Northwest Michigan apple maturity report – September 5, 2013
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EmailEarly season apple varieties are beginning to mature in northwest Michigan.
General comments
The Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Center (NWMHRC) will be testing apples for maturity for 2013, and results will be sent via fax and email to past apple maturity list subscribers. Results will also be available at the Michigan State University Extension Apple maturity program and reports page.
Recent rainfall across northwest Michigan should help apple varieties that were struggling to size. Color has not developed in most varieties, but the cool evenings and sunny days are helping with coloring and maturation.
Summary of northwest Michigan apple maturity samples taken on Sept. 3, 2013.
|
Variety |
Color % (range) |
Firmness lbs. pressure (range) |
Starch (range) |
Brix (range) |
|
Gingergold |
11 ( 0 – 30) |
18.8 (15 - 22) |
3.5 (1 - 9) |
11.4 (9 – 13.8) |
|
Gala |
51 (20 - 90) |
21.8 (18 - 23) |
1.1 (1 - 2) |
10.4 (8.2 - 12) |
|
McIntosh |
50 (20 - 80) |
19.2 (14.5 - 22) |
1.4 (1 - 3) |
11.3 (10 - 13) |
|
Honeycrisp |
37 (10 - 60) |
19.3 (16 - 23) |
1.4 (1 - 5) |
11.5 (9 - 14) |
Paula Red. None tested, should be mature.
Gingergolds. Nearing mature to mature (two samples). Firmness at 18.8 pounds. Starch index at 3.5. Spot-picking has begun in the area. Background color should just be starting to turn yellowish at the time of harvest. Fruit that ripens to the point of full yellow will not hold up well in storage.
McIntosh. Immature (two samples). Firmness at 19.2 pounds. Starch index at 1.4. Brix level at 11.3. Color is at 50 percent.
Honey Crisp. Immature (three samples). Firmness at about 19.3 pounds. Starch index at 1.4. Brix level at 11.5. Color is at 37 percent. This variety needs multiple pickings over several weeks for premium quality fruit. Watch for first two to three apples per tree to color for the first picking.
Gala. Immature (two samples). Firmness at 21.8 pounds. Starch index is at 1.1 and brix levels are at 10.4. Color is just over 50 percent.
Looking for more? View Michigan State University Extension’s Apple Maturity Program and Reports resource page for regional reports throughout the state and additional resources.
