Production Technology of Apple

 

Production Technology of Apple (Malus pumila):

• Climatic and Soil Requirements:
• Essentially a temperate crop.
• Altitude for subtropical zone: 1600 – 2500 M above MSL.
• Chilling requirement: 1000 hours below 7°C for winter rest.
• Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic (pH 6.5 – 6.7), loamy soil with good depth.
• Propagation:
• Method: Whip and tongue method of grafting.
• Rootstocks: Malus sylvestris, M. prunifolia, M. sikkimensis, or their hybrids.
• Varieties:
• Red Delicious: Midseason variety, large fruits, oblong conical, red streaks on skin.
• Golden Delicious: Late variety, medium to large fruits, golden yellow skin.
• McIntosh: Midseason variety, medium size, oblate round fruits.
• Planting and Training:
• Pits size: 60 x 60 x 60 cm, spacing: 5 M x 5M.
• Training: Central leader, open centre, modified leader, cordon, dwarf pyramid, espalier, tatura trellis, Lincoln canopy.
• Manuring and Fertilization:
• Nutrient requirement: 500g N, 250g P, 750g K per tree.
• Deficiency corrections: Calcium chloride for 'bitter pit', Sodium borate for Boron deficiency.
• Pest and Disease Control:
• Aphids: Control with organophosphorous insecticides.
• Blossom thrips: Control with fenetrothion.
• Red spider mites: Managed by integrated control with predators.
• Apple scab: Managed by fungicide sprays.
• Powdery mildew: Controlled with triadimephon or pyrazophos.

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