International Journal of Horticulture, 2016, Vol.6, No.26, 1-8
5
decreased after storage. Highest firmness was recorded in Golden delicious (5.9 kg/cm
2
) followed by Red
delicious (4.8 kg/cm
2
) while lowest in Royal delicious (3.8 kg/cm
2
). This evidence indicates that Golden delicious
still has retained turgidity of the cells as compared to other cultivars. The softening of flesh during storage could
be due to the degradation of soluble pectin by high activity of endo-poly-galacturonase enzyme in fruits (Mann et
al., 1990). Apple fruit texture and flavor are important traits that guide consumer preference (Daillant-Spinnler et
al., 1996). Apples that have crisp, juicy texture and prolong postharvest life are highly favored by the consumers
(Jaeger et al., 1998).
Figure 1 Hedonic ratting of apple cultivars after harvesting and storage for 90 days under normal room condition (11.8
°
C and 65%
RH) at HRS, Rajikot, Jumla for two consecutive years (2013-2014)
D
