The influence of training system on apple fruit quality

A comparison between the two training systems Slender Spindle and Bi-axis was performed on two main cultivars, such as ‘Galaxy Evolution’ and ‘Pink Lady’® (‘Rosy Glow’) . Tree architecture description and fruit position in the canopy were monitored during the fruit maturation and ripening using a software developed to design tree architecture and fruit position on the tree, named “PlantToon®”. Fruit were monitored during the growing season using a non-destructive device, the DAMeter. Finally, fruit were harvested, graded and analyzed for major quality traits. In addition, fruit texture was also assessed employing a novel texture analyzer equipped with an acoustic envelop detector device. Fruit quality was dependent upon cultivar, training system and position in the canopy. “Bi-axis Galaxy Evolution fruit” showed higher size in the lower level as compared to Spindle ones. Fruit size in ‘Pink Lady’® (‘Rosy Glow’) was significantly higher in Spindle as compared to Bi-axis while fruit colour was not affected. “Bi-axis ‘Galaxy Evolution’ fruit” showed differences as related to layer level as compared to Slender spindle, while no differences were observed in ‘Pink Lady’® (‘Rosy Glow’). In general, fruit harvested from “Bi-axis” resulted more homogeneous with regards to “Spindle” training system