Use of Biostimulants for Organic Apple Production: Effects on Tree Growth, Yield, and Fruit Quality at Harvest and During Storage.

The experiment was conducted during two consecutive seasons (years 2016 and 2017) in an organic apple orchard of the cultivar Jonathan. Several biostimulants were tested (10 in total), including humic acids, macro and micro seaweed extracts, alfalfa protein hydrolysate, amino acids alone or in combination with zinc, B-group vitamins, chitosan and a commercial product containing silicon. Treatments were performed at weekly intervals, starting from the end of May until mid-August.

Effect of the use of anti-hail nets on codling moth (Cydia pomonella) and organoleptic quality of apple (cv. Braeburn) grown in Alto Adige Region (northern Italy).

Background: The anti-hail nets are widely used to protect apple fruit against hailstorms and hail damage. They can have also beneficial effects against pests in apple orchards, in particular codling moth (Cydia pomonella). However, covering the trees with anti-hail nets can modify the orchard microclimate and reduce the interception of light, thus potentially causing negative consequences on the organoleptic quality of apple fruits.

Impact of innovative controlled atmosphere storage technologies and postharvest treatments on volatile compound production in cv. Pinova apples.

Organically grown apples cv. Pinova harvested at two different dates were stored at 1.3 degrees C for up to 4 months in air, up to 7 months in ULO (1.