Influence of Living Mulch and Nitrogen Dose on Yield and Fruit Quality Parameters of Malus domestica Borkh. cv. ‘Sampion’

Abstract

This study was conducted to estimate the yield, and to identify and quantify primary and secondary metabolites in fruit of Malus domestica Borkh. cv. ‘Sampion’ under two agrotechnical factors: the floor management (herbicide fallow and living mulch) and the dose of nitrogen (50, 80, 110, and 140 kg ha−1). Compared to herbicide fallow, living mulch did not decrease yield. Research showed a rich composition of phenolic and volatile organic compounds in apples, which varied with the evaluated factors, as well as with the weather conditions during the vegetation season. The precipitation deficit and high summer temperatures did not contribute to proper fruit growth and development and led to a higher content of phenolic compounds in the fruit flesh from trees in herbicide fallow compared to living mulch. Living mulch, which could be a factor regulating the availability of nitrogen to trees, stimulated the synthesis of anthocyanins, which was also potentiated by low average temperatures at harvest time, resulting in a large area of fruit skin red blush.