EFFECT OF APPLICATION TIME OF PROHYDROJASMON ON FRUIT COLORATION OF GALA AND BRAEBURN APPLES

E. Atay

Abstract: Fruit color is an important factor for marketability of apples. Bioregulators are commonly used for promoting color development. In this study it was aimed to investigate effects of pre-harvest application of prohydrojasmon (PDJ) primarily on coloring and fruit quality of Gala and Braeburn apples. the treatments were applied at 28, 21, 14 and 7 days before of estimated harvest time. The relationship between PDJ treatments and red color index was found to be significant in regression analysis (P≤0.01). Red color index values of Gala and Braeburn apple cultivars were estimated to reach their maximum when applied at
16 days and 11 days before harvest time, respectively. Applicability of PDJ at immediate pre-harvest period (about two weeks before harvest) provides convenience to producers in fixing treatment timing and hence, may enhance effectiveness of the treatments.

Keywords: anthocyanin; ethylene; hue angle; lightness; Malus x domestica; skin color; flavonoids

Date published: 2017-09-25