Influences of gibberellins A4, A4+7and A4+iso-A7on apple fruit quality and tree productivity. II. Other effects on fruit quality and importance of fruit position within the tree canopy

Post-bloom gibberellin sprays increased fruit length:diameter (L/D) ratio and juice soluble solids but did not influence flesh firmness of ‘Golden Delicious’ apples grown in a maritime (Québec) or desert (Okanagan Valley, B.C.) climate. Irrespective of GA treatment, ‘exterior’ fruit at both Canadian locations was larger, yellower, exhibited less russet, and contained more soluble solids at harvest than ‘interior’ fruit. Fruit shape (L/D ratio) was not influenced by position of the fruit within the canopy. Correlation analyses showed that surface russet development is poorly related to seed set, fruit size and other measures of fruit quality. However, a correlation matrix examining the degree of interrelatedness of all fruit size, fruit development and fruit quality indices revealed other relationships that may provide clues to understanding the relationship between fruit growth and quality development of ‘Golden Delicious’ apple.