scholarly journals The Influence of Reflective Film and ReTain on Red Skin Coloration and Maturity of `Gala' Apples

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.

2001 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 234-242 ◽  
Author(s):  
Desmond R. Layne ◽  
Zhengwang Jiang ◽  
James W. Rushing

Replicated trials were conducted during the summers of 1998 and 1999 at commercial orchards in South Carolina to determine the influence of ground application of a metalized, high density polyethylene reflective film on fruit red skin color and maturity of peach (Prunus persica) cultivars that historically have poor red coloration. At each site there were two experimental treatments: 1) control and 2) reflective film (film). Film was applied 2 to 4 weeks before anticipated first harvest date by laying a 150-cm (5-ft) wide strip of plastic on either side of the tree row in the middles. Treatment areas at a given farm ranged from 0.25 to 0.5 ha (0.5 to 1.0 acre) in size and each treatment was replicated four times at each site. At harvest, two 50-fruit samples were picked from each plot per treatment. All fruit were sized and visually sorted for color (1 = 0% to 25%, 2 = 26% to 50%, 3 = 51% to 75%, and 4 = 76% to 100% red surface, respectively). A 10-fruit subsample was selected following color sorting and evaluated for firmness and soluble solids concentration (SSC). All cultivars tested (`CVN1', `Loring', `Bounty', `Summer Gold', `Sunprince', `Cresthaven' and `Encore') experienced significant increases in percent red surface when film was used in 1998 and 1999. This color improvement ranged from 16% to 44% (mean = 28%). On average, fruit from film were 4.2 N (0.9 lb force) softer and had 0.3% higher SSC than control fruit. Growers harvested more fruit earlier and in fewer harvests for film. Fruit size was not affected by film. Reflected solar radiation from film was not different in quality than incident sunlight. Film resulted in an increase in canopy air temperature and a reduction in canopy relative humidity during daylight hours.


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.


1999 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-53 ◽  
Author(s):  
Craig Kallsen

Previous research has shown that nitrogen fertilization rates may influence fruit quality characteristics of navel oranges [(Citrus sinensis) (L.) Osbeck]. The objective of this study was to determine, for equal seasonal N applications, if the timing of the last seasonal nitrogen fertigation promotes early fruit maturity or affects fruit size. The study consisted of four treatments with the total seasonal allocation of nitrogen fertilizer applied by ≈1 May, 1 June, 1 July, and 1 Aug. in an experimental site in a commercial orange grove in the southern San Joaquin Valley of California. The source of nitrogen was a liquid calcium ammonium nitrate injected through the irrigation system. No significant treatment differences in soluble solids concentration, titratable acidity, the ratio of soluble solids concentration to titratable acidity, percent juice, fruit color and fruit diameter were detected in fruit sampled in October. Similarly, in September, no significant differences in leaf nitrogen were found among treatments. These results do not support the hypothesis that applying the total seasonal application of nitrogen early in the season results in earlier orange maturity or larger fruit size, at least not for trees that have leaf N in the optimum range.


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 ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 496A-496
Author(s):  
Desmond R. Layne ◽  
Zhengwang Jiang ◽  
James W. Rushing

Replicated trials were conducted in summers of 1998 and 1999 at several commercial orchards to determine the influence of a metalized, high-density polyethylene reflective film (SonocoRF, Sonoco Products Co., Hartsville, S.C.) on fruit red skin color and maturity of peach cultivars that historically have poor red coloration in South Carolina. At each site there were two experimental treatments: i) Control; and ii) Reflective Film (RF). RF was laid 2 to 4 weeks before anticipated first pick date by laying a 5-ft-wide strip of plastic on either side of the tree row in the middles. Treatment blocks at a given farm ranged from 0.5 to 1 acre in size and each treatment was replicated four times at each site. At harvest, two 50-fruit samples were picked from each block per treatment. All fruit were sized and visually sorted for color (1 = 0% to 25%, 2 = 26% to 50%, 3 = 51% to 75%, and 4 = 76% to 100% red surface, respectively). A 10-fruit subsample was selected following color sorting and evaluated for puncture pressure and soluble solids concentration (SSC). All cultivars tested (CVN1, Loring, Bounty, Summer Gold, Sun Prince, Cresthaven, and Encore) experienced significant increases in percent red surface when RF was used in 1998 and 1999. This color improvement ranged from 16 to 44% (mean = 28%). On average, fruits from RF were 0.8 lb softer and had 0.3% higher SSC than control fruits. Growers harvested more fruit earlier and in fewer picks for RF. Fruit size was not affected by RF. The influence of RF on orchard microclimate and quality and quantity of reflected light will be discussed.


HortScience ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 495E-496 ◽  
Author(s):  
Desmond R. Layne ◽  
Zhengwang Jiang ◽  
James W. Rushing

Replicated trials were conducted in summers of 1998 and 1999 at two commercial orchards (A and B) to determine the influence of a metalized, high-density polyethylene reflective film (SonocoRF, Sonoco Products Co., Hartsville, S.C.) and ReTain (Abbott Laboratories, Inc., N. Chicago, Ill.), on fruit red skin color and maturity of `Gala' apples. There were four experimental treatments: i) Control; ii) Reflective Film (RF); iii) ReTain; and iv) RF + ReTain. RF was laid 4 weeks before anticipated first pick date by laying a 5-ft-wide strip of plastic on either side of the tree row in the middle. ReTain was applied 4 weeks before harvest at the commercial rate in one orchard (A) and at 60% the commercial rate in the other orchard (B). At harvest, two 50-fruit samples were picked from each of four replicate blocks per treatment. All fruit were sized and visually sorted for color (1 = 0% to 25%, 2 = 26% to 50%, 3 = 51% to 75%, and 4 = 76% to 100% red surface, respectively). A 10-fruit subsample was selected following color sorting and evaluated for puncture pressure, soluble solids concentration (SSC) and starch hydrolysis. ReTain delayed maturity and reduced preharvest drop of `Gala'. Fruit from RF trees had a significantly greater percent red surface than fruit from trees not treated with RF. Fruit from RF + ReTain were significantly redder and had higher SSC than fruits from trees treated with ReTain alone. There were no differences in size, puncture pressure or starch hydrolysis between RF and RF + ReTain. RF appears to be a means to ensure greater redness in `Gala' treated with ReTain in South Carolina.


Author(s):  
Jarmila Kožíšková ◽  
Jana Goliáš

The fruits of 13 plum cultivars were analysed at two different stages of maturity: first when they were ready for picking according to conventional commercial criteria, and again after seven days of maturation at 20 °C in a normal oxygen atmosphere during shelf life. Firmness, soluble solids concentration (SSC), respiration rate and the production of ethylene were measured. In the period of over-ripening SSC increased, and no differences were found in relation to the cultivar. The fruits in this period were physiologically in a phase of reduced intensity of respiration, while production of ethylene increased and was associated with the earliness of the cultivar. Cultivars with a short vegetation period produce more ethylene while late-maturing cultivars have a low potential for ethylene production. Based on post-harvest changes in the tested quality factors, the late-ripening plum cultivars (cv.) ‘Jojo’, ‘Topend’, ‘President’, ‘Tophit’ and ‘Elena’ have higher storage potential. Changes in ethylene production in response to shelf life seem to play a regulatory role in fruit firmness. A high significant negative correlation was detected between levels of skin firmness and ethylene production.


2013 ◽  
Vol 138 (4) ◽  
pp. 317-324 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hirotoshi Tsuda ◽  
Hisato Kunitake ◽  
Mai Yamasaki ◽  
Haruki Komatsu ◽  
Katsunori Yoshioka

With crosses between colchicine-induced tetraploid shashanbo (Vaccinium bracteatum section Bracteata) and tetraploid highbush blueberry ‘Spartan’ (Vaccinium corymbosum section Cyanococcus), intersectional hybrids were produced. The hybridity of these plants was confirmed based on DNA markers and morphological characteristics. The morphological characteristics, blooming date, and ripening period of the hybrids were intermediate between those of the parents. Ploidy analyses by flow cytometry and chromosome counting revealed that these hybrids were tetraploid. Four hybrids set fruit in the field and these two hybrids showed high pollen stainability. It was noteworthy that fruit of two hybrids had high soluble solids concentration compared with ‘Spartan’ and the fruit pulp of the hybrids was tinged with red as shashanbo. These hybrids could be useful in breeding new cultivars with high sugar content, abundant phytochemicals, extensive environmental adaptability as well as late flowering and fruit maturity.


2016 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 187-192
Author(s):  
Jorge A. Zegbe ◽  
M. Hossein Behboudian ◽  
Alexander Lang

Partial rootzone drying (PRD) is a feasible irrigation strategy for saving water, which might save up to 50 % water, while maintaining apple (Malus domestica Borkh) yield. More information is available on the effect of PRD on yield and fruit quality than on fruit maturity advancement (FMA). Therefore, the effect of PRD on FMA of Royal Gala apples grown in a dry area of New Zealand was studied. The irrigation treatments were commercial irrigation (CI) and PRD. Fruit growth and FMA were measured. FMA was estimated based on mean fresh mass of fruit (MFMF), fruit skin color (FSC), fruit diameter (FD), fruit volume (FV), fruit density (FDen), flesh firmness (FF), total soluble solids concentration (TSSC), dry mass concentration of fruit (DMCF), and starch pattern index (SPI). MFMF, FSC, FD, FV, FDen, and DMCF were similar between CI and PRD fruit. However, compared to CI fruit, PRD fruit showed a tendency for enhancing FF and TSSC. SPI was higher in PRD fruit than in CI fruit. Canonical discriminant analysis showed that fruit quality attributes collectively accounted for the significant separation between CI and PRD fruit. The separation was weighed toward higher SPI, which was indicative of FMA in PRD treatment. This has important implications for early marketing. So, PRD application may improve FMA and save irrigation water by 52 %. The PRD could therefore be recommended for similar agro-ecological areas of the world.


HortScience ◽  
1992 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 590c-590
Author(s):  
Kevin R. Day ◽  
Ted M. DeJong

Girdling has been shown to increase fruit size and soluble solids concentration and advance fruit maturity. Performed improperly, girdling can also have a debilitating effect on trees. To minimize this, growers often use alternatives to the standard complete girdle. However, the efficacy of these alternative techniques has not been evaluated. Three methods of girdling: 1) complete girdle of all scaffolds, 2) complete girdle of all but one “nurse” scaffold, and 3) spiral (overlapping) girdle of all scaffolds, were compared to ungirdled trees to determine their effect on fruit and tree performance. All of the girdling treatments increased fruit size and marketable yield, and advanced maturity over ungirdled trees. Fruit on ungirdled nurse limbs were similar in size to fruit on ungirdled trees, while the fruit on the remaining girdled limbs were slightly larger than fruit on the trees which had all scaffolds girdled. Overall fruit size and yield of trees with a nurse limb were similar to the other girdle treatments.


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