Champlain Valley Harvest Maturity Program Report: Week 10

Posted on by mrb254

Champlain Valley Harvest Maturity Program Report: Week 10

Mike Basedow and Jenn Stanton, CCE-ENYCHP, Northern NY

This week we are reporting on Aztec Fuji, Early Cripps Pink (Pink Lady™) ‘Barnsby’, MAIA-1 EvercrispTM, and R10-45 (WildTwistTM as packed fruit). The Aztec Fuji block is likely ready for picking this week, while the Early Cripps Pink can be spot picked late this week.  The MAIA-1 and R10-45 blocks are likely at least a week out from harvest.

This week’s samples were collected on Monday October 14th and processed the same day. Fruit were picked from orchards in Peru. Sample size is 10 fruit, spot picked for the reddest fruit.

As blocks continue to receive harvest management PGR’s we will update their treatment in the final data column so you can better compare against your blocks.

Due to the large amount of variability associated with strains, rootstock selections, planting systems, the widespread use of ReTain, Harvista, ethephon, and local orchard microclimates, it is impossible to sample and process enough locations to make specific harvest recommendations. ENYCHP HMP data is meant to be used as a general indicator of apple harvest maturity, and nothing more.

When we have them, we’ll also include data from previous years to serve as a comparison.

Weekly Summary of Fruit Maturity Progress

Aztec Fuji for 10/14/2024

 

Comments: We looked at the same block of Aztec Fuji this week.  Flavor was good, as was color in the block. Firmness is holding just above 16 still, and SPI is beginning to approach the 4.5-6 range.  This block can probably be picked later this week if fruit are destined for CA or long RA storage.

For Fuji for CA or long RA storage, target fruit greater than 16 pounds firmness, with a SPI of approximately 4.5-6. We will test this block again next week, unless it has been picked over by then.

Early Cripps Pink (Pink Lady™) ‘Barnsby’ 10/14/2024

 

Comments:  Fruit in this sample had a nice pink/red blush, and were within the recommended ranges for firmness and background color, although they are still running below the recommended 13% brix.  The fruit sampled also had good flavor. We picked some of the reddest fruit we could pick on the tree, and there is some variability in the block this season, so this one might be worth splitting into two picks.  I think the block could be spot picked later this week.

 

For Cripps Pink, the rough guidelines I have seen for maturity are brix above 13%, firmness of 17-18lbs, a pink/red surface color, a background color of green with yellow-blonde tinges, and an SPI just beyond a 3.0, with ready to eat fruit ranging from about 5-6 SPI. We will test again next week, unless it has been picked over by then.

MAIA-1 EvercrispTM for 10/14/2023

 

Comments: Fruit are still extremely firm, and are not yet at the 14% brix recommendation.  Fruit are also still well below the 4-5 SPI range for CA storage. Color could also use more time to improve across the block.  I think this block is likely still at least a week out from being ready to pick.

 

“Loose” target maturity indices for MAIA-1, based on Craig Kahlke’s and others testing:

Firmness is not an issue with this variety, 17-21 lbs should cover everyone. Brix – target 16%+ most years, minimum of 14%. Like many of the other new varieties, Starch Pattern Index (SPI) is not super reliable, but target roughly 4-5 on the Cornell chart for CA storage, or 5-6 for regular cold storage. We will test this block again next week.

Current tentative storage recommendations from Dr. Watkins for this variety include:

  • Recommended storage temperature is 38°F.
  • 1-MCP is not recommended as it can enhance flesh browning disorders.
  • ReTain is recommended to reduce watercore at harvest and physiological disorder development during storage.
  • Managing watercore is important to reduce physiological disorder development.

R10-45 (WildTwistTM as packed fruit) for 10/14/2024

 

Comments: Color is very good in the fruit we spot picked today. Fruit are still below the recommended 13% brix, and are starching below the recommended 3.5-5.0.   Firmness is holding well. I think we are probably a week or so out from harvesting in here.

 

For R10-45, the recommendation I have seen for optimal maturity is brix above 13%, SPI of 3.5-6, and 60% red color. Consider harvesting at SPI of 3.5-5.0 to maximize the tang from the acidity in this variety.  Testing will continue next week.  

More research is needed, but tentative storage recommendations to date are:

  • Recommended storage temperature is 38°F.
  • 1-MCP enhances internal browning.
  • CA (2% O2/ 1% CO2) storage maintained flesh firmness and reduced flesh browning incidence compared with air storage.

DCA is recommended for long term storage, and has the additional advantage of maintaining good fruit flavor

Next week we will continue testing Aztec Fuji and Early Cripps Pink (Pink Lady™) ‘Barnsby’ if they haven’t been picked by then, and will continue MAIA-1 EvercrispTM and R10-45 (WildTwistTM as packed fruit).