Evaluation of rootstock and scion interactions on apple storage characteristics (Malus domestica Borkh)

Nowadays, the use of dwarf and semi dwarf rootstocks because of making the uniform orchards with high yield and desirable product quality is necessary to reduce fruit production costs in the horticultural industry. Therefore, the appropriate rootstocks and scion is a critical factor to cost savings in fruit production, adaptation to the regional climate, and increasing the shelf life of fruits. In 2019, the quality and storage attributes of ʻBrabernʼ and ʻGolden Deliciousʼ cultivars apple fruits under the influence of vegetative rootstocks MM106 and M9 were investigated at the dense gardens of Astan Quds Razavi. Results showed that traits such as antioxidants, total phenols, total soluble sugar, titratable acidity, pH, fruit firmness, and weight loss percentage during storage were significantly affected by the interactions of rootstocks and scion. Total soluble solids (13.9%), pH (15.7%), antioxidant activity (21.6%), and total soluble sugar (3.5%) of apple fruits increased and traits such as, titratable acidity (60.8%), phenol content (70%), and fruit firmness (44.5%) decreased during the storage period over time. Fruit weight loss in M9 rootstock started from the second month and in MM106 rootstock from the first month of storage. The highest weight loss (50%) in Golden Delicious cultivar on M9 and the lowest weight loss (64%) in scion Brabern on MM106 was observed on the second month compare to the fifth month. The reduction in tissue firmness during storage was 42% and 38% for Brabern on M9 and Golden Delicious on MM106, respectively.