Standard Specifications of Fruits of Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi Macf.) Foster and Duncan Cultivars in River Nile State- Sudan

Abstract

Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi Macf.) is an important crop in Sudan. The quality of grapefruit is affected by many factors which are suspected to cause the low yield and poor quality of fruits. These factors may include infection by pests and diseases, damage, soil problems and poor management practices. The present study aimed to identify the specifications of two grapefruit cultivars (Foster and Duncan).This was achieved through determining quality indices such as, number of segments, total soluble solid, pH, juice content, number of seeds, fruit diameter, fruit weight, fruit peel thickness, fruit firmness, and fruit length, The results showed that there were significant differences in some quality indices such as the higher quality of Foster fruit than the Duncan fruit, whereas Foster and Duncan have approximately the same standard specifications. The study recommended developing activation and revision of laws that guarantee the quality of fruits and train producers to identify varieties and quality indicators and apply methods of modern transport and storage and cultivate new varieties of high economic value, open new markets outside Sudan and to promote grapefruit consumption, and use food processing and cosmetics. Continuation of research in the field of standards specification and modernization of markets are also recommended.