CHARACTERS OF THE ENDOCARP (STONE)
These are evaluated in the afore-mentioned sample of 40 fruits. The endocarp is the internal, woody part of the fruit that encloses the seed. Usually the word stone refers to the endocarp and seed together. As in the case of the fruit, some characters also refer to two positions. Position "A" is normally the position of maximum asymmetry and is that in which the carpel suture faces the observer. Position "B" is reached by turning 90o from position “A” in such a way as to present the most developed part to the observer.
Except for the first character, all the other endocarp characters are highly discriminatory in identifying varieties.
5.1. - Weight:
(See geographical location of the collection and growing conditions)
1. Low (< 0.3 g)
2. Medium (0.3-0.45 g)
3. High (0.45-0.7 g)
4. Very high (> 0.7 g)
(*) 5.2. - Shape (position A): Determined from the ratio between the length (L) and width (W):
1. Spherical (L/W < 1.4)
2. Ovoid (L/W 1.4-1.8)
3. Elliptic (L/W 1.8-2.2)
4. Elongated (L/W > 2.2) |
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1 2 3 4 |
(*) 5.3. - Symmetry (position A): Determined from the extent to which the two longitudinal halves match:
1. Symmetric
2. Slightly asymmetric
3. Asymmetric |
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1 2 3 |
(*) 5.4. - Symmetry (position B):
1. Symmetric
2. Slightly asymmetric |
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1 2 |
(*) 5.5. - Position of maximum transverse diameter (position B) : According to its location it can be:
1. Towards base
2. Central
3. Towards apex |
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1 2 |
3
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(*) 5.6. - Apex (position A):
1. Pointed
2. Rounded |
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1 2 |
(*) 5.7. - Base (position A):
1. Truncate
2. Pointed
3. Rounded |
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1 2 |
3 |
(*) 5.8. - Surface (position B): According to the depth and abundance of the fibrovascular bundles:
1. Smooth
2. Rugose
3. Scabrous |
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1 2 3 |
(*) 5.9. - Number of grooves: According to the number of grooves that can be seen from the stalk insertion point:
1. Low (< 7)
2. Medium (7-10)
3. High (> 10) |
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(*) 5.10. - Distribution of the grooves:
1. Regular
2. Grouped around the suture |
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1 2 |
(*) 5.11. - Termination of the apex (position A):
1. Without mucro
2. With mucro |
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1 2 |
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