As part of a project by young scientists, a comprehensive analysis of the fruit of columnar apple varieties has begun
As part of the young researchers’ project ‘Development of sustainable cultivation systems for columnar apple varieties under conditions of climate change’ (Faculty of Agrobiology), the next stage of scientific research has commenced, aimed at a comprehensive assessment of the biochemical, functional and consumer properties of the fruit of columnar apple varieties.
The project’s scientific supervisor is Dr Oleksandr Havryliuk, PhD, Associate Professor.
The project aims to provide a scientific basis for and develop an innovative system for growing columnar apple varieties, adapted to modern climatic challenges. The research encompasses the assessment of the plants’ adaptive potential, their resistance to drought and high temperatures, the selection of effective rootstock-scion combinations, the optimisation of fertilisation systems, tree training and pruning, as well as a comprehensive evaluation of the quality of the fruit produced.
A distinctive feature of the project is the combination of agrobiological research with the study of the possibilities for the technological processing of the fruit. This approach allows columnar varieties to be assessed not only in terms of plant productivity and adaptability, but also in terms of their potential for use in the fresh market, storage and the production of high value-added products.
Fruits have been selected for comprehensive biochemical analysis
At this stage of the project, fruits of the apple varieties under study have been selected for laboratory analysis. The samples obtained will be used to establish the characteristics of their biochemical composition and to determine their nutritional and functional value.
The analysis of the fruit will include the determination of the content of sugars, organic acids and other biologically active substances. Particular attention will be paid to the concentration of functional components, which largely determine the value of the apples for the consumer and their potential for use by the food industry.
A comprehensive approach to evaluating the fruit will also include an investigation of their physico-chemical parameters: average weight and size, tissue density, dry matter content and other parameters related to the commercial and technological quality of the produce.
From cultivation to value-added products
One of the project’s key objectives is to develop a holistic approach to the utilisation of fruit from columnar apple varieties – from assessing the plants’ adaptability and yield potential to identifying the most effective methods of processing the fruit.
The research findings are intended to form the basis for the development of scientifically sound technical recommendations on the cultivation, utilisation and processing of fruit from columnar apple varieties.
The project aims to create sustainable and resource-efficient horticultural systems capable of ensuring high productivity and consistent fruit quality in the face of climate change. At the same time, the results obtained will contribute to expanding the range of competitive products from Ukrainian horticulture, developing their further processing and increasing the added value of the produce.
Thus, the comprehensive biochemical analysis of the selected fruit that has now begun is a crucial stage of the project, which will enable us to identify the varietal characteristics that determine their nutritional and functional value and to determine the most promising areas of application for each variety under study.
