Quality of nectarines produced in the region of subtropical climate

ABSTRACT The fruits of nectarine trees usually have small, firm flesh, good aroma and flavor accented. Knowledge of available cultivars in relation to quality as well as its adaptation to local cultivation are extremely important as they allow the choice of materials with better market potential. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the nectarine cultivars 'Josefina' and 'Rubro- Sol' grown under subtropical conditions in Viçosa-MG. The experiments were carried out at the Universidade Federal de Viçosa for three seasons and conducted in split plots within the randomized design. Thirty fruits of each cultivar were harvested and the characteristics fruit weight, longitudinal and transverse diameters, firmness, soluble solids, titratable acidity and ascorbic acid contents and carotenoids were evaluated. There were significant differences between the means of years of avaliation as to the firmness and levels of ascorbic acid and carotenoids. The cultivar 'Rubro-sol' stood out for greater firmness and 'Josefina' by higher soluble solids and lower titratable acidity, with the sweetest fruits.