Abstract
Of the different physical features of fruits, one important quality feature is flesh hardness. This is an important parameter to be considered when selling fresh apples, for the manufacturing industry and when entering into storage. In our research, we examined 7 apple varieties, in 2016 and 2017, from the establishment of KITE Zrt. in Derecske and the Horticultural Experimentation Site of Pallag (Pallagi Kertészeti Kísérleti Telep). The plantations took place in accordance with intensive apple production. In both years, samples were collected at the time ripening of the given apple variety. Of the examined apple varieties, 5 of them are resistant to scab (Gaia, Isaaq, Modí, Smeralda, Fujion), 1 is not resistant (Golden Reinders) and 1 (Pinova) is moderately susceptible to scab. The scab resistant apple varieties were correlated to the non-resistant Golden Reinders. Flesh firmness was measured with a fruit penetrometer in each of the seven apple varieties. In the first year a two-month storage experiment was carried out, where the flash firmness after harvest, and after one-month and two-month storage was measured. The results were assessed with the help of the IBM SPSS Statistics 20 program. The goal is to compare the apple varieties based on their flesh firmness, in particular with regard to the resistant varieties.
 The Isaaq 8.81–8.82 N/cm2 , the Modí 9.18–9.59 N/cm2 and the Fujion 8.66–9.13 N/cm2 , all of which are scab resistant apple varieties, showed a significant initial flesh firmness. During storage, the Pinova apple variety flesh firmness changed the most favourably.
Highlights
Due to the favourable conditions for apple production, apple is the fruit produced on the largest area in Hungary
A two month storage experiment was carried out where the flesh firmness was measured in the picking/initial period, as well as after one and after two months
Two more groups can be significantly distinguished based on flesh firmness: one consists of Smeralda, Golden Reinders and Pinova varieties, while Isaaq and Fujion belongs to another group
Summary
Due to the favourable conditions for apple production, apple is the fruit produced on the largest area in Hungary. (Laczkovszki, 2012) Given the situation of the market, the apple producers prefer the apple varieties suitable for long-term storage. Of the examined 7 apple varieties, one is fully (Golden Reinders), one is medium susceptible to (Pinova) and 5 are resistant (Gaia, Isaaq, Modí, Smeralda, Fujion) to venturia scab, the causative agent of which is Venturia inequalis (Cooke, 2000). There are three solutions recommended for protection against the fungus (Venturia inequalis): planting apple varieties resistant to scab venturia; the provision of appropriate chemical treatment ( necessary for resistant varieties in small amount) or the collection and burning of leaves in the fall to minimise the infection (Ficzek and Tóth, 2013)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
