2025 Apple Maturity Pilot Program [9.10.25]
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Collapse ▲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 (09.10.2025)
‘Smoothee’ (Gibson Golden Delicious) apples were harvested last week and thus at an appropriate maturity stage for long term storage.
‘Red Delicious’ soluble solids increased 14% this week to 10.4% (Table 1, Figure 1). Excellent marketable blush, starch pattern index rating of 4.8, and fruit firmness at 14.8 lbs suggest that, with a little more time to allow soluble solids to increase these apples will be mature.
Granny Smith firmness continues to be high this week at 22.6 lbs (Table 2, Figure 2). Starch pattern index rating averaged 3.7 this week and soluble solids of 12.7% are on target for harvest for long term storage.
Aztec Fuji were evaluated as part of this report for the first time this season. Starch pattern index rating averaged 3.3 and firmness at 18.8 lbs (Table 3, Figure 3). Soluble solids are quite high averaging 14.6%. All fruit quality parameters suggest these apples are mature for long term storage. However, marketable blush of 32.11% is low.
If of interest, please see the following posts for more detailed information on PGRs to manage fruit maturity and harvest maturity timing. Specifically:
- Using PGRs to Manage Apple Preharvest Drop, Fruit Maturity, and Harvest Timing
- Apple Harvest Management Considerations: Special Focus on Gala
- https://extension.psu.edu/fruit-harvest-determining-apple-fruit-maturity-and-optimal-harvest-date
‘Red Delicious’
| Table 1. 2025 ‘Red Delicious’ 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 (%) |
| September 09 | 14.8 | 10.4 | 4.8 | 239 | 3.27 | 84.15 |
| September 02 | 15.0 | 9.1 | 4.2 | 201 | 3.00 | n/a |
| August 26 | 15.9 | 8.9 | 3.5 | 213 | 3.20 | 63.38 |
| August 19 | 15.9 | 8.6 | 3.5 | 186 | 2.99 | 65.48 |
Figure 1. ‘Red Delicious’ superficial appearance at the stem-end (top), shoulder (middle), and starch pattern (bottom) on 09.09.2025 in Edneyville, NC.
Granny Smith
| Table 2. 2025 Granny Smith fruit quality parameters in Edneyville, NC. | |||||
| Date |
Fruit Firmness lbs.) |
Soluble Solids (%) |
Starch pattern (1 to 8 scale) |
Fruit Weight (g) |
Fruit Diameter (inches) |
| September 09 | 22.6 | 12.7 | 3.7 | 154 | 2.66 |
| September 02 | 22.3 | 11.6 | 2.9 | 171 | 2.84 |
Figure 2. Granny Smith superficial appearance at the stem-end (top), shoulder (middle), and starch pattern (bottom) on 09.09.2025 in Edneyville, NC.
DT2 (Aztec® Fuji)
| Table 3. 2025 DT2 (Aztec® Fuji) 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 (%) |
| September 09 | 18.8 | 14.6 | 3.3 | 154 | 2.66 | 32.11 |
Figure 3. DT2 (Aztec® Fuji) superficial appearance at the stem-end (top), shoulder (middle), and starch pattern (bottom) on 09.09.2025 in Edneyville, NC.
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.