Sampling and analysis for determining relationship of calcium concentration to bitter pit in apple fruit

Abstract

Methods of sampling apple fruit, and preparation of tissue samples for analysis of Ca and other major nutrient ions, were investigated in relation to the association between fruit Ca content and the incidence of bitter pit. Results from trials in 2 successive seasons showed that level of Ca measured in the flesh of apple fruit can reliably indicate potential bitter pit incidence. Sampling procedures and analytical methods need to be standardized if Ca measurement is to become a diagnostic practice.