruit appearance and the number of days after the fruit flowering period can be used to distinguish different harvest ripeness levels. Secondly, by measuring the fruit color and quality indicators and referring to the quantitative range, the fruit maturity level can be further determined. When distinguishing maturity, if there are 2-3 items in the appearance and various indicators of the fruit that cannot meet the maturity grading requirements in the table due to external and internal factors, the harvest maturity of hybrid
Prunus domestica ×
armeniaca fruits can also be determined by referring to the remaining indicators.