Published in Scientific Papers. Series B, Horticulture, Vol. LXVIV, Issue 1
Written by Orsolya BORSAI, Andrei CRISTEA, Sándor RÓZSA, Tincuța-Marta GOCAN, Cosmin Alexandru MIHAI, Viorel MITRE, Lehel LUKÁCS
Bagging is a widely used horticultural practice to modify the microenvironment surrounding developing fruit, with the goal of improving fruit quality and reducing external damage. This study investigates the effects of bagging on the growth, development, and quality of ʻKanziʼ apples (Malus domestica Borkh.). Waxed paper bags were applied at early developmental stages, and their impact on fruit size, weight, skin coloration, firmness, and biochemical composition were assessed at harvest. The findings indicate that bagging significantly influenced fruit development, leading to reduced exposure to sunlight and enhanced protection against pests and environmental stressors. While bagging improved skin coloration uniformity it slightly delayed fruit maturity. Non-bagged fruits developed an attractive red colour while bagging suppressed the yellow/red colour development leading to a lower content of total phenolic and flavonoid content. Fruit damage caused by cracking was increased in bagged fruits.
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