THE INFLUENCE OF TRAINING SYSTEM ON APPLE FRUIT QUALITY

A comparison between the two training systems Slender Spindle and Bi-axis was performed on two main cultivars, such as ‘Galaxy Evolution’ and ‘Pink Lady’^® (‘Rosy Glow’). Tree architecture description and fruit position in the canopy were monitored during the fruit maturation and ripening using a software developed to design tree architecture and fruit position on the tree, named “PlantToon^®”. Fruit were monitored during the growing season using a non-destructive device, the DA-Meter.
Finally, fruit were harvested, graded and analyzed for major quality traits.
In addition, fruit texture was also assessed employing a novel texture analyzer equipped with an acoustic envelop detector device.
Fruit quality was dependent upon cultivar, training system and position in the canopy. “Bi-axis Galaxy Evolution fruit” showed higher size in the lower level as compared to Spindle ones.
Fruit size in ‘Pink Lady’^® (‘Rosy Glow’) was significantly higher in Spindle as compared to Bi-axis while fruit colour was not affected. “Bi-axis ‘Galaxy Evolution’ fruit” showed differences as related to layer level as compared to Slender spindle, while no differences were observed in ‘Pink Lady’^® (‘Rosy Glow’). In general, fruit harvested from “Bi-axis” resulted more homogeneous with regards to “Spindle” training system.

X International Symposium on Integrating Canopy, Rootstock and Environmental Physiology in Orchard Systems

N. Dallabetta, F. Costa, J. Pasqualini, R. Wehrens, M. Noferini , G. Costa

Slender Spindle, Bi-axis, fruit distribution, PlantToon^®, texture

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2014.1058.4