Abstract:
Purpose: This study was conducted to identify the physiological
disorders and their symptoms of selected Citrus fruit species (C.
sinensis, C. limon and C. crenatifolia). Furthermore, it was aimed to
determine whether physicochemical and sensory properties were
affected by physiological disorders. Research method: Citrus fruits
with physiological disorders were observed separately for visible
changes and characters were recorded and photographed.
Moreover, Citrus fruits with physiological disorders were analyzed
for physicochemical and sensory properties. Findings: Many
physiological disorders were recorded from three Citrus fruit species
including chilling injury, sun burn, stem-end rind breakdown,
oleocellosis, rind disorder, puff and crease, granulation, wind injury,
peteca, fruit splitting and fruit cracking. Based on the overall result
of sensory analysis, it can be concluded that most of the
physiological disorders in studied Citrus species appear on the peel
but not adversely affect the edible internal portion of the fruits.
Physicochemical properties of C. limon are not adversely affected by
physiological disorders whereas C. sinensis and C. crenatifolia are
affected by physiological disorders. Limitations: Availability of
selected Citrus fruit species throughout the year is limited due to
their seasonality. Originality/Value: This study provides novel
information about the physiological disorders of some Citrus species
in Sri Lanka and other parts of Asia and a future potential exists in
controlling these disorders to provide healthy and quality fruits to
the market.
