Outer Fruit Features Related with Fruit Quality in ‘Niitaka’ Pear Fruits

Abstract

Niitaka pear fruits were collected from some chief producing districts from 2004 to 2005 to establish the distributing status of fruit weight and Brix degree. Fruit weight seemed to be susceptible to environmental conditions as well as cultural practices, because it showed various results in distributing status according to harvesting season. On the other hand, flesh firmness seemed to be less affected by outer conditions, because it showed higher frequency in 11.0 to 13.0 degree regardless of harvesting season. Additionally, certain trials were conducted to evaluate Brix degree and flesh firmness through observing outer fruit features. Fruit size, weight, length, diameter, and volume had positive correlation with Brix degree. Stalk cavity shape (SCS) improved their reliance and had its own relationship with Brix degree. Analyzing fruit skin color with Hunter value or Red, Green, and Blue (RGB) value, a in Hunter value and R in RGB value performed higher reliance with Brix degree (r =0.412** and 0.426**). Considering those factors with SCS made their reliance higher (r=0.531** and 0.564**). However, those factors like outer fruit features and fruit skin color by Hunter or RGB value failed to show the reliable relationship with flesh firmness. Introducing SCS also failed to improve their significance.