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.

‘Co-op 39’ (CrimsonCrisp®) average starch pattern index increased 1.6 fold this week to 6.4 with some apples being overly mature (Table 1, Figure 1). Marketable blush increased 31% from last week to an ideal 89%. Water core was observed in some samples collected this week. While firmness remain toward the upper limits, all fruit quality parameters indicate these apples are ready for harvest.

‘Smoothee’ (Gibson Golden Delicious) average starch pattern index increased 1.5 fold this week to 3.2 (Table 2, Figure 2). All fruit quality parameters are on the mark for harvest and have surpassed last years fruit quality benchmarks at harvest.

Granny Smith fruit quality parameters are gradually progressing and remain immature this week (Table 3, Figure 3).

DT2 (Aztec® Fuji) were evaluated for the first time this season. While soluble solids (12.3%) and average starch pattern index (3.8) are on target for long term storage, marketable blush (6%) is quite low (Table 4, Figure 4).

‘Red Delicious’ apples are exhibiting increased marketable blush this week at 73% (Table 5, Figure 5). Aside from a 13% increase in fruit weight, all other fruit quality parameters remain relatively the same and all are on target for harvest for long term storage.

If of interest, please see our previous posts for more detailed information on how 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

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 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 the Henderson County Master Pomology Program. This dedicated team of volunteers inspired the initiation of this pilot program and is assisting with data collection. I will share more information about this group in the near future.