Assessment of Components of Fruit Firmness in Selected Sweet Cherry Genotypes

Abstract

Abstract Significant differences in total fruit firmness (skin and flesh) and flesh firmness were detected when the Instron Universal Testing Machine was used to perform puncture tests on whole fruit of 29 sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) cultivars and selections. The ratio of flesh firmness to total firmness varied greatly among selections. Selections that were firmer than commercial cultivars were identified. Correlations between the firmness values and soluble solids content, fruit removal force, fruit weight, and the dimensions of the fruit were either small or not significant. The Instron was found to be an effective means of obtaining information on components of firmness in sweet cherry. The ability to assess both total firmness and flesh firmness is important for the selection and evaluation of firmness in breeding.