Photoprotection of apple fruit by xanthophyll cycle
Author: Lailiang Cheng, Larry Schrader
Published: 2003
Summary: The overall objective is to better understand the xanthophyll cycle pool size and composition in the peel of apple fruit and the role the xanthophyll cycle plays in protecting fruit from excessive light damage with an ultimate goal to reduce sunburn occurrence on apple fruit. Specific objectives are: 1) To compare xanthophyll cycle pool size and composition between sunexposed and shaded fruit of selected apple varieties; 2) To characterize the seasonal patterns of xanthophyll cycle pool size and composition under WA conditions; 3) To determine xanthophyll cycle pool size and composition of ‘Gala’ fruit peel in response to nitrogen supply; 4) To determine the effects of evaporative cooling, partial root-zone drying, and deficit irrigation on xanthophyll cycle pool size and conversion of ‘Fuji’ apple peel under Washington conditions; 5) To compare xanthophyll cycle pool size and composition between sunburn susceptible and sunburn tolerant apple cultivars; and 6) To determine UV-screening and reflective coating on xanthophyll cycle size and composition
