Fruit maturity

Dave Carbaugh reports that, although the cultivars Ginger Gold, Gala and Honey Crisp matured earlier than normal this year, Red Delicious and Golden Delicious are closer to normal. As of Aug. 24 there was still a lot of starch to convert- a relative rating of 1.7 for Reds and 1.4 for Goldens on a scale of 1-10 where 1 means there is a lot of starch. Soluble solids (sugar) is already on the upswing, 11.5% for Reds and 12.8 for Goldens. Firmness is still good- 18.2 lb for Reds and 18.6 for Goldens. The combination of high starch, good firmness and cooler night-time temperatures for improved fruit coloring bodes well for fresh market cultivars. So, in spite of the earlier bloom date this year, all these criteria are optimistic for a normal progression into harvest and some opportunity to wait for improved color. Last year on the same assessment date, Red Delicious firmness was 17.5 lb, soluble solids 10.2% and starch rating 1.9. Goldens in 2009 were 17.2 lb, soluble solids 12.4% and starch rating 1.7.