SEASONAL CHANGES IN ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE OF APPLE SHOOTS AS A CRITERION OF THEIR MATURITY

Abstract

Significant seasonal differences in electrical resistance were established between twigs of three varieties of apples and the progenies of crosses involving them. The resistance of twigs increased as the growing season advanced from summer to fall and appeared to reflect differences in the rate and time of development of autumn maturity. The higher autumn electrical resistance of the hardy variety Antonovka was transmitted to progenies of crosses involving this parent. The results of this study demonstrated the usefulness of the electrolytic technique in selecting early maturing and consequently more winter hardy varieties of plants.