ARI REVIEW FOR 2016-2017

harvest behaviour, c) evaluation with respect to fruit harvest maturity and postharvest storage of: i) efficiency of olive oil mechanical extraction; ii) rheological-chemical characteristics of the olive paste; iii) physicochemical- organoleptic characteristics of the olive oil; iv) the oxidative stability of olive oil. ( M.G. Emmanouilidou, M.C. Kyriacou ) CITRICULTURE Rootstock-modulated yield performance, fruit maturation and phytochemical quality of ‘Lane Late’ and ‘Delta’ sweet orange Graft combinations of sweet orange cultivars Delta and Lane Late on six rootstocks were established on calcareous clayey soil and evaluated for compatibility, yield, and fruit physicochemical quality attributes at three stages of harvest maturity. Citrumelo proved deleterious rootstock to both scions, while GouTou was deleterious to Delta and had low compatibility with Lane Late. Most compatible rootstock for Delta was Sour Orange, whereas all rootstocks except GouTou were equally compatible with Lane Late. Yield and fruit weight were highest on Volkameriana. Titratable acidity was highest on Sour Orange and Carrizo and lowest on Volkameriana. Dominant acids were citric (8.5–11.3 g/L), malic (1.8–1.9 g/L) and succinic (1.3–1.4 g/L). Citrate/malate ratio was lower in Lane Late and declined further with maturation. Acids were highest on Sour Orange and Carrizo. Increased levels of malate (2.07–2.21 g/L) elicited by Volkameriana may constitute an index of inferior sensory quality. Soluble solids were highest on Sour Orange, Carrizo and Cleopatra (9.6–10.6%) and lowest on Volkameriana (9.3–9.7%). Sucrose was the most abundant soluble carbohydrate (33.9–39.9 g/L) and sugar ratios were stable across rootstocks, however sucrose concentration in Delta increased with maturity at the expense of glucose and fructose. Increase in chroma paralleled increase in soluble solids during maturation of Delta but not Lane Late. Fruit phenolics were highest with the least compatible GouTou and lowest with the highly productive Volkameriana. Maximal ascorbate levels were attained at mid-maturity (380.4–450.2 mg/L) and were lowest on Volkameriana (323.4–398.8 mg/L). Considering its overall performance and resistance to Citrus Tristeza Virus, Carrizo appears as a promising rootstock alternative to Sour Orange particularly on calcareous soils. ( M.G. Emmanouilidou, M.C. Kyriacou ) DECIDUOUS FRUIT TREES Characterisation and evaluation of local pomegranate clones The evaluation of selected local pomegranate ( Punica granatum L.) clones, planted at the Zygi Experimental Station, continued. The purpose of this experiment is the characterisation and evaluation of local pomegranate clones concerning phenological, pomological-morphological and production characteristics. In particular, phenological development stages, growth and productivity of clones, morphological and qualitative characteristics of fruits are examined with respect to yield and quality. ( S. Ioannidou ) Evaluation of cherry varieties Ten cherry varieties ( Prunus avium L.) are examined in terms of production, fruit quality and maturation period. An experimental plantation is established at Saittas Experimental Station. The varieties currently being evaluated are: Bigarreau Burlat, Black Tartarian, Utah Giant, Bigarreau Ferbolous (Verdel), Bigarreau Summit, Bigarreau Fercer (Arcina), Bigarreau Reverchon (Souche sandar), Griotte Du Nord, Bigarreau Lapins and Van. The aim of this work is to evaluate and investigate the behaviour of Cherry varieties under the local agro-climatic conditions of Cyprus, in order to identify varieties of excellent fruit quality. Also the maturity time within the season is evaluated, in order to satisfy market needs for longer periods. ( S. Ioannidou ) 25 Fruit Trees