Champlain Valley Harvest Maturity Program Report: Week 12
Mike Basedow and Jenn Stanton, CCE-ENYCHP, Northern NY
This week we are reporting on MAIA-1 (EvercrispTM) and R10-45 (WildTwistTM as packed fruit). Both blocks are likely ready for picking this week where color and size are acceptable.
This week’s samples were collected on Monday October 28th and processed the same day. Fruit were picked from orchards in Peru.
Sample size is 10 fruit picked for average maturity, from multiple trees, on both sides of the row for MAIA-1 EvercrispTM and Regal 10-45.
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
MAIA-1 EvercrispTM for 10/28/2024
Comments: Firmness is starting to come down, and is now within the recommended range of 17-21 lbs. Brix is above the minimum 14%, but still below the recommended 16%. Starch is averaging at a 2.7, but seems to be responding oddly in this block this season so I’m taking it with a grain of salt. Flavor was very good in the fruit tasted. Given the flavor and brix, we would probably aim to get them off this week where color and size are acceptable.
“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. Testing finished here.
R10-45 (WildTwistTM as packed fruit) for 10/28/2024
Comments: Fruit in this block have excellent red color. Brix is above the 13% minimum, and still within the recommended SPI range of 3.5-5. Firmness is also holding well. I would probably look to pick this block off this week where color and size are acceptable.
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 finished here.
This is the final Champlain Valley Harvest Maturity Report for the season. If you have feedback or recommendations for next year, feel free to reach out to me at mrb254@cornell.edu or 518-410-6823.