Mexican pomefruit production to rise, grapes to fall in 2011-12

Mexican apple and pear production is set for a slight rise this season while freezing temperatures are set to impact table grape harvests, according to a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) report.

The USDA Global Agricultural Information Network’s (GAIN) ‘Fresh Deciduous Fruit Annual’ reported that Mexico’s main apple-growing state Chihuahua was expected to boost production through higher use of intensive management practices.

The report forecast 605,000 metric tons (MT) of apples in 2011-12, 25,200MT of pears and 210,000MT of table grapes.

Read full article at FreshFruitPortal.com.

How to Bud Graft (Apple)

Video on bud grafting technique, using Apple as an example.

US: Purshade reduces sunburn and improves grade, driving higher value for apple growers worldwide

Solar plant protectant helps organic and conventional growers stay competitive US: Purshade reduces sunburn and improves grade, driving higher value for apple growers worldwide Read more:
US: Purshade reduces sunburn and improves grade, driving higher value for apple growers worldwide Source: freshplaza.com

lhc sent this using ShareThis.

Apples dropping from trees may be due to lack of energy

Mark Bernskoetter, Master Gardener

Q: Why are all my apples falling off the tree? C.A. in Springfield

C.A. in Springfield
If you find fallen fruit, slice it open and check for larvae infestations to see if there are pests, which is one possibility for your problem.However, if the tree doesn't have sufficient energy to maintain the crop it is bearing, it simply drops the fruit. This often occurs naturally in larger fruits such as apples and pears. You can keep this from happening by selectively removing some of the blossoms in the spring as they start to drop their petals before the fruit ever forms. This is known as fruit thinning.

Overfertilizing or spring fertilizing, especially with high nitrogen fertilizers, will force the plant to put its energy into leaf production, even at the expense of fruit production. If you fertilize, do it in the fall.

Read more:

Huge drop in Himachal's apple forecast

Baldev S Chauhan / Shimla June 22, 2009, 0:31 IST

An almost snowless winter, coupled with a prolonged dry summer, has taken its toll on the apple crop this year in Himachal Pradesh.The state’s horticulture department has forecast a huge drop, a month ahead of the apple harvest season begins.

According to the final report submitted to the state government, the state’s horticulture department estimates the production will be around 18 million apple boxes this year.
This is based on the extensive tours of the department staff to all apple growing areas of the state.

Barely a month ago, another report of the department had said the production would be around 21.1 million boxes. In its final report now, this has been further scaled down to 18 million boxes, sources in the department said.

Read more: