DAMAGE IN APPLE (MALUS-DOMESTICA BORKH) FRUIT EXPOSED TO DIFFERENT LEVELS OF RAIN ACIDITY

Authors
Citation
C. Rinallo et B. Mori, DAMAGE IN APPLE (MALUS-DOMESTICA BORKH) FRUIT EXPOSED TO DIFFERENT LEVELS OF RAIN ACIDITY, Journal of Horticultural Science, 71(1), 1996, pp. 17-23
Citations number
14
Categorie Soggetti
Horticulture
ISSN journal
00221589
Volume
71
Issue
1
Year of publication
1996
Pages
17 - 23
Database
ISI
SICI code
0022-1589(1996)71:1<17:DIA(BF>2.0.ZU;2-S
Abstract
The effects of rain acidity on fruit of field-grown apple trees (Malus domestica Borkh) cv. Summerred were investigated. One group of four t rees was exposed to ambient rainfall, while four other groups were cov ered with rain shields and received simulated rain consisting of deion ized 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. For mation of a cambium, which in turn brought about the formation of a ph ellem layer as a substitution for the damaged epidermis and hypodermis , was evident. Necrosis and lesions on fruit mesocarp were also observ ed. 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.