Managing the flesh browning disorder of Cripps Pink apples
This project identified two types of flesh browning disorders: diffuse flesh browning (DFB) and radial flesh browning (RFB). It identified management strategies growers could use to minimise the risk of fruit developing the disorders and thus protect the valuable Pink Lady ™ brand.
Why study this?
Flesh browning (FB) disorder of Cripps Pink apples poses a significant threat to local and export market acceptance of these apples.
What was done
This project was a collaborative research effort with six institutes from USA, Italy, New Zealand and Australia undertaken over six years to 2007.
What we found
The research identified three distinct types of disorder and how to recognise them. It identified the climatic range; maturity; storage temperature, atmosphere and management; orchard management; and packing shed sorting and management strategies to minimise both types of flesh browning.
Where to next?
Researchers recommended more work to improve the accuracy of the temperature modelling and validate the storage protocols.Monitoring of seasonal climatic conditions could be used to predict the risk of flesh browning and identify the risk prior to harvest, so appropriate marketing and storage strategies can be used.
Resources
A booklet, Managing flesh browning disorder of Cripps Pink apples identifies growing and storage techniques for growers
Managing the risk of flesh browning for Cripps Pink apples using a climate model
Continuation of the Flesh Browning of Cripps Pink Project
For more information contact
Dr Jenny Ekman, Applied Horticultural Research Pty Ltd
HAL AP04008