B. Chalise, T.B. Pun and U.K. Acharya
Horticultural Research Station, Rajkot, Jumla
Regional Agricultural Research Station, Lumle, Kaski
Nepal Agricultural Research Council, Singh Durbar Plaza, Kathmandu
Corresponding author: basantchalise@gmail.com
Received on: 10-5-2017, revised on: 28-8-2017, accepted on: 30-8-217

DOI

ABSTRACT

Studies were carried out during three consecutive years viz. 2012, 2013 and 2014 respectively on Citrus
unshiu var. Okitsu Wase. Fruits were taken from 6 years old tree at the starting year at Horticultural
Research Station (HRS), Dailekh for identifying the appropriate harvesting time and possible expansion
of the production and supply period. Fruit harvesting was done by selecting 5 trees of the similar age. The
harvesting was started from 1 st September and continued up to the 18 th October at 7 days intervals. For
every harvesting, two fruits were taken randomly from each tree and evaluated in the fruit laboratory. The
total soluble solid (TSS) was recorded by hand refractometer and titrable acidity (TA) by the titration of
juice with 0.1N standard solution of sodium hydroxide. Three years studies based on the TSS, TA and
TSS: TA ratio (ripening ratio), showed TSS 7.26%, TA 0.98% and TSS: TA ration 7.40 was recorded
during the 7 th September indicating appropriate time of harvest. Thus the study revealed that 'Okitsu
Wase' variety of Satsuma mandarin under HRS, Dailekh command area and the similar climatic tracts can
be harvested from 7 th to 14 th September. Therefore, supply period of mandarin can promisingly be
expanded and fruit production can be promoted in the late fall season (out of season) across subtropical
regions of Nepal. As a result consumers will be in position to get mandarin in off-period and citrus
growers will catch high price from early harvested fruits.