Articles
Evaluation of different treatments to reduce cuticle defects in ‘Fuji’ apple under Spanish conditions
Article number
1457_41
Pages
323 – 332
Language
English
Abstract
‘Fuji’ apples are susceptible to cuticle defects, and the most important is skin cracking.
The cause is not yet known; however, symptoms increase in severity under high humidity and temperature conditions, as well as with delayed harvest.
The research aimed to assess the impact of various agrochemical products on fruit cracking and russeting in ‘Fuji’ apples, as well as the effect of rain covers integrated with hail nets on fruit cracking, russeting, and color.
Trials were conducted over two seasons from 2021 and 2022 in mature ‘Fuji’ apple orchards in Mas Badia, Catalunya, Spain.
Thirteen agrochemical products were sprayed at commercial rates and timings, and the results indicated that all products showed similar levels of cracking (between 30 and 17%) compared to the control treatment (25%), except for water alone (33%). Additionally, trees under rain cover demonstrated a reduction in fruit cracking (5.8%) compared to those without cover (15%) in 2021. In 2022, the incidence was 2.4 and 26% of fruits with cracking, respectively.
However, the fruits under rain covers integrated with hail nets showed lower red blush color.
Further evaluation of products and their interactions is necessary to ensure they do not exacerbate cracking.
While rain cover systems were effective in controlling fruit cracking, they were associated with reduced red coloration in the fruits.
The cause is not yet known; however, symptoms increase in severity under high humidity and temperature conditions, as well as with delayed harvest.
The research aimed to assess the impact of various agrochemical products on fruit cracking and russeting in ‘Fuji’ apples, as well as the effect of rain covers integrated with hail nets on fruit cracking, russeting, and color.
Trials were conducted over two seasons from 2021 and 2022 in mature ‘Fuji’ apple orchards in Mas Badia, Catalunya, Spain.
Thirteen agrochemical products were sprayed at commercial rates and timings, and the results indicated that all products showed similar levels of cracking (between 30 and 17%) compared to the control treatment (25%), except for water alone (33%). Additionally, trees under rain cover demonstrated a reduction in fruit cracking (5.8%) compared to those without cover (15%) in 2021. In 2022, the incidence was 2.4 and 26% of fruits with cracking, respectively.
However, the fruits under rain covers integrated with hail nets showed lower red blush color.
Further evaluation of products and their interactions is necessary to ensure they do not exacerbate cracking.
While rain cover systems were effective in controlling fruit cracking, they were associated with reduced red coloration in the fruits.
Publication
Authors
L.G. Nieto, J. Lordan, G. Àvila, J. Bonany, C.G. Noguer, S. Fernández-Piñán, J. Carbó
Keywords
Malus × domestica Borkh, cracking, russeting, cuticle, weather conditions
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