Strategies for optimization of fruit quality in temperate fruits with special reference to pome fruits

Fruit quality is the major determinant of grower returns without bringing additional land under cultivation and consequently has been studied widely. There are many components of fruit quality such as size, colour, firmness, soluble solids and acidity. In addition there are many factors which may influence fruit quality, some of which are outside of control such as weather, site suitability and varietal genetic potential. But now a days we can improve the fruit quality through modern management practices such as use of dwarf rootstocks, site specific nutrient management, drip irrigation etc. The use of clonal rootstocks regulate the tree size, induce early bearing and high cropping, and helps in adaptation of root system to existing soil and climatic conditions. Fruit Calcium is important in apple fruit quality by delaying cell wall breakdown, maintain firmness, retarding ethylene production and alleviates internal break down. Boron is important in pollen germination and pollen tube growth resulting in successful fruit setting. Bioregulators can have impact on apple fruit quality regardless of the cultivar. Foliar application of gibbberllins have been reported to reduce russeting on Golden Delicious apple and Bartlett pear. The saving of soil water content and improvement of adaptability of plants to periodical insufficient water and use of deficit irrigation technology become more important because of the occurrence of frequently dry periods. Deficit irrigation minimizes water use, decreases vegetative growth and pruning cost may improve fruit quality. The application of different types of mulches conserve the soil moisture during the peak period of plant growth and development and improve quality.