Vol. 73 No: 6

Title:
Chlorophyll Fluorescence as Affected by some Superficial Defects in Stored Apples

Authors:
NAZIR A. MIR, MICHAEL WENDORF, RUFINO PEREZ and RANDOLPH M. BEAUDRY

pp: 846-850

Abstract:
Chlorophyll fluorescence, skin coloration and surface contour were measured for apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) fruit with and without common storage and handling surface defects. Defects included CO₂ injury in ‘Empire’, bitter pit in ‘Jonagold’, superficial scald in ‘Cortland’, ‘Law Rome’, ‘Gala’ and ‘Red Delicious’ and bruising in ‘Cortland’. Measurements were made along a transect established on the fruit surface. The fluorescence parameters, minimal fluorescence (Fo), maximal fluorescence (Fm) and photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm, where Fv = Fm - Fo) were relatively similar around the circumference of undamaged control fruit. Skin colour was not found to influence chlorophyll fluorescence. With the exception of bruises, there were marked changes in fluorescence in the areas where surface disorders or damage had developed. CO₂ injury and bitter pit reduced Fv/Fm, whereas superficial scald did not. However, scald symptoms were accompanied by a reduction in Fo and Fm. The reduction in Fo and Fm became more marked as scald symptoms intensified during post-storage holding at 22°C. Chlorophyll fluorescence may have some potential for sorting fruit having superficial defects.

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