The mineral composition of apples. XII. Errors in analytical results due to seeds in samples of fruit

Bulked samples of pairs of opposite quarters of apples with seeds included and their remainders without seeds were analysed for K, P, Ca, Mg and N in 1971 and 1972. Differences in results due mainly to high concentrations in the seeds were large for P, Ca, Mg and N. The large variations in errors from sample to sample and in mean percentage errors in different years would make predictions of incidences of storage disorders based on calcium concentrations in fruit with seeds extremely inaccurate. Errors for potassium were small in the range of concentrations normally found in Cox's Orange Pippin apples.