Evaluation of fruit storability of different apple varieties using multivariate statistics

When developing new apple varieties (Malus domestica Borkh.), selection breeders should take into account not only the specifi c features of the cultivation area but also the desired set of economically valuable characteristics, including fruit storability with minimal quality loss. Apple fruits should meet a number of essential criteria, important to both producers and consumers. New genotypes should maximally conform to the characteristics of a commercial “model” variety developed and adapted to particular weather conditions. The parameters of storability under low storage temperatures should be accompanied by minimal quality loss and a high resistance to physiological disorders and microbiological diseases during storage. This study was aimed at identifying the most promising apple varieties in terms of an integrated set of storability criteria using “simulation” and “optimal” variety models. A simulation model of an “ideal” apple variety was developed, taking into account the criteria of fruit storability and durability during storage. On this basis, an “optimal” apple variety model for the central part of the Russian Federation (Central Region) was developed. The “ideal” and “optimal” models were described using 16 post-harvest criteria for 35 apple varieties studied over a 20-year period. The data were processed using a hierarchical clustering algorithm (HCA) with the Ward method and factor analysis with a multivariate principal component analysis to identify the most promising apple genotypes based on their maximum similarity to the model in terms of a set of storability traits and fruit resistance to physiological disorders and microbiological diseases during refrigeration at various temperatures. The degree of similarity between the developed models and the studied genotypes was determined based on the Euclidean distance. The Svezhest and Orlovsky Partizan varieties were closest to the “ideal” model. The criteria for the Svezhest variety were used as the basis for developing an “optimal” model. The Yubiley Moskvy, Orlovsky Partizan, Start, and Turgenevskoye varieties were closest to the “optimal” model.

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