Light is important in the production of phenolic compounds because key enzymes in phenolic biosynthesis are induced by light, and because products of photosynthesis are used in the synthesis of phenolic compounds. It is known that light intensity decreases with increasing depth in apple tree canopies. The objective of this experiment was to determine how leaf position on a limb affects the total foliar phenolic content. Leaves from `Stark Spur Supreme Red Delicious' on C6 and M26 rootstocks were collected on 28 July and 2 Aug. 1996. Each tree was divided into two sides, east and west. Each side was divided into 3 areas; exterior, middle, and interior. From each area, leaves were collected and PAR, SLW, assimilation, total N, and total phenolics were measured. Leaf position on a limb was a significant parameter for all of the measured variables. PAR, SLW, assimilation, total N, and total phenolics were highest in leaves at the exterior of the canopy. The total foliar phenolic content of the exterior canopy leaves was 20% higher than that found in the interior canopy leaves. There was a significant correlation between SLW and total phenolic content/cm2(r2 = 0.77; P < 0.05). Assimilation may be a limiting factor in phenolics production in apple trees because of the correlation between assimilation and total phenolic content/cm2 (r2=0.56, P < 0.05).
Prediction of Chlorophyll Content in Different Light Areas of Apple Tree Canopies based on the Color Characteristics of 3D Reconstruction
