Measures for improving red color of 'Braeburn' apple fruits

The formation of anthocyanins and development of red coloration of fruits depends on various factors and technological measures applied. In order to achieve better skin color development different foliar products based on phosphorus and calcium can be used. Spraying apples with Phostrade Ca caused a significant increase of anthocyanins as well as positively affected fruit color formation in apple cultivar 'Braeburn'. On the other hand the use of Regalis (Prohexadione-Ca) sprayed in the same period temporary reduced the red color formation and anthocyanin content compared to untreated control. Till the commercial picking time this difference disappeared and there was no significant difference between the Regalis treated and the control apples. This experiment showed that plant phenolic metabolism and consequently the red color formation in apple skin can be influenced by various chemicals applied.