'Ponkan' is one of the most produced tangerines in Brazil and very appreciated by Brazilian consumers. Having in view its acceptance, there is a concern in producing fruits of high quality. Among the factors that interfere with the quality of the fruits, we can mention, as an example, the solar radiation. This work had the aim of evaluating the physical and chemical characteristics of 'Ponkan' tangerine (Citrus reticulata Blanco), cultivated in the west of Paraná and harvested in two quadrants of the plant, one of higher solar incidence (east-west) and the other of lower incidence (north-south). The physical analyses were the weight of the fruit, peel, and segment, as well the transverse and longitudinal diameter. In the chemical assay we evaluated the pH, content of total soluble solids (TSS), total titratable acidity (TTA), TSS/TTA ratio and content of ascorbic acid. It was verified by the results obtained, that the fruits that grew at the quadrant east-west of the plants, where a higher solar incidence occurs, presented higher weight (212.86 g) and longitudinal diameter (74.42 mm) when compared to fruits of the quadrant of lower solar incidence (180.30 g and 67.75 mm, respectively). However, regarding the chemical characteristics, no difference was observed which could interfere with the flavor of the fruits.
solar incidence; Citrus reticulata; physical and chemical characteristics
