Irrigation and harvest time affect almond kernel quality and composition

The effect of irrigation and harvest time was studied with respect to almond kernel quality with two almond cultivars. Kernel quality analyses included kernel weight, moisture content, kernel oil quality and composition, and sugar content and composition. 'Ferragnes' kernels had similar oil content and quality but higher oleic acid content than 'Texas' almonds. Various differences were also found in sugar content and composition between the two cultivars. Irrigation delayed almond maturation, had no effect on oil and sugar content, but improved oil composition with higher oleic acid content and sugar composition with higher sucrose content compared to dry-grown almonds. Late harvested almonds contained more dry matter per kernel, higher oil content but of lower quality, based on the UV absorption coefficients and oil composition, and higher sugar content mainly due to further sucrose accumulation compared to early harvested almonds. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.