Mike Basedow and Jenn Stanton, CCE-ENYCHP, Northern NY
This week we are reporting on Rogers Mac, Honeycrisp, Cortland, NY-1, Macoun, and Ambrosia. The McIntosh block we are monitoring is likely just beyond the cusp for long term storage now. Additional Honeycrisp picks should continue when you have enough color to justify going through the block again. The Cortland block we are monitoring is eating well, and is in very good condition for long-term storage. NY-1 blocks are beginning to pick up some flavor, and may be ready for picking later this week if fruit are going to be stored long-term. The Macoun block may be ready for long term storage later this week, next week for shorter storage. The Ambrosia block may be getting close for spot picking for long-term CA storage near the end of the week, but needs more starch clearing. This variety matures quickly, and should be monitored closely.
This week’s samples were collected on Monday September 22nd 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 McIntosh, Cortland, and Macoun. Honeycrisp, NY-1, and Ambrosia were “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
McIntosh for 9/22/2025
Comments: Firmness on the remaining fruit sampled is still above the 15 lb long-term storage recommendation for the block that we looked at this week. Fruit are now at the upper end of the recommended 5-6 SPI range as well. When we ran the CA cutoff model for macs earlier this summer, the model suggested a CA cutoff date of September 19th for Peru. I don’t think I would store this fruit long term anymore. Instead, I would look at storing short-term or focus on more immediate sales. Testing finished here.
Honeycrisp for 9/22/2025
Comments: We looked at our two blocks again this week. This first block has been picked over at least once. Remaining fruit is still well above the 14 pounds minimum firmness for storage, however SPI averaged 7.4 in this block, well above the recommended 5-6 for CA storage. Brix is still below 13%. The fruit we tasted had good varietal flavor. This block will need an additional pick as soon as there is enough color in the block to justify coming back through again.
In the second block, fruit is in a similar scenario. Firmness is still above 14 pounds, but SPI is now pushing into the 6’s. This block will need a pick once there is enough red flavor to justify another pick through. I don’t think I would put fruit from either of these blocks into CA storage at this point. Instead, I would focus on short term storage or more immediate sales.
To determine harvest readiness, look for color that “jumps out” when the yellow background color makes the red almost florescent or iridescent. Ideal is the ground color turning to cream with 80% bright red cheek. SPI is not relevant, but generally they’re over 7 in most fruit that are ready to pick. Target 5-6 for fruit destined for CA. A firmness greater than 14 pounds and a brix above 13% are desirable. Stem clipping is tedious, but will reduce the incidence of stem punctures in this high-value apple. Once color change has happened, then an every other day walk-through is warranted to determine readiness. Testing finished here.
Cortland for 9/22/2025
Comments: The long-term CA storage guidelines for Cortland are an SPI range of 2.5-3.5 and firmness above 15 pounds. In our 10-fruit sample, the highest SPI reached a 2.8 this week. Firmness is also still holding very well this year. Background color is starting to change, according to the DA meter, though we don’t have a good sense of how well this relates to overall maturity within this variety. With the excellent size and color, and good varietal flavor, I think the block can be picked this week. We will likely test this block again next week, unless it’s been picked through by then.
NY-1 for 9/22/2025
Comments: Color was very good in the spot picked fruit we sampled this week. Fruit in block 1 was starting to pick up some cream in its background color, while block 2 is still fairly green. Brix is still below the recommended 13-15% range, but fruit are starting to pick up some varietal flavor. Firmness is still holding strong above 18 pounds in each block. Starch is within the 3-5 range in both blocks, however starch is considered very unreliable with this variety. I think the first block may be ready for a first pick later this week where fruit are destined for long term storage. The second block may need a little more time for more sugar and flavor development, possibly getting into next week. We will test these blocks again next week.
For NY-1, you are aiming for a minimum of 2/3 red color. The target color should be a dark red; however, fruit harvested earlier for CA will likely not have perfect color. Target firmness is 15-18 pounds, target brix is 13-15%. The SPI is targeted at 3-5, but this may not be a particularly reliable indicator. Stay in close contact with your individual marketer/packer for harvest timing and marketing plans for your NY-1 blocks.
Macoun for 9/22/2025
Comments: Fruit in this block are still very firm, and are just below an average SPI of 3.0. Flavor was beginning to develop, while starch was still fairly prominent on the taste. I think this block could probably be picked later this week for CA storage, into next week for shorter storage. We will test this block again next week.
For CA, you’re targeting firmness > 15 lbs, with an SPI of 3-4.5. Note that this is a drop susceptible variety.
Ambrosia for 9/22/2025
Comments: Fruit sampled today are starting to get some initial flavor development, but still have some starch on the back end. Color was good within our 10 apples, but more needs to develop within the tree. Brix is very good, while fruit are still very firm. DA is quite low, but does not seem to be matching up with the starch and firmness readings we are seeing within the block. I think this block could potentially be ready for a spot pick later this week if you’re picking for long term CA storage, and a little further out if you’re looking for shorter term sales. Maturity goes quickly in this variety, so monitor closely at this point.
For Ambrosia, target a starch of 2.7 to 3.5 for CA storage, 3.5-5.0 for regular storage, and greater than 5.0 for immediate retail sales. IAD readings of 0.7-0.5 for longer storage, 0.5-0.3 for short term storage, and below 0.3 should be marketed immediately. Target 18-19 lbs firmness, and 11% brix. Once sufficient starch clearing has occurred for your market, harvest all fruit meeting minimum color requirements. Maturation goes quickly in this variety, so once first harvest has occurred, a second should be made within a week. We will test this block again next week.
Next week we will continue testing the Cortland, NY-1, Macoun, and Ambrosia blocks. We will also begin testing NY-2.