Relationship between Midseason Resistance to Chilling Injury and Reducing Sugar Level in Grapefruit Peel1

Abstract

Abstract Resistance of ‘Marsh’ grapefruit ( Citrus paradisi Macf.) to chilling injury (CI) at 4.4°C was highest during February–March, 1978 in Florida, Reducing sugar levels correlated better with resistance to CI than did total soluble carbohydrates or peel color. High levels of reducing sugars in grapefruit peel are considered to indicate greater resistance to CI and reducing sugars possibly play a significant role in promoting CI resistance of grapefruit peel at midseason (February–March in Florida).