Redistribution of minerals in apple fruit during storage: Effects of late summer pruning, calcium sprays and low temperature breakdown

Transverse distribution patterns of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus in Cox's Orange Pippin apples at harvest and subsequent redistribution patterns during storage in air at 0°C were measured. Distribution and redistribution patterns differed from those in Spartan apples measured in the previous year. Orchard calcium sprays increased the proportion of calcium in the outer parts and slightly increased the proportion of magnesium towards the centre of the fruit. Late summer pruning slightly increased the proportion of magnesium in the core at harvest and increased the rate of redistribution of calcium from the core to the outer fruit parts during storage. Redistribution patterns, especially those of magnesium, were drastically altered when low temperature breakdown developed and minerals moved into the affected zones.