New Zealand Journal of Crop and Horticultural Science abstracts
Fruit colour, leaf nitrogen level, and tree vigour
in `Fuji' apples
K. B. MARSH
The Horticulture and Food Research
Institute of New Zealand
Private Bag 92 169
Auckland, New Zealand
R. K. VOLZ
W. CASHMORE
The Horticulture and Food Research
Institute of New Zealand
Private Bag 1401
Havelock North, New Zealand
P. REAY
The Horticulture and Food Research
Institute of New Zealand
Private Bag 11 030
Palmerston North, New Zealand
Abstract A survey of red colour in `Fuji' apple (Malus
domestica Borkh.) fruit from trees in orchards situated in three
regions of New Zealand has confirmed that tree vigour, tree nitrogen (N)
status, and region are important factors determining the extent and intensity
of red colour development. The survey was conducted in Hawkes Bay and Nelson in
1990 and Hawkes Bay and Canterbury in 1991. In both years, a multiple
regression model using leaf N concentration in February, tree vigour, and
region as predictors for the intensity of red colour (chroma) gave the best fit
to the data (r2 = 0.65, 1990;
r2 = 0.46, 1991). Interaction terms for leaf N
status and region, and growth rate and region were also significant. A multiple
regression model over both years for Hawkes Bay found leaf N concentration in
February and growth rate to be useful predictors for chroma
(r2 = 0.66). Leaf N status and tree vigour appear
to act separately, and direct effects on fruit colour development seem to be
implicated rather than secondary factors such as shading. Additional
measurements in Hawkes Bay showed that anthocyanin concentrations were not
related to changes in chroma, leaf N concentration, or fruit N concentration.
Chlorophyll concentration increased with increasing fruit N concentration in
individual fruit (r2 = 0.35), and this corresponded
to decreased red colour intensity (chroma). The relationships explored here
explained c. 50-60% of variation in the intensity of red colour. Considered
against the survey method and the potential of other factors to affect red
colour development, the regressions presented gave insight into ways of
managing young `Fuji' trees for increased red colour.
Keywords apple; Malus domestica; red colour;
anthocyanin; chlorophyll; fruit nitrogen; leaf nitrogen; tree vigour; chroma
New Zealand Journal of Crop and Horticultural Science, 1996, Vol. 24:
393-399
0114-0671/96/2404-0393 $2.50/0 (c) The Royal Society of New Zealand
1996
PDF file of entire paper: medium quality (564K); (scanned from paper original: notes about this process)
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