Preharvest Calcium Sprays Improve Volatile Emission at Commercial Harvest of `Fuji Kiku-8' Apples

Abstract

Apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) fruit intended for long-term storage are frequently harvested commercially before becoming fully ripe, often resulting in poor aroma development. Since postharvest calcium dips have proved effective for the enhancement of flavor-related volatile esters after cold storage of apples, this study was undertaken in order to assess whether preharvest calcium sprays (7 weekly applications at 1.6%, w/v, 81-123 days after full bloom) could also aid in improving this important attribute at harvest. This procedure significantly increased calcium content in treated fruit. The emission of aroma-related volatile esters by untreated and calcium-treated 'Fuji' apples was then monitored during maturation and ripening over two months prior to commercial harvest. Results indicate that most of the compounds contributing to overall flavor in ripe fruit were enhanced in response to preharvest calcium applications, suggesting that this procedure may be suitable for the improvement of fruit aroma at harvest. The emission of acetate esters was particularly favored, consistent with higher acetaldehyde contents in treated fruit. These effects arose apparently from increased pyruvate decarboxylase (PDC) and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) activities, possibly leading to a better supply of alcohols and acyl CoAs for ester biosynthesis.