Evaluation of the effect of growing area and different directions of tree on physiological browning and some morphological traits of fruits in plum (Prunus saliciana cv. Shablon(

Plum flesh browning is one of the most important disorders in Golestan. This research is aimed to evaluate the effects of climatic conditions on this disorder and other physiochemical traits of the fruit. The evaluation was done using a randomized complete block in a nested design with three replications. The influence of different regions (Azad Shahr, Bandar Gaz, Ghonbad, and AghGhala) on total fruit number, yield, and the percentage of disorder were significant. Results demonstrated that the most fruit number and yield belonged to Bandar Gaz while Azad Shahr had the lowest levels of these attributes. In addition, the highest disorder percentage was registered in Bandar Gaz, whereas no disorder was observed in Ghonbad and Agh Ghala. Data analysis in infected regions (Azad Ahahr and Bandar Gaz) revealed that region had a significant effect on some physical traits of fruits. Furthermore, the effect of type of fruit in region was significant on all chemical traits. Comparison of means showed that the highest fruit length, fruit diameter, stone weight, and stone length belonged to normal fruits of Azad Shahr. The highest soluble solid content was recorded in normal fruits of southwestern Bandar Gaz and the lowest soluble solid content was seen in normal fruits of northwestern Azad Shahr. Physical traits of fruits (weight, length, diameter, and the ratio of length to diameter) showed a significant correlation with physical traits of stone (length, diameter, the ratio of length to diameter, and stone thickness), and the weight of fruit flesh. Among physical traits, fruit weight, fruit length, fruit diameter, stone width, and stone thickness, and among chemical traits only total acidity had a significant relationship with pH.