Effects of Harvest Time on the Fruit Quality of Kinnow and Feutrell’s Early Mandarins (Citrus reticulata Blanco)

The intrinsic and extrinsic traits of citrus fruits change throughout their developmental process, and, therefore, to ensure the highest quality, fruit must be harvested at an appropriate stage maturity. In a 2-year study, mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco) cultivars (Kinnow Feutrell’s Early) grafted on rough lemon (C. jambheri Lush) rootstock were selected analyze effect harvest time physicochemical characteristics antioxidant potential in two consecutive growing seasons Multan region South Pakistan, which has subtropical climate. Fruits from commercial groves intervals one month (from September February). results showed that different maturity stages/harvesting dates have significant quality yield cultivars. An increase weight, juice content, total soluble solids, ripening index, pH, sugar content was observed with advancement maturity, while acidity, capacity, phenolic vitamin C had decreasing trend towards Overall, both similar profiles during growth development, but amounts great variation. Based comprehensive consideration, Kinnow attained maximum values mid-January February, whilst Early these parameters mid-December mid-January, attributing higher consumer acceptability. This study demonstrated plays key role controlling practice, should highly considered for fresh processed market industry.