Orchard Cooling with Overtree Sprinkler Irrigation to Improve Fruit Color of `Delicious' Apples
Year: 2000
Type: article
Abstract: The influence of supplemental sprinkler irrigation on fruit color of `Oregon Spur Delicious' (Trumdor) apples ( Malu × domestica Borkh.) was evaluated in the area of Lleida (NE Spain) over a 3-year period. Cooling irrigation was applied for 2 hours daily for 25-30 days preceding the harvest. Three treatments were evaluated: 1) control without overtree sprinkler irrigation; 2) sprinkler irrigation applied at midday; and 3) sprinkler irrigation applied at sunset. Fruit color was significantly affected by the cooling irrigation and also by the weather of the particular year. Increased red color and higher anthocyanin content resulted from sprinkler irrigation, especially when applied at sunset. At harvest, anthocyanin content was correlated with a * /b * and hue angle, suggesting that the colorimeter measurements could provide a nondestructive estimate of anthocyanin content.
Source: HortScience
Authors: I. Iglesias, J. Graell, G. Echeverría, M. Vendrell
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,000
OpenAlex ID: W1914034987
