scholarly journals Use of Maturity Indices for Predicting Poststorage Firmness of `Fuji' Apples

HortScience ◽  
1997 ◽  
Vol 32 (5) ◽  
pp. 909-910 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sylvia M. Blankenship ◽  
Michael Parker ◽  
C. Richard Unrath

`Fuji' apples (Malus domestica Borkh.) were harvested at three maturities for three consecutive seasons. Fruit firmness, soluble solids concentration, starch—iodine index (SI), and internal ethylene concentration were measured at harvest. Fruit were stored in 0 °C air storage for 8 months. Fruit firmness and other maturity indices were measured monthly during storage. Using a stepwise regression procedure, harvest maturity indices were used to predict firmness after air storage. When all maturity indices measured were represented in the model, R2 = 0.29, 0.34, and 0.26 at 4, 6, and 8 months, respectively. Use of only SI and fruit firmness in the model gave R2 values of 0.25, 0.29, and 0.24 for 4, 6, and 8 months, respectively. Although R2 values were low, they were highly significant. The model using fruit firmness and SI resulted in the best fit. Thus, an equation was developed using months of air storage, firmness, and SI at harvest. Actual firmness values correlated fairly well with predicted firmness values, usually within ≈5 N. On Washington apples, predicted values were 4.3 and 3.7 N too low compared to actual firmness values after 3 or 5 months' storage. In 1993, when predicted and actual firmness values were compared for Pennsylvania apples, predicted values ranged from 2.6 to 8.3 N too high after 3 months' storage, depending on harvest date. In 1994, Pennsylvania fruit stored 4 months had predicted values 0.5 N too high to 6.3 N too low, depending on harvest date. It may be possible to develop and refine models for an apple variety that would be applicable to several regions.

1992 ◽  
Vol 72 (3) ◽  
pp. 863-869 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Kempler ◽  
J. T. Kabaluk ◽  
P. M. A. Toivonen

Kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa var. deliciosa ’Hayward’ (A. Chev.) C. F. Liang et A. R. Ferguson) were harvested periodically from 10 Oct. to 21 Dec, 1990 to monitor "on-the-vine" ripening in three environments (field; greenhouse, covered for the full season; greenhouse, covered until pollination and then uncovered). Fruits were also placed in 1 °C, 97% RH storage on 19 Oct., 22 Oct., 25 Oct., and 3 Nov. and sampled periodically to monitor their "in storage" ripening. Field-grown fruit remained firmer than greenhouse-grown fruit (both treatments) on the vine, and in storage for about 7 weeks following harvest. There was little difference in the harvest maturity date of fruits from the three growing environments. In storage, fruits showed no differences in soluble solids content (SSC), and tissue deterioration (as measured with firmness and chlorophyll fluorescence) due to growing environments. The peak SSC values attained by fruits harvested prior to reaching a SSC of 6.2% were significantly lower than for fruits harvested after the SSC had reached or surpassed 6.2%. Later-harvested fruits remained firmer in storage than those harvested earlier. Changes in the fruits’ SSC and firmness were similar whether on the vine or in storage; however, fluorescence decline was more rapid in storage.Key words: Actinidia deliciosa, soluble solids content, fruit firmness, post harvest, chloroplast, temperature


HortScience ◽  
1996 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 694f-695
Author(s):  
Ross E. Byers

AVG applied 2 to 6 weeks before the optimum harvest date for several cultivars dramatically reduced pre-harvest fruit drop. The loss of fruit firmness and starch loss after the optimum harvest date was reduced by AVG sprays. The development of watercore in `Starkrimson Delicious' and `York' and maturity cracking in `Rome' and `Golden Delicious' were delayed and/or prevented by AVG. Color development was slightly delayed for most red cultivars and `Golden Delicious'. Soluble solids concentration was generally unchanged. Airblast applications of 123 g·ha–1 AVG was no more effective than a standard rate of NAA (28 to 56 g·ha–1), but rates of 248 g·ha–1 AVG and above were more effective than NAA for most cultivars. When fruit were left on the tree for periods of 3 to 5 weeks after the optimum harvest date, NAA hastened the loss of fruit firmness and starch and NAA increased watercore of `Delicious' and maturity cracking of `Golden Delicious' and `Law Rome'. Soluble solids and red color were generally unaffected by NAA. Ethephon sprays hastened the rate of fruit drop. When NAA was tank mixed with ethephon, NAA delayed fruit drop caused by ethephon, but AVG did not. The use of superior oil or Regulaid surfactant did not affect NAA or AVG responses; however, the silicone surfactant Silwet L-77, in one experiment, promoted the effectiveness of AVG. Tank mixing NAA or AVG with pesticides (Guthion + Lannate + Captan) did not affect the responses of AVG or NAA on fruit drop.


HortScience ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 41 (7) ◽  
pp. 1606-1611 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin J. Bukovac ◽  
Paolo Sabbatini ◽  
Philip G. Schwallier

The effect of ethephon on flowering and cropping of strongly alternate bearing spur-type `Delicious' apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) was evaluated in a 6-year study. Ethephon (200 mg·L–1), applied at 3, 3 + 6, and 3 + 6 + 9 weeks after full bloom in “on years,” increased flowering in “off years” by 33% and reduced flowering in “on years” by 17% compared with the control. The mean yield per tree for ethephon-treated trees over three “on years” and three “off years” was almost identical to that of the controls (82 vs. 80 kg/tree). However, the distribution of yield between “on” and “off” years was changed, 24% greater in “off years” and 10% less in “on years.” Ethephon reduced both the variation in yield, particularly in “off years,” and the magnitude of alternation. Ethephon had a direct effect on flower initiation because 1) it did not reduce shoot growth or yield in the “on years” (years of ethephon application) and 2) ethephon-treated trees initiated more flowers per kilogram of fruit produced than did the controls. The additional flowers initiated were functional because the amount of fruit produced per unit bloom density did not differ between control and ethephon-treated trees. Harvest maturity indices, namely internal ethylene concentration, firmness, starch index, soluble solids, and color, were not significantly affected, although internal ethylene concentration and starch index tended to be higher in fruit from treated trees.


1990 ◽  
Vol 115 (3) ◽  
pp. 430-434 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.P. Medlicott ◽  
J.M.M. Sigrist ◽  
O. Sy

The effects of harvest maturity of mangos (Mangifera indica L.) on storage tinder various low-temperature regimes and the influence of storage on quality development during subsequent ripening at higher temperatures were investigated. The capacity for storage of mango fruit depended on harvest maturity, storage temperature, and the time of harvest within the season. Development of peel and pulp color, soluble solids concentration, pH, and softening in `Amelie', `Tommy Atkins', and `Keitt' mangos occurred progressively during storage for up to 21 days at 12C. Based on the level of ripening change that occurred during 12C storage, immature fruit showed superior storage capacity than fruit harvested at more-advanced stages of physiological maturity. On transfer to ripening temperatures (25C); however, immature fruit failed to develop full ripeness characteristics. Mature and half-mature fruit underwent limited ripening during storage at 12C, the extent of which increased with progressive harvests during the season. Ripening changes during storage for 21 days were less at 8 and 10C than at 12C. Chilling injury, as indicated by inhibition of ripening, was found at all harvest stored at 8C, and in early season harvests stored at 10C. Fruit from mid- and late-season harvests stored better at 10 than at 12C, with no apparent signs of chilling injury. Flavor of mangos ripened after low-temperature storage was less acceptable than of those ripened immediately after harvest. Suggestions are made for maximizing storage potential by controlling harvest maturity and storage temperature for progressive harvests throughout the season.


HortScience ◽  
1992 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 592a-592
Author(s):  
V.E. Emongor ◽  
D.P. Murr ◽  
J.T.A Proctor ◽  
E.C. Lougheed

Field trials at Cambridge Research Station, Ontario, Canada, studied the thinning effect of benzyladenine (BA) on eighteen-year-old “Empire” apple trees. At 16 days after full bloom (fruit diameter 12.87 mm) whole trees were hand sprayed to drip point with BA (0, 100, or 200 mg.1-1). Untreated control trees were compared with treated and hand thinned trees. BA significantly reduced crop load on “Empire”. The thinning response to BA was linear, with recommended thinning occurring at 200 mg.1-1. At harvest, fruit weight, size (diameter and length), flesh firmness and soluble solids concentration, chlorophyll and anthocyanin contents, and seed number were increased by BA treatments. BA had no effect on fruit L:D ratio, internal ethylene concentration, maturity, and the onset of the respiratory climacteric, but significantly reduced respiration at harvest. BA also reduced ethylene production and ACC content at harvest, though the reduction was not significant. Although firmness of BA-treated fruit was significantly higher at harvest, upon storage for 1 month at 0-0.5°C and 90-95% RH the firmness advantage was lost BA shows potential as a thinner of “Empire” apple and has advantage of increasing fruit weight and size, since “Empire” is a relatively small apple compared to other commercial cultivars.


HortScience ◽  
1994 ◽  
Vol 29 (5) ◽  
pp. 533c-533 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. J. Makus ◽  
J. R. Morris

Supplemental calcium supplied foliariy as Ca glutarate, soil incorporated as gypsum, fertigated as CaNO3, in 3-way combination, or none at all, had no effect on fruit firmness, as measured by shear, reduced fruit decay by as much as 23%. over controls (1986-1988), and generally improved fruit Ca levels only in the combination treatment of 904 kg/ha. Fruit raw product quality (pulp pH, acidity, soluble solids concentration, and Hunter color values) were not consistently affected, although there were significant interactions between cvs Fern and Cardinal, harvest dates, holding time, and years. Supplemental Ca reduced fruit size, but tended to increase yield. In 1988, individual fruits were partitioned into upper/lower, dermal/interior, and upper/lower seeds (6 parts), Ca was the third most abundant mineral nutrient in receptacle tissue, but most abundant in seeds. Highest Ca levels were found (descendingly) in the seed, dermal, and interior pulp tissue, Ca was higher in the upper (stem) end. Differences in fruit Ca levels between cvs were found in the seeds and not the receptacle. No clear relationship was observed between fruit firmness, decay, and Ca level.


HortScience ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 40 (7) ◽  
pp. 2102-2108 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.R. Drake ◽  
T.A. Eisele ◽  
M.A. Drake ◽  
D.C. Elfving ◽  
S.L. Drake ◽  
...  

This study was conducted over three crop seasons using 'Delicious' (Scarletspur strain) apple trees on MM.111 rootstock. The bioregulators aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG) and ethephon (ETH) were applied alone or in combinations at various time intervals before harvest. Fruit response to bioregulators was evaluated at harvest and after storage. AVG applied 4 weeks before first harvest retarded starch loss at harvest, retained greater firmness, and reduced internal ethylene concentration and watercore of fruit at harvest and after both regular and controlled atmosphere storage. AVG did not influence peel color (hue values), but the flesh color of treated apples was more green. AVG in all instances tended to reduce the sensory scores for apples and apple juice. In contrast, ETH enhanced starch hydrolysis, flesh color development (green to more yellow), and soluble solids concentration while reducing titratable acidity levels. ETH had no influence on fruit firmness at harvest, but reduced firmness levels after storage in an inverse relationship to the concentration applied. Sensory values for whole apples were not influenced by ETH treatment, but ETH improved sensory preference for apple juice, particularly at early harvest. Applying AVG before ETH enhanced soluble solids and sensory scores for both fruit and juice. Treating with AVG followed by ETH at 150 mg·L–1 permitted the maintenance of satisfactory firmness values (>53.4 N) after long-term storage along with better quality and sensory perceptions. Using specific combinations of both AVG and ETH permitted ETH-mediated improvements in objective and perceived fruit quality to be obtained without the losses in flesh firmness and storability due to uncontrolled ethylene evolution and ripening typically observed when ETH is applied alone preharvest.


2002 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 640-645 ◽  
Author(s):  
Desmond R. Layne ◽  
Zhengwang Jiang ◽  
James W. Rushing

Replicated trials were conducted in Summers 1998 and 1999 at two commercial orchards (A and B) to determine the influence of a metalized, high density polyethylene reflective film (SonocoRF) and aminoethoxyvinylglycine (ReTain), on fruit red skin coloration and maturity of `Gala' apples (Malus sylvestris var. domestica). There were four experimental treatments: 1) nontreated control; 2) reflective film (RF); 3) ReTain; and 4) RF + ReTain. RF was applied 4 weeks before anticipated start of harvest by laying a 5-ft-wide (150-cm) strip on each side of the tree row in the row middle. ReTain was applied 4 weeks before harvest at the commercial rate in one orchard and at 60% of the commercial rate in a second test. ReTain delayed fruit maturity. Fruit from RF trees had a significantly greater percent surface red color than fruit from trees not treated with RF. Fruit from RF + ReTain were significantly redder and had higher soluble solids concentration (SSC) than fruit from trees treated with ReTain alone. There were no differences in size, fruit firmness or starch content between fruit from RF and RF + Retain. RF appears to be a method to increase red skin coloration in `Gala' apples treated with ReTain without adversely impacting maturity.


HortScience ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 521A-521
Author(s):  
G.H. Reginato ◽  
L.E. Luchsinger

Our objectives were to characterize the quality and maturity changes of peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch.] fruit cvs. O'Henry and Nos 21 during maturation and ripening and to identify harvest maturity indices by relating nondestructive and destructive variables. After fruit set, 400 fruit of similar diameter and tree position were tagged to follow maturation and ripening on the tree. During commercial harvest, 48 fruit were ramdomly harvested every 4 to 6 days. Ethylene evolution rate (EER) at 20 °C, fresh weight, and peel ground and cover color (L*, a*, b*, C* and Hue value) were measured to all 48 fruit. Flesh color, firmness at several fruit points, soluble solids (SS), pH, titratable acidity (TA), and SS/TA ratio were measured only to 24 fruit, and the rest were held for up to 7 days at 20 °C as a ripening period to measure the same characteristics previously mentioned. Pearson correlation coefficients were determined between variables to explore possible harvest maturity indices. The most significant changes occurred in EER and ground color (a* value) for both varieties and fresh weight only for cv. O'Henry. For `O'Henry' peaches the highest correlation (P < 0.001) was obtained between EER-suture firmness (r = -0.61). For cv. Nos 21 the highest correlation was between EER-shoulder firmness (r = -0.69). It was also found that fruit softening occurred mainly in the fruit shoulder for both cultivars. Therefore, no harvest maturity indices could be established for these cultivars.


1990 ◽  
Vol 115 (3) ◽  
pp. 426-430 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.P. Medlicott ◽  
Mayé N'Diaye ◽  
J.M.M. Sigrist

The effects of acetylene at 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, or 1.6 ml·liter-1 and exposures of 4, 8, 12, or 24 hours on ripening initiation In mangos (Mangifera indica L.) harvested at three stages of maturity were investigated: Ripeness was assessed before and after treatment in `Tommy Atkins', `Ruby', and `Amelie' mangos by analysis of texture, peel, and pulp color development, soluble solids concentration, and pH. The initiation of ripening depended on the acetylene concentration, exposure time to acetylene, the physiological maturity of the fruit at harvest, and on the cultivar. Changes that can occur during ripening bad different sensitivities to acetylene gas. Acetylene treatment of 0.1 or 0.2 ml·liter-1 for 24 hours at 25C initiated softening, but had no effect on the other ripening processes measured. All the ripening changes measured were initiated with a 24-hour exposure to 0.4 ml·liter-1 in `Tommy Atkins', while 0.8 ml·liter-l was required with `Ruby' mangos. There was an interaction between gas concentration and exposure time taken to Initiate ripening. The 0.8 ml·liter-1 acetylene treatment required 24 hours to initiate full ripening, while 8 hours were required with 1.6 ml·liter-l acetylene and 1.0 ml·liter-1 ethylene. Mature and half-mature fruit showed a similar response to gas treatments; immature fruit failed to show full ripening initiation, although softening and peel color development were enhanced.


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