Question

Superficial rind pitting
(A) It is a physiological disorder causing serious damage to Shamouti orange
(B) The majority of the symptoms develop 3-5 weeks after harvest
(C) Ethylene increases the incidence
(D) Storage at 5\(^\circ\)C increase the incidence
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. (A), (B) and (D) only.
• B. (A) and (D) only.
• C. (A), (B) and (C). only
  % Chosen option is 3
• D. (B), (C) and (D) only.

Hint:

Superficial rind pitting in citrus:
(A) Is a physiological disorder, affects Shamouti. (True)
(B) Symptoms often develop post-harvest during storage. (True)
(C) Ethylene can worsen it. (True)
(D) Storage at a specific low temperature (like 5\(^\circ\)C) can induce chilling injury/pitting if it's below the fruit's tolerance, but this temperature isn't always an "increase" factor; it's about optimal vs. chilling temperatures.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Rind pitting is a physiological (non-pathogenic) storage disorder, seriously affecting Shamouti orange, so (A) is true.
Step 2: Symptoms usually appear weeks into storage, not immediately, so (B) is true.
Step 3: Ethylene exposure worsens the disorder, so (C) is true.
Step 4: 5\(^\circ\)C is a standard safe storage temperature for many citrus, not a cause of increased pitting, so (D) is false. The correct answer is (A), (B) and (C) only.