Fruktkvalitet inom äppelodlingen : en studie av och för Äppelriket Österlen

Abstract: The main purpose of this Master Thesis has been to investigate issues concerning apple fruit quality in orchards of Äppelriket Österlen. The goal has been to develop a document, for future benefit towards growers and company management in the production of high quality apples.In order to investigate main issues of fruit quality, focus has been on statistics concerning apple varieties, age of the apple trees, new planting, orchard size and growers opinions. Nine growers have been interviewed to investigate opinions and contribution of different growing techniques to increased fruit quality. The investigation showed high age of the trees in production and low rate of planting of new trees. Differences in fruit quality were highest between small orchards. Most growers were satisfied with their fruit quality and with their own measures made to improve it. Differences in fruit quality were mainly due to accuracy in growing measures and time available for work. Future goals and planning in the orchard, with education and knowledge were also important factors to achieve high quality. Roughly, two types of growers were identified: growers who invest in their orchards and growers who do not. The economic pressure will, on short-term basis, be hardest on orchards with continuously investments. This is due to new, harder sorting rules within the organisation. Applying the IP-system is another important issue concerning quality as well as the confidence between grower and consumer. The recruitment of new growers should continue in order to ensure future investments and contribution of new knowledge in the company.