Epsilon Open Archive

Abstract

Apple is a highly appreciated fruit in many temperate parts of the world, and is presently grown in many countries with a total world production of more than 71 million tonnes. Economically, apple is the fourth most important fruit crop after citrus, grapes and banana. Apples are consumed fresh, directly after harvest or after a storage period for up to 6 months or even longer. Apples can also be processed to produce, e.g., juice, sauce, slices, vinegar and cider. Most of the cultivated apples belong to the species Malus × domestica Borkh. in the Rosaceae family. More than 7500 apple cultivars have been described from different countries. However, only a few of them have sufficient quality and productivity. Many cultivars are limited by different diseases that reduce the apple quality and market acceptability. Research attempts have recently been focused specifically on some traits which are economically very important, e.g. disease tolerance, fruit texture and quality. This introductory paper forms part of a PhD study that aims to quantify the storage disease tolerance of some apple cultivars by performing inoculation tests with fungal spores on harvested fruits. Using DNA analysis, attempts will subsequently be made to develop tools for molecular identification and characterization of genes involved in storage disease in co-operation with INRA Angers, using microarray technique. Other factors related to fruit quality and nutritional value that may be connected to the level of fungal disease tolerance will also be investigated by pomological characterization, firmness testing, and chemical analyses.