Replacement of existing cultivars with similar apples having better postharvest traits

Introduction of new cultivars of apples is difficult since a displacement of existing cultivars is required to create shelf space for them. Replacement of an existing cultivar with a new one having similar sensory profiles may be achieved with minimal disruption of existing marketing. LSQUOMcIntoshRSQUO is a well-established cultivar with a strong consumer acceptance in North America. However, it suffers from flesh softness and bruising susceptibility. SPA 365, a LSQUOSintaRSQUO × LSQUOJonamacRSQUO cross, is an un-named breeding selection that has many LSQUOMcIntoshRSQUO-like fruit traits. Over several years of postharvest quality analysis, SPA 365 has demonstrated superior firmness characteristics at harvest maturity and much better firmness retention during air and controlled atmosphere storage (CAS). When a simulated picking bruise force was applied, it was found that SPA 365 was much more resistant to bruising than LSQUOMcIntoshRSQUO. SPA 365 was also found to consistently have good quality retention in storage and respond well both to CAS and 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) application at harvest. Aurora Golden Gala^® (cultivar LSQUO8S6923RSQUO) is a yellow apple having superior storage, handling and sensory characteristics compared with LSQUOGolden DeliciousRSQUO. It is a selection from a cross between LSQUOSplendourRSQUO and LSQUOGalaRSQUO. Aurora Golden Gala^® can be harvested at a very advanced maturity, giving it a superior sensory quality, but because of its firmness retention characteristics it can be stored for a significant length of time in air or CAS. Like LSQUOGolden DeliciousRSQUO this apple is susceptible to bruising; however, the bruise discoloration disappears over a short time in cold room holding. The superior flavor and firmness characteristics, along with the bruise fading capability make this cultivar a superior alternative to LSQUOGolden DeliciousRSQUO in the marketplace. Cultivars such as these two could be introduced in a cultivar replacement process rather than a cultivar displacement process and as such would make introduction less costly and risky.