Costly dead-tissue disorder in apples caused by faster growth rates
New research indicates that rapid growth rates in Honeycrisp apples are the primary cause of 'bitter pit,' a disorder that creates dead tissue spots. The study suggests that this growth disrupts calcium transport, leading to significant economic losses for producers.
Why it matters
Identifying the biological mechanism behind this disorder could help farmers mitigate crop loss and improve fruit quality.
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Add to Preferred Sources Apples with bitter pit disorder. Credit: Todd Einhorn New research reveals that faster growth rates in Honeycrisp apples increase both the incidence and severity of the "bitter pit" disorder, which is responsible for large-scale fruit yield losses and avoidable economic impacts for apple producers and storers.
The study, published in Journal of Experimental Botany , also reveals that these faster growth rates are associated with disruptions to the transport of calcium through the xylem, which the study suggests is a major cause of bitter pit.
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