MSU Fruit Team Apple Maturity Report 2007

Grand Rapids Area Report Number 1

August 29, 2007

 

This is the first report for this year.  This program is made possible by the support of our sponsors which include:

 

Gerber Products                     Michigan Apple Research Committee

Valent USA                            Michigan State Horticulture Society

MSU Extension                   Michigan Agriculture Experiment Station

Project GREEEN                   Michigan Apple Shippers Association

 

Harvest is complete for Gingergolds and Paula Reds. Apple maturity is early this year, approximately 10 to 14 days ahead of normal, and 3 to 5 days ahead of 2006. Due to the Easter freeze, some trees set fruits mainly on 1 year old wood, so harvest dates could be later in such blocks.  So far, fruit size is good and the recent rains will help with size even more. Due to another hot summer this year, we would predict Gala to mature before McIntosh. See the table below for more predicted harvest dates for the Grand Rapids area:

 

 

 

Gala

The red strains are ready for long term CA storage now.  Maturity readings are showing that the predicted harvest dates are right on target.  Most fruits have ethylene present in them.  Starch index is at 1 to 5, just entering the CA window.  Brix is excellent, at 12 to 13.  Background color is now entering breaking stage color.  Firmness is excellent at 19 to 22 lbs.  Gala harvest will be intense next week.  Pick for CA storage when size and color are optimum.  Occasionally, a greasy fruit can be found in an orchard (very rare).

 

McIntosh

Red strain Macs will be moving into the long term storage window next week.  Brix is excellent at 13 to 15.  They are still slightly green (the fruit on the tree).  Unfortunately, the best fruit are dropping, so pick fruit when color is adequate or you need to capture the fruit on the tree.

 

 

Honeycrisp

Early sites, sandy soils, and light crops are very close.  Other croploads and sites are perhaps a week away.  Color is good on riper fruit.

 

Empire

Still immature, but showing signs of starch removal.  We heard of harvest in SW for the taffy apple market.  Probably 10 to 14 days away.

 

Jonagold & Jonathan

Will be added to our sampling for next week’s report.  SW is harvesting Jons for taffy.

 

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Phil Schwallier, Amy Brown, Denise Ruwersma