Biochemical Changes During Development and Ripening in the Fruits of Wilking Mandarin

The fruit growth followed a sigmoid pattern and took about 9 months to attain maturity. The juice accumulation in the fruit started after 3 months from the setting. Total soluble solids and sugars showed gradual increase alongwith the advancement of maturity. Acidity and chlorophyll contents decreased, whereas Vitamin C and carotenoids increased with the development of the fruits. The carotenoid contents increased rapidly up to 1st January, after which these were levelled off. It is, therefore advisable to harvest the fruits of wilking mandarin during first week of January when they attain the maximum size, weight and reasonable amount of juice.