Quality and Storage of `Granny Smith' and `Greenspur' Apples on Seedling, M.26, and MM.111 Rootstock

Abstract

Influences of rootstock on the quality of `Granny Smith' and `Greenspur' apples (Malus domestica Borkh.) were evaluated over an extended harvest period and after cold storage. Apples from trees on M.26 rootstock had the higher firmness, soluble solids concentration (SSC), and Ca content, but poorer external color (red blush) and a higher percentage of solar injury than fruit from trees on seedling or MM.111 rootstock. External greenness was best on apples from MM.111 rootstock. `Granny Smith' apples had higher firmness, soluble solids, acids, and carbohydrate contents, and less scald but poorer external greenness than `Green spur' apples. `Granny Smith' or `Greenspur' apples from M.26 rootstock appeared to mature earlier than those on MM.111.