Darius Kviklys
Research Scientist
(+47) 413 24 561
darius.kviklys@nibio.no
Place
Ullensvang
Visiting address
NIBIO Ullensvang, NO-5781 Lofthus
Abstract
Successful introduction of the new cultivars requires proper pomological, phenological and as well as technological evaluation. It is particularly important at the harsh Norwegian climate conditions. Investigations were conducted with apple cultivar ‘Eden‘ / ‘Wursixo‘ (WUR 6), with the aim to establish an optimal balance between yield, fruit quality and bearing regularity. Four different crop load levels were tested in 3 consecutive years in the orchard planted 3.5 x 1 m and trained as slender spindle. Lower crop load levels guaranteed good return bloom, a very high share of fruits harvested during the first picking, and larger fruits. Increasing crop load led to less intensive return bloom, smaller fruit sizes and higher share of fruits harvested during the second picking. It was found that ‘Eden‘ is strictly alternating cultivar and precise crop load levels according to the tree age and tree vigour were defined. In order to keep ‘Eden‘ trees in regular bearing mode crop load levels should be maintained at 4.5-5 fruits cm-2 of trunk cross-sectional area (TCSA) in the 3rd and 6-7 fruits in the 4th growing season
Authors
Darius KviklysAbstract
In the frame of EUFRIN apple rootstock trials, seven apple rootstocks are being tested for their resistance to ARD (apple replant disease) in several European countries. Current paper focus on the rootstock and soil type (ARD vs. fresh soil) effect on the accumulation of phenolic compounds in apple fruit. This research was performed at the Lithuanian trial site. Accumulation of phenolics compounds in fruit tissues was enhanced at replant soil. On the average of all rootstocks, total phenol content in fruit flesh increased by 25%, and in fruit peel by 31%. Hyperoside and rutin in fruit flesh and hyperoside, reynoutrin, phloridzin and procyanidin C1 were the most variable among detected phenolic compounds and their content in fruits from ARD soil was by 50 – 77 % higher than in fruits from the fresh soil. Content of (-) epicatechin in fruit flesh and (+) catechin and procyanidin B1 in fruit peel was similar in both ARD and fresh soil. Rootstock had a significant effect on the accumulation of phenolic compounds, but this effect was modified by soil conditions. Soil type had no effect on total phenol accumulation in fruits (flesh and peel) grown on Pajam 2 rootstock. Also, a stable phenol content in fruit flesh was on G.11 and M200 rootstocks, and in fruit peel on G.41. The highest increase of total phenol content at replant conditions was recorded on B.10 (by 66% in flesh and 60% in peel) and on G.935 (by 68% in flesh and 47% in peel) rootstocks.
Abstract
Almost 10,000 of apple cultivars are described worldwide but only a few of them are dominating in commercial apple orchards. The decline in genetic diversity could lead to negative consequences in terms of adaptability, resistance and even consumption. Apple genetic resources in Norway are conserved in several local clonal archives. The aim of this study was to evaluate Norwegian heritage apple cultivars from a pomological, agronomical, and chemical point of view, identify the most important quality parameters, and select cultivars with desirable traits for modern markets and breeding purposes. In total 75 heritage and 4 standard apple cultivars were evaluated at the Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research – NIBIO Ullensvang, during 2018–2020. Based on individual investigations of various fruit quality characters, cultivar groups with special properties were selected for the industry, for making concentrate and fresh juice, and for medical properties. According to the soluble solid content, sweetness index, fruit size, acid, dry matter, and phenolic content, several groups of cultivars have high potential value for modern breeding programmes. Based on overall fruit quality, heritage cultivars Løeeple, Raud Gravenstein, and Rondestveit were selected for fresh consumption.
