Volume 62 Number 2 Article 6
Year 2008 Month 4
Title: Fruit Development in Almond for Fresh Consumption
Authors: P. Martínez-Gomez, R. Sánchez-Pérez and F. Dicenta
Abstract:
Commercialization of fresh almond [Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A. Webb] seed is a potential opportunity for diversification
of the almond market.
Characteristics required for the commercialization of this product include early
market availability, suitable seed size and high seed/fruit weight ratio.
In order to determine the effect of flowering
and ripening dates on fresh market quality, fruit and seed development were studied in four almond cultivars:
‘Ramillete’ (early flowering and ripening), ‘Desmayo Largueta’ (early flowering and late ripening), ‘Antoñeta’
(late flowering and early ripening), and ‘Wawona’ (late flowering and ripening). Data were collected for time from
flowering to ripening, fruit and seed length, seed fresh and dry weight, the seed/fruit weight ratio, and endocarp
hardness.
Results confirm a rapid growth of fruit in March and April.
Accelerated cotyledon development was
observed in April and May, while the hardening of the endocarp occurred gradually until ripening (mesocarp split).
In general, the development of fruit and seed traits was similar for the four almond cultivars, regardless of their
flowering and ripening date.
However, the growth of cotyledons depended on both flowering and ripening dates,
with early flowering and ripening cultivars appearing most suitable for the fresh almond market.
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