Objective:
This project will strengthen synergy between PACE International LLC hereinafter called the Cooperator, and the United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, hereinafter referred to as ARS in a collaborative effort to develop topically applied lipophilic compounds suitable for either conventional or designated ‘organic’ orchards, to be used as remedial or prophylactic treatments to reduce physiological apple disorders related to peel cracking, lenticel markings or lenticel breakdown (LB).

Approach:
Lenticel breakdown (LB) is a cuticle disorder occurring mainly on ‘Gala’ and ‘Fuji’ apples. For the past several years, LB has been among the top priorities of the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission. Recent work at ARS in Wenatchee has elucidated the dynamics of fruit epidermal tissue—how the apple peel stretches, grows and responds biochemically and structurally to changes in environmental conditions—and has expertise on the nature of LB. On the other hand, PACE International LLC has formulary expertise with a history of successful applications in the tree fruit industry worldwide. Together, we propose to investigate different formulations of natural lipids and lipophilic compounds for their effects on fruit cuticle ultrastructure and fruit cuticle disorders. Documents Non-Funded Cooperative Agreement with Pace International LLC. Formerly 5350-43000-005-11N (12/10).