ZITELLA
ActiveMalus domestica (Suckow) Borkh. · Apple
Variety traits
Watercore of Apple
Malus domestica (Suckow) Borkh.
A physiological disorder of apple fruits characterized by the filling of the intercellular spaces of the flesh with a sorbitol-rich fluid, which gives the tissues a translucent appearance.
In the reference 11 varieties crop Apple, where this is mentioned in the description.
The symptom is assessed visually by cutting the fruit crosswise at the equator. Stages range from mild, localized around the core and vascular bundles, to severe, covering the entire flesh up to the skin. In mild cases, external symptoms of the disorder are often absent, which complicates the sorting of fruits during storage.
The development of watercore is triggered by calcium deficiency, temperature stress, excess nitrogen, and water balance disorders. A high genetic susceptibility to the disorder is characteristic of the Antonovka, Jonagold, Champion, Fuji, Idared, Zhigulevskoe, and Renet Simirenko varieties.
The disorder reduces fruit storage life, as watercore-affected areas are prone to browning and the subsequent development of decay. Although in most cases it is considered a defect, for a number of varieties, such as Fuji, a mild form of watercore may be perceived as a varietal characteristic.
General information about the subject — on the page Vitreousness.
Varieties of Apple mentioned in the description
Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.