Qualidade da cebola influenciada pelo estádio de maturação da planta na colheita

Bulbs of varieties Texas Grano and Baia Periforme were harvested from plants with 10 % natural top plant collapse, 10 % induced top collapse and 50 % natural top collapse in the experimental field of Federal University of Vicosa, in 2006 . The following parameters were evaluated at harvest: total fresh mass, diameter, color (L*, a* and b*), dry matter content, total soluble solids, relative water content from the pulp and skin of the bulb. 'Texas Grano' had higher total fresh mass, diameter and total soluble solids for bulbs harvested at 10 and 50 % natural top collapse. Relative water content of the skin of 'Texas Grano' was higher for bulbs harvested with 10 % natural top collapse, which had higher water content. Bulbs harvested at 10 % natural top collapse and 10 % induced top collapse had higher L* values compared with 50 % natural top collapse, showing less color intensity for the skin. Lower values of b* for 'Texas Grano' skin in 10% natural top collapse results from less external yellowing. Plant maturity of 'Baia Periforme'did not affect total fresh mass, diameter, dry matter content, total soluble solids and a* and b* values. Thus 'Baia Periforme' has similar bulb size and quality regardless the maturity index used. 'Texas Grano' shows larger bulbs and yellowish and drier skin when harvested with 50 % natural top collapse.