Irrigation management influence on fruit quality and storage life of 'Redspur' and 'Golden Delicious' apples

During three crop seasons 'Redspur Delicious' apps (Malus domestica, Borkh) from furrow irrigated plots had more red color and lower soluble solids content (SSC) than trickle irrigated apples. 'Golden Delicious' from furrow irrigated plots were larger, softer and had lower SSC than apples from trickle irrigated plots. No carbohydrate or mineral differences were evident for 'Redspur' or 'Golden Delicious' from furrow or trickle irrigation treatments. No other fruit quality differences were apparent between trickle or deficit-trickle irrigation treatments. Fruit quality losses occurred with both cultivars during storage, but losses were not related to irrigation type. Good quality fruit was produced with all irrigation procedures, even under limited water.