MSU Fruit Team Apple Maturity Report - 2006
Northwest Region

Jim Nugent, Dist. Horticulture Agent
Nikki Rothwell, Dist Fruit IPM Agent
Bill Klein, Farm Manager
Jim Bardenhagen, Leelanau Cty Extension Director

NW MICHIGAN APPLE MATURITY REPORT #4
September 27, 2006

2006 Predicted Harvest Dates

This year the NWMHRS will again be testing apples for maturity. Results will be sent via fax and email to past apple maturity list subscribers and results will be put on the pome fruit section of the code-a-phone (947-3063). The maturity newsletter and code-a-phone will be updated weekly on Wednesdays. If you have not received this information in the past and wish to subscribe to the list, please contact the NWMHRS (946-1510 or nwmihort@msu.edu). 

General Comments - If growers are interested in having fruit tested for maturity, a 10 to 12 apple sample should be dropped off at the NW Station on Mondays, if possible. The fruit should be picked randomly from the outside portion of the trees and should be large in size, free of blemishes, and with the stem attached. Statewide reports are indicating that firmness is running about 1# less than normal and starch index readings and color are more advanced than normal. NW Michigan is not as far advanced in maturity as we started out. This is due to the cooler conditions that have prevailed over the past 3 to 4 weeks.

McIntosh - Mature (1 sample). Firmness at 15.1 lbs, and the starch index at 5.1, up from 4.5 last week. Brix level at 12.7. Color is excellent at 90 %. Harvest of McIntosh is virtually finished.

HoneyCrisp - No samples this week. Most Honeycrisp have been harvested excepting the more northern or coolers sites.

Gala - Mature (3 samples). Firmness averaging 20.5 lbs., down 1 lb. from last week. Starch index is at 3.1 this week, and brix levels are at 14.3. Color is excellent at over 90%. All three of the samples were in the mature range for long term CA Storage.

Golden Delicious - Approaching mature (2 samples). Firmness at 18 lbs., down about 2 lbs from last week. Starch index at 2.8 up from 1.8. Brix level at 15.2. Blush ranges from 5 to 20%.

Empire - Entering mature range (1 sample). Firmness at 17.9 lbs. and starch index at 3.5. Color is excellent at 82% and the brix level is 13.7. Some harvest has taken place for the taffy apple market.

Jonagold - Mature (2 samples). Firmness at 18.4 lbs. and starch index at 5.5. Brix levels at 13.4. Color on red strains is excellent and only fair on standard strains. Harvest may be delayed where color improvement is needed

IdaRed - Immature (no samples taken this week).

Red Delicious - Anticipated maturity date for long term CA storage is Oct. 8^th (1 sample). Firmness at 18.9 lbs. and starch index at 3.0. Brix level at 13.1. Some early strains may be ready prior to the 8^th.

Southeast - Empire - harvesting. Jonagold - color improved. Golden Delicious - harvest 1/3 complete. Red Delicious - beginning harvest. IdaRed & Spy - some harvest.

Ridge / Clarksville - Empire - lots of harvest this week. Jonathan - mid term CA. Jonagold - 40 -50 % complete. Golden & Red Delicious - just getting started. IdaRed - not started yet.

Mason / Oceana / Manistee - McIntosh & Gala - finished. HoneyCrisp - few hanging. Empire - lots of harvest this week. Jonathon - harvesting. Golden Delicious - harvest beginning. Spy & Rome - immature.

This report is sponsored by:
Gerber Products
Valent USA 
Project GREEEN  
Michigan State Horticulture Society
Michigan Apple Research Committee
MSU Extension
Michigan Agricultual Experiment Station

Current pricing information can be obtained at the following web sites:
www.ams.usda.gov/marketnews.htm
www.bhfm.com

Maturity Reports from other Regions

NW Michigan Pome Fruit Code-a-phone/Apple Maturity Line (231) 947-3063.

Please send any comments or suggestions regarding this site to:
Bill Klein, kleinw@msu.edu

Last Revised: 9-27-06