Increasing Apple Size
Size is a critical characteristic for grading apples. A minimal size, determined by the diameter of the equatorial section, is required on all grades. An evenly shaped and sized fruit is desired for the fresh market and also for canning. Apples size is greatly influenced by pruning and thinning practices and also by crop nutrition.
Crop Nutrition and Apple Size
Phosphorus
Trials in France show that phosphorus can increase the commercial premium >3 inches grade of apples by 24%, through increasing apple size. Thus, it is particularly important to ensure supplies are not limiting in the period 6 weeks post-flowering. Often this is best achieved by using supplementary foliar phosphate.
Lack of magnesium results in reduced photosynthesis leading to smaller leaves that are lighter in colour, poor flowering, reduced apple size and significant fruit drop.
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Fruit number in apple trees results from a variety of factors, including planting density, orchard system, pruning and thinning practices and also crop nutrition. The desired fruit size should be considered when managing crop load since allowing too many...
Increasing Apple Weight
Apple weight is an important element for increasing yields. Provided that a desired quality is maintained, the aim of growers is to produce heavier fruits. Crop nutrition plays an important role on increasing apple weight.
