Rootstock, Canopy Architecture, Bark Girdling, and Scoring Influence on Growth, Productivity, and Fruit Quality at Harvest in ‘Aztec Fuji’ Apple

The increasing scarcity of land and water for agriculture mandates an efficient use of these natural resources. Establishment of high-density orchards with the use of a size-controlling rootstock, in combination with a suitable canopy architecture, is an efficient method for fruit production. However, less attention has been paid to the use of size-controlling practices such as trunk girdling in these modern orchard systems. The impacts of two rootstocks, two tree architectures, and three levels of bark cambium cuts (girdling or scoring) on growth, yield, fruit quality attributes at harvest, and leaf nitrogen (N) in ‘Aztec Fuji’ apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) were studied in 2015 and 2016. Trees on Nic 29 had larger canopies, higher yields, and larger fruit, but lower fruit color, sunburn, and firmness than those on Bud 9. Trees with a tall spindle (TS) architecture had higher yield in 2016, higher fruit soluble solids and firmness in 2015, higher fruit russet in 2016, but shorter terminal growth in both 2015 and 2016 and lower leaf N in 2015 than did those with a central leader (CL) training system. Trees receiving a bark girdling in 2015 (BG15) or score girdling in 2015 and 2016 (SG1516) had significantly higher yield than trees on nongirdled trees (NOGD) in 2016. Bark girdling or score girdling in 2015 (BG15 or SG15) increased fruit weight (size), color, and firmness at harvest in the same year, although differences for score girdling were not always significant. However, BG15 or SG15 did not have a “carryover” effect and did not affect fruit size, color, or firmness at harvest in 2016. When bark scoring was repeated in 2016 (SG1516), fruit size was increased in 2016. On the basis of the results of this 2-year study, it appears that bark girdling in one year is sufficient to increase fruit size of the current year and the yield in the following year. If larger fruit size is the critical objective of fruit production, annual score girdling needs to be practiced. However, a further long-term study is needed to monitor the carryover effects of cambium girdling and scoring on tree performance and fruit quality attributes in the subsequent years.

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Evapotranspiration-based Irrigation Systems and Nitrogen Effects on Yield and Fruit Quality at Harvest in Fully Mature ‘Fuji’ Apple Trees over Four Years

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci12393-17 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 53 (1) ◽

pp. 38-43 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Esmaeil Fallahi ◽

Bahar Fallahi ◽

Michael J. Kiester

Keyword(s):

Fruit Quality ◽

Irrigation System ◽

Fruit Size ◽

Quality Attributes ◽

Irrigation Scheduling ◽

Soluble Solids ◽

Mature Trees ◽

Long Term Study ◽

Yield And Quality ◽

Fuji Apple

In a long-term study between 2008 and 2011, the use of crop evapotranspiration (ETc), when a precise crop coefficient value (Kc) was used, provided a reliable irrigation scheduling for determination of water requirement for ‘Autumn Rose Fuji’ apple (Malus ×domestica Borkh) fully mature trees. Water use, yield, and fruit quality attributes at harvest were examined under various irrigation and nitrogen (N) systems that were scheduled using ETc. Trees with a full sprinkler (FS) system received ≈39% to 41% more water than those with a full drip (FD) system during the period of 2008–11 growing seasons. On average, mature trees with an FS system received 5927.6 L (944 mm), whereas those with an FD system received 3610.3 L of water per tree (554.9 mm) per growing season over the period of 2008 through 2011. Fruit from trees with FS and FD were larger, whereas those with 50% FS were smaller than those from all other treatments. Trees with 50% FS treatment received a higher volume of water but had smaller fruit size than those with 50% FD or 65% FD. Averaging values over 4 years revealed that applications of any form of deficit irrigation (DI), either by microjet irrigation or drip, increased fruit soluble solids concentration (SSC) and firmness but decreased water core at harvest. Considering yield, and quality attributes in this study, a well-calculated ETc-based FD irrigation system is recommended over any other irrigation regime. If application of deficit water is mandated, application of 65% FD is preferred over 50% FS, as trees with 65% FD treatment received less water while had larger fruit than those of 50% FS. Trees receiving 80 g N/tree had lower fruit color and russet than those receiving 40 g N/tree. However, other yield and quality attributes were unaffected by the rate of N fertigation.

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Seasonal Applications of a Pyraclostrobin and Boscalid Mixture Do Not Impact Same-year Peach Fruit Quality Attributes

HortTechnology ◽

10.21273/horttech.18.4.678 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 18 (4) ◽

pp. 678-684 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

G. Schnabel ◽

C.H. Crisosto

Keyword(s):

South Carolina ◽

Fruit Quality ◽

Prunus Persica ◽

Fruit Size ◽

Quality Attributes ◽

Soluble Solids ◽

Deciduous Tree ◽

Tree Fruit ◽

Commercially Important ◽

Disease Pressure

Quinone outside inhibitor (QoI) fungicides can improve the yield and quality of cereal crops in the absence of disease pressure through the so called “greening effect,” but little is known about the potential beneficial effects on deciduous tree fruit crops. In a multiyear and multicultivar study carried out in South Carolina (2005 and 2006) and California (2006), we examined the potential influence of the QoI fungicide pyraclostrobin on antioxidant activity and commercially important peach (Prunus persica) fruit quality attributes, including fruit size, coloration, firmness, soluble solids concentration, and yield. Experimental orchards were sprayed according to commercial guidelines to manage insect pests and diseases. A pyraclostrobin + boscalid mixture was applied up to five times per season starting 1 week after the physiological stage of “shuck off” until 1 to 2 weeks before harvest. Fruit size was measured weekly between “shuck off” and harvest, whereas the other fruit quality attributes were determined at harvest. Results indicate no consistent impact of the pyraclostrobin + boscalid mixture on same-year fruit size development or other fruit quality attributes in orchards with no or very little disease pressure. To our knowledge, this is the first in-depth evaluation of the potential effects of a QoI fungicide on commercially important tree fruit quality attributes.

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Influence of Preharvest and Postharvest Applications of Glycine Betaine on Fruit Quality Attributes and Storage Disorders of ‘Lapins’ and ‘Regina’ Cherries

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci14188-19 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 54 (9) ◽

pp. 1540-1545 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Meng Li ◽

Huanhuan Zhi ◽

Yu Dong

Keyword(s):

Fruit Quality ◽

Glycine Betaine ◽

Skin Color ◽

Fruit Size ◽

Titratable Acidity ◽

Quality Attributes ◽

Soluble Solids ◽

Postharvest Treatment ◽

Application Frequency ◽

Storage Disorders

This study aimed to evaluate whether preharvest or postharvest application of glycine betaine (GB) has the potential to improve fruit quality [fruit firmness (FF), size, skin color, soluble solids content (SSC), and titratable acidity (TA)] and susceptibility to storage disorders (peduncle browning, pitting, and decay) in ‘Lapins’ or ‘Regina’ sweet cherries, and to determine whether factors such as application frequency or timing impacted the efficacy of GB spraying. Adding 2 or 4 g·L−1 GB to hydro-cooling water (0 °C) as postharvest treatment did not affect fruit size, skin color, SSC, TA, peduncle browning, or pitting development; however, it did result in fruit softening and a low incidence of decay. GB applied preharvest at 2 or 4 g·L−1 once at 1 week before harvest (1WBH) was more effective for retaining FF and less peduncle browning and pitting compared with postharvest treatment. Increasing the preharvest GB application frequency from one time (1WBH or pit hardening) to three times (pit hardening, straw color, and 1WBH) enhanced FF and TA levels and resulted in lower pitting. The reduction in fruit size was observed for ‘Regina’, but not for ‘Lapins’. Changes in the contents of phosphorous (P), potassium (K), and magnesium (Mg) were unaffected by GB at harvest, whereas three GB sprays increased the total nitrogen (N) content. Compared with ‘Lapins’, ‘Regina’ allowed more calcium (Ca) uptake by GB and ultimately had firmer flesh. In conclusion, three preharvest applications of 4 g·L−1 GB showed great potential to improve quality attributes, to reduce the susceptibility to storage disorders, and to increase the Ca content of ‘Regina’ cherries.

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In Pursuit of the Perfect Peach: Consumer-assisted Selection of Peach Fruit Traits

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci.50.8.1202 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 50 (8) ◽

pp. 1202-1212 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Mercy A. Olmstead ◽

Jessica L. Gilbert ◽

Thomas A. Colquhoun ◽

David G. Clark ◽

Robert Kluson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Fruit Quality ◽

Fruit Size ◽

The United States ◽

Quality Attributes ◽

Soluble Solids ◽

Peach Fruit ◽

Farmers Market ◽

Highly Correlated ◽

Texture Size ◽

Good Flavor

Despite production of the first domestically produced peach of the calendar year in the United States, the subtropical peach industry faces marketing challenges, particularly with small fruit size. Although important, size is only one aspect of fruit quality, and not inclusive of all possible fruit quality attributes. Thus, this research asked consumers to identify an “ideal” peach given a combination of possible peach fruit quality attributes to help determine their influence on consumer purchase. These attributes were verified with farmers’ market intercept studies. The top attributes that fostered purchase likelihood included flavor, texture, size, and firmness. Psychophysics studies showed that consumers preferred peaches that were sweet, juicy, round, with freestone or semifreestone characteristics, whereas consumers were less likely to purchase peaches with mealy, dry, or meaty textures. Young consumers (ages 18–24) preferred crisp, firm peaches with good flavor, whereas older consumers (ages 51–65) preferred sweet, melting-texture peaches. Farmers’ market intercept studies found consumers (ages 45–65) preferred melting-texture peaches with good flavor that led to increased overall liking. In addition, in the farmers’ market studies, aroma and flavor were important attributes and were highly correlated with overall liking. Objective measurements of total soluble solids (TSS) were not correlated with overall liking, indicating that although the nationwide experiment found consumers desired sweet peaches, other attributes may contribute more favorably to overall liking.

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Melatonin Treatment of Pomegranate Trees Increases Crop Yield and Quality Parameters at Harvest and during Storage

Agronomy ◽

10.3390/agronomy11050861 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (5) ◽

pp. 861

Author(s):

Jorge Medina-Santamarina ◽

María Serrano ◽

Jose M. Lorente-Mento ◽

María E. García-Pastor ◽

Pedro J. Zapata ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Crop Yield ◽

Fruit Quality ◽

Fruit Size ◽

Growth Cycle ◽

Quality Attributes ◽

Quality Parameters ◽

Soluble Solids ◽

Melatonin Treatment ◽

Weight Losses ◽

Developmental Growth

With the aim to study the effect of melatonin treatment of pomegranate trees on crop yield and fruit quality at harvest and during storage, two experiments were carried out in two consecutive years: 2017 and 2018. In the first year, trees were treated with melatonin (at 0.1 and 1 mM) along the developmental growth cycle and fruit quality parameters were evaluated at harvest and during storage at 10 °C for 90 days. Treatments with melatonin led to an increase of crop yield (number of fruits per tree and kg per tree), as well as higher fruit quality attributes, such as fruit size (diameter and weight), color, total soluble solids (TSS), and total acidity (TA), especially with the 0.1 mM dose. Then, in the second year, melatonin at 0.1 mM was selected for repeating the pre-harvest treatments with similar results in terms of crop yield and fruit quality parameters. During storage, pomegranate fruit treated with 0.1 mM melatonin maintained higher quality attributes than controls, such as TSS, TA, and firmness and lower weight losses were observed in fruit from treated trees, in both trials. In addition, the content of the major sugars (glucose and fructose) and organic acids (malic, succinic and ascorbic acid) were higher in melatonin-treated than in non-treated fruit. These results suggest that pre-harvest melatonin treatment could be a useful tool to increase pomegranate crop yield as well as fruit quality parameters at harvest and their maintenance during storage due to an effect of melatonin on reducing the postharvest ripening process.

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The effect of using grafted seedlings on the yield and quality of tomatoes grown in greenhouses

Horticultural Science ◽

10.17221/214/2016-hortsci ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 45 (No. 2) ◽

pp. 76-82 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Rodica Soare ◽

Maria Dinu ◽

Cristina Babeanu

Keyword(s):

Fruit Quality ◽

Vegetative Growth ◽

Morphological Characteristics ◽

Fruit Production ◽

Soluble Solids ◽

Average Weight ◽

Appreciable Effect ◽

Tomato Plants ◽

Production Characteristics

This study was aimed at observing the effect of the grafting of tomato plants on morphological (vegetative growth), production and nutritive characteristics (quantity and quality of production). For this purpose, the ‘Lorely F1’ cultivar was used as a scion grafted onto the ‘Beaufort’ rootstock. Plants were cultivated with a stem and two stems. The observations collected in this study were concerned with the characteristics of plant growth. The studied morphological characteristics were plant height, stem diameter and number of leaves, and the studied production characteristics were the characteristics of fructification and productivity (the average number of fruit per plant, the average weight of the fruit, production per plant). Particular attention was paid to the nutritional characteristics of the fruit, to the fruit quality (total soluble solids, total sugar, acidity, vitamin C, antioxidant activity (by the Trolox method) and the contents of lycopene and beta-carotene). The results showed that grafting positively influenced the growth and production characteristics. Grafting of tomato plants had an appreciable effect on the vegetative growth of the variant 2-grafted tomatoes with a stem. The best option in terms of productivity and production was the variant 3-grafted tomatoes with two stems, which yielded 9.2 kg per plant. Fruit quality was not improved in any of the grafted variants.

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Geneva® Series Rootstocks for Apple Trees Under Extreme Replanting Conditions in Southern Brazil

Frontiers in Plant Science ◽

10.3389/fpls.2021.712162 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Leo Rufato ◽

Pricila Santos da Silva ◽

Aike Anneliese Kretzschmar ◽

Amauri Bogo ◽

Tiago Afonso de Macedo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Fruit Quality ◽

Apple Tree ◽

Training System ◽

Soluble Solids ◽

Southern Brazil ◽

Yield Efficiency ◽

The Third ◽

Promote Plant Growth ◽

Allelopathic Effects ◽

Relative Differences

Geneva® rootstocks in Brazil are known to be efficient in controlling vigor, and are precocious and resistant to diseases. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of apple tree cultivars grafted on the Geneva® rootstocks in severe replant disease areas, by planting 60 days after the eradication. The experiments were implemented in 2017, in São Joaquim and Vacaria. The Gala Select and Fuji Suprema cultivars were grafted onto ‘G.202’, ‘G.814’, ‘G.210’, and ‘G.213’ rootstocks in the Tall Spindle training system. In 2018/2019, total thinning was carried out to promote plant growth. In São Joaquim, partial thinning was carried out in 2019/2020 harvest of ‘Gala Select’. The rootstocks were divided into two groups based on vigor, for both areas and cultivars. ‘G.202’ and ‘G.213’ were 40% less vigorous than ‘G.210’ and ‘G.814’. For ‘Gala Select’, the extreme non-fallow condition mainly affected the vigor and productivity of ‘G.213’ in both areas. At the end of two harvests, ‘G.213’ was 17% less productive than ‘G.210’, contrary to what is observed in areas where the fallow period is respected. However, ‘G.213’ confirmed a greater yield efficiency, which was 27% higher than ‘G.210’. This suggests that a perspective of forecasting production for the third crop is higher for ‘G.213’ than for ‘G.210’. In the case of ‘Fuji Suprema’, the G.210 rootstock was the most productive in both areas. In São Joaquim, ‘G.202’ matched ‘G.210’ in productivity and efficiency as it sprouts better in colder regions. Considering the fruit quality, ‘G.213’ anticipated the maturation with fruits of larger size and higher total soluble solids (TSS) in both areas and cultivars, making it possible to anticipate the harvest. It was concluded that the non-fallow condition does not alter the relative differences in vigor and fruit quality among the rootstocks. However, notwithstanding the overall replant tolerance of these rootstocks, it does reduce productivity by mainly affecting less vigorous rootstocks that need about three crops to overcome the allelopathic effects of the soil and start growing normally. The G.210 semi-dwarfing rootstock is an alternative for the immediate conversion of apple orchards of Gala Select and Fuji Suprema cultivars in southern Brazil.

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Effects of Rootstock, Tree Density and Training System on Early Growth, Yield and Fruit Quality of Blush Pear

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci16146-21 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Lexie McClymont ◽

Ian Goodwin ◽

Desmond Whitfield ◽

Mark O’Connell ◽

Susanna Turpin

Keyword(s):

Fruit Quality ◽

Vegetative Growth ◽

Fruit Size ◽

Growth Yield ◽

Substantial Effect ◽

Training System ◽

Tree Density ◽

High Density ◽

Marketable Yield ◽

And Training

Vegetative growth, orchard productivity, fruit quality and marketable yield were evaluated for rootstock (D6, BP1 and Quince A), tree density (741–4444 trees/ha), and training system (Open Tatura trellis, two-dimensional vertical and three-dimensional traditional) effects on young trees of the blush pear cultivar ‘ANP-0131’. ‘ANP-0131’ is a vigorous scion and vegetative growth, precocity, and yield were influenced by the selected rootstocks. Tree density and training system treatments exerted a substantial effect on canopy radiation interception while increasing tree density improved yield. Increasing tree density from 2222 (high density) to 4444 (ultra-high density) trees/ha did not improve cumulative yield. Crop load affected fruit size, such that “marketable” yield (yield of fruit weighing between 150 and 260 g) was greatest for trees on D6 rootstock and trained to Open Tatura trellis at high and ultra-high densities.

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Interaction of Irrigation and Soil Management on Sweet Cherry Productivity and Fruit Quality at Different Crop Loads that Simulate Those Occurring by Environmental Extremes

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci.49.2.215 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 49 (2) ◽

pp. 215-220 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Gerry H. Neilsen ◽

Denise Neilsen ◽

Frank Kappel ◽

T. Forge

Keyword(s):

Fruit Quality ◽

Sweet Cherry ◽

Prunus Avium ◽

Fruit Size ◽

Growth Yield ◽

Soil Management ◽

Cold Climate ◽

Soluble Solids ◽

Irrigation Frequency ◽

Cross Sectional

‘Cristalina’ and ‘Skeena’ sweet cherry cultivars (Prunus avium L.) on Gisela 6 (Prunus cerasus × Prunus canescens) rootstock planted in 2005 were maintained since 2006 in a randomly blocked split-split plot experimental design with six blocks of two irrigation frequency main plot treatments within which two cultivar subplots and three soil management sub-subplots were randomly applied. The focus of this study was the growth, yield, and fruit quality response of sweet cherry to water and soil management over three successive fruiting seasons, 2009–11, in a cold climate production area. The final 2 years of the study period were characterized by cool, wet springs resulting in low yield and yield efficiency across all treatments. Soil moisture content (0- to 20-cm depth) during the growing season was often higher in soils that received high-frequency irrigation (HFI) compared with low-frequency irrigation (LFI). HFI and LFI received the same amount of water, but water was applied four times daily in the HFI treatment but every other day in the LFI treatment. Consequently, larger trunk cross-sectional area (TCSA) and higher yield were found on HFI compared with LFI trees. Soil management strategies involving annual bloom time phosphorus (P) fertigation and wood waste mulching did not affect tree vigor and yield. Increased soluble solids concentration (SSC) occurred with LFI. Decreased SSC occurred with delayed harvest maturity in trees receiving P fertigation at bloom. The largest fruit size was correlated for both cultivars with low crop loads ranging from 100 to 200 g fruit/cm2 TCSA. Overall cool, wet spring weather strongly affected annual yield and fruit quality, often overriding cultivar and soil and water management effects.

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Aloe vera Bio-Extract Coating Results Better Shelf Life and Fruit Quality Attributes in Pomegranate

Current Journal of Applied Science and Technology ◽

10.9734/cjast/2019/v35i330183 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 1-9

Author(s):

Suchismita Jena ◽

Ramesh K. Goyal ◽

Anil K. Godhara ◽

Abhilash Mishra

Keyword(s):

Ascorbic Acid ◽

Shelf Life ◽

Fruit Quality ◽

Untreated Control ◽

Aloe Vera ◽

Storage Period ◽

Quality Attributes ◽

Soluble Solids ◽

Acid Ratio ◽

Juice Content

Aims: To evaluate the potentiality of bio-extract coatings for achieving extended shelf life with enhance fruit quality attributes in pomegranate under ambient storage condition. Study Design: The lab experiment conducted in complete randomized design with three repetitions on Mridula cultivar of pomegranate. Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted during September 2016 at department of fruit science, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana, India. Methodology: Pomegranate freshly harvested fruits were coated with three bio-extracts coatings viz. Aloe vera (50,75 and 100%), ginger (1,2 and 3%) and mints (10,20 and 30%). The coated fruits were stored at ambient room condition in corrugated fiber board boxes for twelve days. Periodically effects of bio-extract coatings, storage period and their interaction were observed for physiological loss in weight, decay loss, juice content, TSS: acid ratio, ascorbic acid content and anthocyanin content. Results: Surface coating with Aloe vera extract 100% was found most effective in reducing physiological loss in weight (50% less reduction as compared to untreated control) whereas ginger extract 3% in reducing the decay loss of fruits (9.65%) as compared to untreated control (23.36%). Among various treatments, the coating of pomegranate fruits with Aloe vera extract 100% resulted in lowest total soluble solids to acid ratio (32.17%) and significantly highest content of juice (47.17%), anthocyanin (13.98 mg/100 g) and ascorbic acid (12.82 mg/100 g) of the fruits along with highest organoleptic rating. The quality attributes viz. total soluble solids to acid ratio, anthocyanin of fruits increased with progression of storage period, while juice content and ascorbic acid decreased. Conclusion: Bio-extract coating of Aloe vera (100%) substantially improved the shelf life with retaining better fruit quality attributes under ambient conditions and has the potential to substitute the prevalent chemical coatings for pomegranate.

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