Apple Maturity Prediction: An Extension Tool to Aid Fruit Storage Decisions

Abstract

Due to the the extremely high level of competition in the marketplace for stored apple fruit, the need for quality maintenance during storage is critical. Quality analysis of fruit at harvest supports the contention that there is a harvest period during which fruit picked for long-term controlled-atmosphere storage maximize grower returns. The apple maturity program used in Michigan for determining this optimal harvest period-or window -incorporates a bloom date-based prediction and fruit maturity analyses. Techniques used in collecting and disseminating maturity information and its interpretation are discussed.