Vol. 71 No: 1

Title:
Damage in Apple (Malus Domestica Borkh) Fruit Exposed to Different Levels of Rain Acidity

Authors:
C. RINALLO and B. MORI

pp: 17-24

Abstract:
The effects of rain acidity on fruit of field-grown apple trees (Malus domestica Borkh) cv. Summerred were investigated. One group of four trees was exposed to ambient rainfall, while four other groups were covered with rain shields and received simulated rain consisting of deionized water or an acid solution at pH 5.6, 4.0 or 3.0. SEM examination showed alterations of the cuticular wax and russeting of the skin. Formation of a cambium, which in turn brought about the formation of a phellem layer as a substitution for the damaged epidermis and hypodermis, was evident. Necrosis and lesions on fruit mesocarp were also observed. Simulated acid rain at pH 4.0, and particularly at pH 3.0, damaged fruit and impaired its marketability. The acidity of ambient rainfall and simulated acid rain at pH 5.6 caused negligible damage.

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