Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/331109
30 JULY 2014 GOOD FRUIT GROWER www.goodfruit.com stored for six months (CA only, no 1-MCP) are preferred over Gala (CA + 1-MCP) in appearance, taste, texture, and flavor. Consumer acceptance When WA 38 were presented to consumers for direct comparison with Honeycrisp, consumers liked both cul- tivars equally in October and December, but in March, WA 38 was preferred by most (see Good Fruit Grower, June 2014). In addition, in an experiment conducted with fruit from the 2012 crop, WA 38 (CA storage) was preferred by consumers to Gala apples (industry stan- dard treatment of CA + 1-MCP). The late-picked fruit (with advanced starch degradation) may need to be sold relatively early (November to December). Fruit color does vary by climate in central Washing- ton, but eating quality and storability have not been affected significantly by heat. Cooler, high-elevation sites (or blocks with overhead cooling) can achieve very dense red color, while hot locations may have partial red striped color similar to the better striped strains of Gala or Red Delicious. Staining, as seen in Figure 6, which is visible in early September, has always colored over and has yet to be an issue in evaluation plots at the time of harvest. WA 38 has been thoroughly evaluated before being introduced to the Washington tree fruit industry. Tests include: — Assessment of horticultural traits in nine locations and environments — Food science sensory evaluations — Regular and CA storage trials, both with and without MCP — Evaluation for internal defects and flavor after 6, 8 and 10-month CA storage (No observed issues in four years of Red Delicious storage protocols) — Commercial packing line runs — Sensory laboratory tests against other varieties (2010, 2011) — Consumer tests (compared to Gala and Honeycrisp) — Grower sampling at Washington State Horticultural Association meetings and Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission reviews It is our conclusion that WA 38 is grower friendly in most (perhaps all) sites in Washington State and that it should present minimal problems in harvesting, storage, packing, or marketing. In addition, it should have good consumer acceptance. • 360.333.4044 Casey Schoenberger Mount Vernon, WA Dramm Corporation Manitowoc, WI • U.S.A. www.FishFertilizer.com Extremely high levels of available Calcium & Phosphorus Natural Fish Fertilizers for Organic & Sustainable Crop Production BERRIES VINEYARDS ORCHARDS CONTINUOUS TRELLISLOK ™ (Nut) The Continuous TrellisLok provides all the advantages of the TrellisLok (strap); however, if you use the TrellisLok with AgLok, your maximum diameter is limitless. VINYLTIE ™ Tying material for vineyards, orchards and nurseries. • Tough, UV stabilized vinyl • Strong, durable & flexible • Elasticity allows for plant growth • Packaged on lightweight 320 foot spools Toll-Free: 877.552-4828 909.451.2299 • Fax: 909.593-8309 Keeping things growing in the right direction! For your nearest dealer, contact AgFast at… Figure 5. This picture shows the pattern of starch conversion desirable for long-term storage. Figure 6. Staining, visible in early September, has always colored over and has yet to be an issue in evaluation plots at the time of harvest. Figure 4 Bins per acre 2010 2011 2012 2013 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 Cosmic Crisp yields The graph shows annual yields for Cosmic Crisp (WA 38) trees planted in 2008 on M.9 337 rootstocks in a trial in Quincy, Washington. SOURCE: Washington State University