Transportability of apple

The transportability of apple fruits is determined by a combination of physicochemical indicators, where the key quantitative parameter is flesh firmness, measured by a penetrometer in kg/cm². Equally important are skin toughness, the presence of a protective waxy bloom, and the strength of the pedicel attachment to the fruit.

High transportability is characteristic of varieties with a dense tissue structure, whereas loose flesh and thin skin predetermine low resistance of the fruits to damage. To ensure the preservation of market quality, it is critically important to harvest fruits at the phase of harvest maturity, as deviations in timing lead to a decrease in the physical strength of the fruits.

In agronomic practice, calcium fertilizers, which strengthen cell walls, and the regulation of crop load on the tree are used to improve transportable qualities. These measures contribute to the formation of fruits with optimal biometric characteristics capable of withstanding long-distance logistics.