Influence of Trickle and Sprinkle Irrigation on ‘Golden Delicious’ Apple Quality1

Abstract ‘Golden Delicious’ apples ( Malus domestica Borkh.) from trickle-irrigated plots were more mature than sprinkle-irrigated apples. Trickle-irrigated apples were higher in yellow color, soluble solids, and pH. Titratable acidity and moisture were less in fresh and stored apples that were grown with trickle irrigation. Applesauce from trickle-irrigated apples was superior in consistency and developed less free liquor (weep) than sauce from sprinkle-irrigated apples. Drip losses were greater in frozen apple slices from sprinkle-irrigated apples. Canned or frozen apple slices were firmer when produced from apples that were sprinkle-irrigated. The color of apple products from trickle-irrigated apples was superior to the products from sprinkle-irrigated apples. These differences resulted from treatments where leaf water potential differed by only 1 to 2 bars, –14 and –12 bars with trickle and –12 and –11 bars with sprinklers in 1978 and 1979.