Abstract

BIO CULTIVATION AND CAPITALIZATION OF PREMIAL STRAWBERRIES IN CONDITION OF NOWADAYS CLIMATE CHANGE

Mariana Toma*, Florin Chiuta, Marian Vintila, Radu Burlacu, Dorel Hoza, Simona Popescu and Daniela Moise

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Abstract

In the present paper is analysed the behaviour of Premial strawberries in the condition of actual climate change. The fruits were ecologically cultivated at a private farm located in Arges County, Romania and the results refer at the productions obtained in last four years (2018 - 2021). The entire concept and technology match the ancient local tradition of fruit trees cultivation as regard the bio cultivation of horticultural plants. As a direct consequence of the abnormal weather conditions, Premial strawberries have recorded a secondary production which represents an uncharacteristic feature for this cultivar. The second production of strawberries was less quantitative than springtime production, but improved in some qualitative indicators, such as the taste and flavour. Another aspect of the autumnal production refers at the fruit size which was smaller than of strawberries collected in springtime and at the fruit shape which was irregular and the overall consideration highlights its lack of uniformity as regard the visual characteristics. The Premial strawberries were analysed and processed at the Institute “Horting”, Bucharest. The analysed bio-chemical indicators performed at fresh fruits were: dry matter, total carbohydrates, acidity, ascorbic acid, total phenols and anthocyanins. The strawberries were naturally dehydrated at 50°C, following two processing directions: dried fruits and powder. After dehydration, final humidity and weight reduction were calculated. The products obtained after dehydration were packed under vacuum in free BPA plastic bags and stored in accurate conditions. Values of the meteorological parameters were statistically processed in various regressions and graphs.

Keywords: convective dehydration, fruits processing, meteorological parameters, nutrients, organic cultivation, second fruiting, statistical processing.