West central Michigan apple maturity report - October 11, 2023

By Andi Anderson

Apple harvest is in full swing in west central Michigan, with growers harvesting Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, and Mutsu this week. Idared and Aztec Fuji will be harvested next, followed by EverCrisp and Pink Lady.

Weather:

The weather over the past week has been cool and rainy, with temperatures dipping down into the 30s on October 8 and 9. Sugar levels continue to be good or excellent across varieties. There is a high level of variability in fruit maturity within trees and across blocks this season. Testing fruit maturity for individual blocks is important this year to identify best harvest timing.

Maturity Report:

Here is a summary of the maturity report for key apple varieties in west central Michigan as of October 11, 2023:

Red Delicious

• Fruit are mature and ready for harvest.
• Red color is at 89%.
• Starch rating is 2.9.
• Soluble solids are excellent at 12.5%.

Idared:

• Fruit are mature and ready for harvest. Red color is at 86%.
• Starch rating is 4.9.
• Soluble solids are excellent at 13%.

Mutsu/Crispin:

• Fruit are mature and could be harvested for controlled atmosphere storage. Red color is at 40%.
• Starch rating is 4.3.
• Soluble solids are excellent at 14.7%.

Aztec Fuji:

• Fruit are mature and could be harvested for controlled atmosphere storage.
• Red color is at 89%.
• Starch rating is 4.7.
• Soluble solids are excellent at 13.1%.

Ever Crisp:

• Fruit are approaching maturity.
• Red color is at 74%.
• Starch rating is 3.2.
• Soluble solids are excellent at 16.9%.

Pink Lady:

• Fruit are approaching maturity.
• Red color is at 60%.
• Starch rating is 3.7.
• Soluble solids are excellent at 14.7%.

Growers should continue to test fruit maturity for individual blocks to determine the best harvest timing. It is important to consider the desired storage life when making harvest decisions. For example, fruit harvested for controlled atmosphere storage should be more mature than fruit harvested for fresh market.

Growers should also be aware of the potential for watercore in some varieties, such as EverCrisp. Watercore is a physiological disorder that causes the flesh of the apple to become translucent and watery. It is most common in fruit that is harvested immature.

Growers should handle fruit carefully during harvest and packing to avoid bruising and other damage. Bruised fruit will not store well and is more susceptible to disease.

Photo Credit: istock-rixipix