2025 Apple Maturity Pilot Program [08.06.25]
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Recent heavy rainfall has induced skin cracking of sensitive varieties. Despite being 2 to 3 weeks from anticipated harvest, some Honeycrisp fruit are exhibiting skin cracking.
In cooperation with the Henderson County Master Pomology Program, we initiated an effort to monitor apple fruit maturity in commercial orchards in Henderson County, NC. The goal of this program is to provide timely updates regarding fruit maturity of several apple cultivars in the region. Data will be presented weekly to commercial apple growers via web-based updates to partly aid in harvest management decisions. Please note that the data presented is limited to the specific orchard block that we used for sampling. Do not assume that fruit at your location are at the same stage of maturity. To be clear, there is no substitute for regular monitoring of fruit quality parameters at your own operation.
Weekly Update (08.06.2025)
Excessive rainfall has complicated early apple harvest for many. From July 29 to August 4th, over 6.7 inches of rain was observed in Mills River, NC. Skin cracking is already starting to appear on varieties that are prone to this physical defect.
Ginger Gold fruit quality parameters have reached maturity with the exception of starch rating (Table 1). The Ginger Gold trees used for sampling are in a commercial u-pick orchard. There are limited available fruit for future sampling and this is the final week of maturity testing for Ginger Gold.
Gala fruit in Edneyville, NC were treated with 1 pouch of ReTain® last week to delay maturation. Starch pattern index rating averaged 3.1 this week (Table 2). Notable fruit quality parameter changes observed this week include a 20.5% decrease in fruit firmness, an 18% increase in fruit weight and 2.2 fold increase in marketable blush this week (Table 2).
Gala fruit in Mills River, NC at the Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension center were evaluated the last 2 weeks and were not treated with any plant growth regulators. These fruit are maturing rapidly. Starch pattern index rating averaged 4.9 this week up 2.2 fold from the previous week along with a 15% decrease in fruit firmness (Table 3).
Gala fruit treated with ReTain® in Edneyville, NC compared to untreated Gala fruit in Mills River, NC seem to have delayed maturity. As expected, ReTain® altered multiple indicators of maturity including fruit firmness, starch pattern index rating, and marketable blush (Table 4).
If of interest, please see our previous posts for more detailed information on PGRs to manage fruit maturity. Specifically:
- Using PGRs to Manage Apple Preharvest Drop, Fruit Maturity, and Harvest Timing
- Apple Harvest Management Considerations: Special Focus on Gala
Ginger Gold
| Table 1. 2025 ‘Ginger Gold’ fruit quality parameters in Edneyville, NC. | ||||||
| Date |
Fruit Firmness (lbs.) |
Soluble Solids (%) |
Starch pattern (1 to 8 scale) |
Fruit Weight (g) |
Fruit Diameter (inches) |
Marketable Blush (%) |
| August 5 | 14.9 | 10.6 | 2.5 | 219 | 3.29 | 0 |
| July 29 | 17.1 | 9.6 | 1.5 | 213 | 3.17 | 0 |
| July 22 | 18.6 | 10.0 | 1.2 | 205 | 3.15 | 0 |
| July 15 | 20.5 | 10.1 | 1.1 | 166 | 2.91 | 0 |
Figure 1. ‘Ginger Gold’ superficial appearance at the stem-end (top), shoulder (middle), and starch pattern (bottom) on 08.05.2025
‘Simmons’ (Buckeye® Gala)
| Table 2. 2025 ‘Simmons’ (Buckeye® Gala) fruit quality parameters in Edneyville, NC. | ||||||
| Date |
Fruit Firmness (lbs.) |
Soluble Solids (%) |
Starch pattern (1 to 8 scale) |
Fruit Weight (g) |
Fruit Diameter (inches) |
Marketable Blush (%) |
| August 5 | 19.0 | 11.3 | 3.1 | 154 | 2.72 | 51.25 |
| July 29 | 23.9 | 10.0 | 2.5 | 130 | 2.57 | 22.95 |
| July 22 | 24.1 | 10.1 | 1.4 | 116 | 2.46 | 18.76 |
| July 15 | 24.5 | 9.4 | 1.3 | 121 | 2.51 | 1.97 |
Figure 2. ‘Gala’ superficial appearance at the stem-end (top), shoulder (middle), and starch pattern (bottom) on 08.05.2025 in Edneyville, NC.
‘Simmons’ (Buckeye® Gala)
| Table 3. 2025 ‘Simmons’ (Buckeye® Gala) fruit quality parameters in Mills River, NC at the Mountain Horticulture Crops Research and Extension Center | ||||||
| Date |
Fruit Firmness (lbs.) |
Soluble Solids (%) |
Starch pattern (1 to 8 scale) |
Fruit Weight (g) |
Fruit Diameter (inches) |
Marketable Blush (%) |
| August 5 | 17.1 | 10.6 | 4.9 | 168 | 2.82 | 61.83 |
| July 30 | 20.0 | 10.1 | 2.2 | na | na | na |
Figure 3. ‘Gala’ superficial appearance at the stem-end (top), shoulder (middle), and starch pattern (bottom) on 08.05.2025 in Mills River, NC.
‘Simmons’ (Buckeye® Gala)
| Table 4. 2025 ‘Simmons’ (Buckeye® Gala) fruit quality parameters in Mills River, NC and Edneyville, NC on August 5. | |||||||
| Location |
ReTain®? |
Fruit Firmness (lbs.) |
Soluble Solids (%) |
Starch pattern (1 to 8 scale) |
Fruit Weight (g) |
Fruit Diameter (inches) |
Marketable Blush (%) |
| Edneyville, NC | Yes | 19.0 | 11.3 | 3.1 | 154 | 2.72 | 51.25 |
| Mills River, NC | No | 17.1 | 10.6 | 4.9 | 168 | 2.82 | 61.83 |
When should I harvest?
Optimal harvest timing is dictated by multiple factors, especially the intended market. While one size does not fit all, please see this resource from Michigan State University for some general guidelines.
Acknowledgements
We are very grateful for the cooperation of the Pat Lancaster and the team at Grandad’s Apples for hosting this project. Thank you for your generous access to your farm and fruit!
This work would not be possible without my excellent colleague, co-author, and technician, Tatiana Zuber.
We sincerely appreciate the great work of Marvin Owings, Ken Olson, Ivy Olson, Don Schwartz, Gary Medere, John Masotti, Susan Hadden, Adam Ferrell, Bill Metts, and Leigh Siracusano, who make up the Henderson County Master Pomology Program. This dedicated team of volunteers are assisting with data collection and inspired the initiation of this pilot program.