Effects of Organic and Conventional Growth Management on Apple Fruit Quality at Harvest

Reig, G¹, Soria, Y.² and Larrigaudiere, C.¹.

A study was conducted to compare the quality of organically and conventionally grown ‘Fuji’ and ‘Golden Delicious’ apples (Malus domestica L.) in Lleida (Spain). ‘Golden Delicious’ apples were harvested at two different dates and the differences in total antioxidant activity were determined at harvest and related to the changes in the quality parameters colour, firmness, acidity and soluble solids content (SSC).

No differences in antioxidant activity were found between organic and non-organic ‘Golden Delicious’ apples at harvest. However, significant differences in quality were found. Organic ‘Fuji’ apples showed a significant increase in firmness, acidity, SSC, and L and a* values.

Similarly, the organically grown ‘Golden Delicious’ apples exhibited the same increases but only when the fruit were picked more mature (2nd harvest date).At both harvest dates, organic ‘Golden Delicious’ apples were significantly less mature (lower starch index), but not the ‘Fuji’ apples.

Collectively these results showed that organic management may delay on-tree fruit ripening and also improve the fruit and eating quality.

¹ UdL-IRTA

² University of Lleida, Dpt de Hortofruticultura, Botánica y Jardinería, Spain