Leaf Analyses 



Leaf samples were taken prior to the first irrigation and on August 27th 

 after the second irrigation to determine the nitrogen, phophorous, potassium 

 calcium and magnesium content of the foliage. The leaf analyses showed that 

 irrigation had no effect on nutritional level. 



Fruit Color and Flesh Firmness 



Table H shows that the percentage of apples from the irrigated trees meeting 

 the color requirement for U. S. Extra Fancy was twice that from the non-irrigated 

 trees. The quality of color was superior on the fruit from the irrigated trees, 

 being a brighter red. In addition, the ground color on the irrigated apples was 

 distinctly more yellow than on the non-irrigated fruit. 



At harvest time, average flesh firmness as determined by a pressure tester 

 was 15.1 for the irrigated apples and 17.7 for the non- irrigated apples. Since 

 much of this difference of flesh firmness could be accounted for by size differ- 

 ence, pressure tests of the stored fruit were made on apples of 2 1/2 to 2 3/4 

 inch diameter, the results of which are shown in table 3. It will be noted in 

 Table III that when apples of similar size are selected no significant difference 

 in flesh firmness existed between the irrigated and non-irrigated fruits. 



Table III - Fruit Flesh-Firmness of iTigated and Non- Irrigated 2 1/2 to 2 3/4 

 inch Mclnt osh Appl es, 1 957 . 



Date Irrigated Fruit Non-Irrigated Fruit 



pounds pounds 



October 16 12.6 12.6 



November 21 11.0 11.3 



December 19 10.6 10.9 



January 20 10.4 10.8 



* January 24 8.4 8.9 



^'^Fruit Held at Room Temperature 3 days 



On January 23, pressure tests were taken of a random sample of fruits from 

 the irrigated and non-irrigated apples. Average flesh firmness for the irrigated 

 apples was 9,4 pounds and that of the non- irrigated apples 10.5. 



In summary, the experimental results with apple orchard irrigation in 

 1957 show increased fruit size and improved color from irrigation but on 

 the other hand the fruit vras softer and had more water core, 



W, J. Lord 



K. J. Kucinski 

 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I B, Gersten 



