Effects of Single and Split Pre-Harvest Aminoethoxyvinylglycine Applications in Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity in ‘Baigent’ Apples Under Anti-Hail Nets

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of single versus split pre-harvest applications of aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG) on the concentrations of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity in ‘Baigent’ apple fruit cultivated under anti-hail nets, assessed at harvest and after cold storage. The pre-harvest application of AVG in a single dose (125 mg L−1) in ‘Baigent’ apple trees reduces the total antioxidant activity and concentration of anthocyanins and the total phenolic compound and chlorogenic acid in the fruit skin, both at harvest and after cold storage and reduces, in the skin, the concentrations of epicatechin at harvest and of quercetin after the cold storage. The parceled application of AVG (62.5 mg L−1 + 62.5 mg L−1) does not influence or present a less-pronounced negative effect on the total antioxidant activity and the contents of the total phenolic compound and anthocyanins in the fruit skin. Split AVG application can help maintain fruit quality during storage, providing a practical strategy for producers to optimize both marketable quality and nutritional value, potentially positively impacting commercial returns.