Postharvest quality of apples from ‘Maxi Gala’ trees grafted on different rootstocks

Abstract

This study analyzed the effect of rootstocks G.213, M.9 and Marubakaido with M.9 interstem of 30 and 20 cm (MB/M.9-30cm and MB/M.9-20cm) on postharvest quality, mineral composition and functional properties of 'Maxi Gala' apples. The evaluations was performed using fruits from a commercial orchard located in Vacaria, RS, Brazil. Fruits were stored for 135 and 147 days in the 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 seasons, respectively, and analyzed one day after harvest and after cold storage (1.0±0.2 °C) followed by seven days in ambient condition. The mineral composition of fruits showed small and inconsistent differences between rootstocks. The MB/M.9-20cm provided higher total antioxidant activity and levels of total phenolic compounds in fruit peel than MB/M.9-30cm. For 2014/2015 season, soluble solids content at harvest was higher in fruits from trees with G.213 rootstock, not differing only from MB/M.9-30cm. In 2015/2016 season, G.213 and M.9 provided higher soluble solids content after storage compared to MB/M.9-30 cm and MB/M.9-20cm. G.213 rootstock anticipated fruit maturity compared to M.9 in 2014/2015 season. Other quality attributes of ‘Maxi Gala’ apples, at harvest and after cold storage, were similar between rootstocks G.213, M.9 and Maruba with M.9 interstem of 30 and 20cm.