Calyx-end splitting and physico-chemical properties of ‘Pacific Rose’TM apple as affected by orchard management factors

Abstract

SummaryCalyx-end splitting (CES) is a preharvest quality defect that affects ‘Pacific Rose’TM apple. This paper reports the results of a study to determine the effects of orchard management factors on fruit physico-chemical properties and the development of CES in ‘Pacific Rose’TM apple. The onset of fruit splitting occurred at about 20 weeks after full bloom (WAFB). Withholding irrigation from 14 WAFB until commercial harvest (26 WAFB) reduced splitting incidence by 46%, whereas low crop load significantly increased splitting by over 61%. There was no consistent significant effect of crop load or irrigation treatment on total soluble solids (TSS), penetrometer or compression measurement of fruit firmness during the season, although withholding irrigation and high crop load generally enhanced fruit firmness.