Correlation and path-coefficient analyses of ripening attributes and storage disorders in ‘Ambrosia’ and ‘Empire’ apples

Abstract

The objectives of this study were: (1) to determine correlation effects among the ripening attributes of ‘Empire’ and ‘Ambrosia’ apples during storage, and (2) to determine the direct and indirect contributions of these ripening attributes on the incidence of physiological disorders and storage rots using path-coefficient analysis. The analysis was applied to data obtained from a variety of harvest dates and storage regimes from apples. Pearson correlation analysis of the data indicated a strong positive correlation between internal ethylene concentration (IEC) and peel greasiness, a negative correlation between IEC and soluble solids concentration, and a negative correlation between firmness and peel greasiness in both cultivars, as well as a negative correlation between IEC and firmness in ‘Empire’. Results indicated that increased IEC in ‘Ambrosia’ apples during storage was related to higher incidences of core browning and lenticel damage and lower incidence of internal browning. Higher IEC in ‘Empire’ apples during storage was associated with less internal browning. Several significant correlations, representing different relationships among the ripening attributes and storage disorders were obtained.