An evaluation of the fruit quality and storage behaviour of Lane Late Navel oranges

Abstract

Lane Late Navel (LLN) (Citrus sinensis), a late maturing orange cultivar, was evaluated for its quality and storage behaviour and compared with other sweet orange cultivars during 1972-75. Although LLN can extend the Navel season into the Valencia season, its quality deteriorates very rapidly; the juice becomes insipid due to its lower acid content and the rind re-greens, thus detracting from its appearance. It also granulates which reduces its acceptibility as fresh fruit. Granulation increases in storage and, combined with other storage disorders such as Alternaria citri, its storage period is limited to a mere six weeks at 5°C. The results indicate that the cultivar offers no great benefit to the citrus industry under conditions similar to this trial.