Öz
Objective: For economic fruit growing, it is important to carry out cultural practices and harvest at the right time. For this purpose, To know the physical and chemical changes in the growth, development and ripening periods of the fruit species and varieties are important. This study was carried out to determine physical, chemical and color changes of Kabaaşı apricot cultivar, which has a significant share in Turkey's apricot production and export, in fruit development period.
Material and Method: The material of the study was the Kabaaşı apricot variety. In the study, phenological observations were taken, and physical, chemical and color measurements were carried out at periodic intervals throughout the fruit development process.
Results: In the study, it was found that the period between flowering and harvesting was 112 days in Kabaaşı apricot cultivars and total flowering time is 16 days. In physical measurements; In the first month of this period, approximately 75% of the fruit length, 50% of the fruit width and thickness were reached and 50% of the increase in the fruit weight reached in the last month. It was observed that the increase in fruit maturity, TSS, pH and total sugar content increased, while TA value decreased. In fruit color measurements; it was observed that a and b color values increased, while a partial increase in L color value was observed as fruits approached harvest period.
Conclusion: Most of the physical development of the fruits take place in the first one month period of the unripe fruit period, but quality parameters such as sweetening and coloring are increasing near harvest. Therefore, fruit harvest should be done at least 96 days after full bloom for adequate color formation. In terms of phytochemical properties, it is recommended to be applied after a minimum of 103 days.