摘要：

(English):This research was carried out with the objective of evaluating changes in pectin content (total and soluble pectin) and the activity of pectolytic enzymes (pectinmethylesterase - PME and polygalacturonase - PG) during the development and maturation of the apples of early dwarf cashew (Anacardium occidentale L. var. nan urn). Cashews (apple + nut) were harvested in seven stages of maturation, from an irrigated commercial orchard in the municipality of Mossoró - RN, Brazil, according to the color of the apple and aspect of the nut: 1 - green (both apple and nut); 2 - green apple with dry nut; 3 - light green; 4 - beginning of yellow color; 5 - light orange; 6 - orange; 7 - deep orange. Firmness of cashew apples dropped from 65.61 N to 8.43 N during development and maturation, and total pectin content decreased from 0.16 % to 0.12 %. PME reached maximum activity in stage 3 and then remained almost constant, whilst PG activity was permanently increasing up to the end of maturation.

展开