Effects of Different Rootstocks on the Fruit Quality and Phytochemical Compounds of ‘Williams’ Pears During Cold Storage
Applied Fruit Science, cilt.68, sa.3, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 68 Sayı: 3
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s10341-026-01843-y
- Dergi Adı: Applied Fruit Science
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Environment Index, Food Science & Technology Abstracts
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Antioxidant activity, Firmness, Postharvest, Pyrus communis, Respiration rate, Weight loss
- Ondokuz Mayıs Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
This study was conducted to determine the effects of seven different rootstocks (Seedling, Quince A, Quince BA 29, Fox 11, Farold 40, OHxF 87, and OHxF 333) on the postharvest quality characteristics of ‘Williams’ pear fruits during cold storage at 0 ± 0.5 °C and 90 ± 5% RH for 120 days. Quality measurements were performed at monthly intervals (at harvest, 30th, 60th, 90th, and 120th days). Within this scope, changes in the characteristics of the fruits, including weight loss, respiration rate, firmness, soluble solids content, titratable acidity, vitamin C, total phenolics, and antioxidant activity (DPPH and FRAP), were evaluated. Research findings revealed that the quality losses observed during cold storage are significant in all parameters (p < 0.05). However, it was found that rootstock selection can significantly reduce these quality changes or influence the degree of quality loss. The study showed that pears grafted onto Quince A and Quince BA 29 rootstocks exhibited lower weight loss and maintained higher firmness compared to other rootstocks. Additionally, these rootstocks were more effective in preserving characteristics such as total phenolics, antioxidant activity, vitamin C, soluble solids content, and titratable acidity. This study demonstrates that rootstocks play a crucial role in maintaining key quality characteristics in ‘Williams’ pears during the postharvest cold storage period. Among the rootstocks examined, Quince A and Quince BA 29 can be said to be more effective in delaying and preventing quality losses during cold storage.