LOW-INPUT APPLE PRODUCTION SYSTEMS - CONSUMER ACCEPTANCE OF DISEASE-RESISTANT CULTIVARS

An untrained panel evaluated five apple cultivars [Malus domestica Borkh. cvs. Liberty, Prima, Priscilla, and Freedom (all scab resistant) and Spur Red Delicious (Bisbee strain)] in 1988 and 1989 to determine consumer acceptability and opinion of quality. Testers evaluated fruit for five quality characteristics (texture, juiciness, aroma, tartness, and sweetness) plus overall quality in a random, blind taste test on 30 Sept. 1988. Testers consistently identified 'Spur Red Delicious' (9% soluble solids content) as undesirable for all attributes. Tasters could not discern differences in juiciness among the cultivars. 'Freedom' was rated excellent, 'Liberty' and 'Prima' very good to good, and 'Priscilla' good in overall quality. In a separate blind, random preference test, 'Freedom', 'Liberty', and 'Prima' received higher preference ratings than 'Priscilla'. The taste tests were repeated using the same five cultivars on 3 Oct. 1989. 'Freedom' and 'Liberty' received the highest ratings for overall quality. Freedom received the highest preference ratings. Results, in general, were consistent from year to year. Since we tested only one strain of 'Red Delicious', we cannot conclude from this work that resistant cultivars are preferred to any standard; however, we can conclude that resistant cultivars are acceptable to the consumer.