Bunch physical analysis.

Abstract Fresh fruit bunches harvested from the field should be transferred to the physical analysis laboratory as soon as possible to determine: bunch sample weight; the fruit type (Dura, Tenera and Pisifera); stalk weight; total number of spikelets in the bunch; percentage of fertile fruits in the bunch (F/B); number of parthenocarpic fruits in the bunch; number of under-developed fruits in the bunch; fruit set (FS); fruit weight (FWT); percentage of mesocarp in the fruits (M/F); and percentage of mesocarp in the fruit check (M/FC). Spikelets are separated from the stalk (after an overnight fermentation process with ethephon solution) by chopping with an axe. A random sample of spikelets (according to bunch weight) is taken, from which fruits are removed. The separated fruits are classified as either fertile, parthenocarpic or under-developed. A random sample of 30 fertile fruits without any bruising or damage is then taken for nut and oil analysis. But first the fruits should be scraped to clean off the mesocarp from the nut. The data required for calculating various parameters are recorded: fruit type; bunch weight; stalk weight; spikelet number; spikelet sample weight; fruit sample weight; 30 fruit sample weight; wet (fresh) mesocarp weight; and number of nuts.