Apr 6, 2016
MPAG updates status of 2016 US apple crop

Michigan Processing Apple Growers gave an update on the status of the North American apple crop on April 6:

Michigan. Southwest – Green tip to half inch green. Orchard temperatures the morning of April 5 were 20˚ F. Ridge – Silver tip to green tip. Orchard temperatures reported at 19-20˚ F the morning of April 5. West Central – Some bud swell but most orchards still at silver tip. North – Apple orchards still dormant.

New York – Apples buds in western New York are reported to be at green tip. The Champlain area reported some swollen buds, but no appreciable movement to date. The Hudson Valley area is reported to be half inch green. Forecasted temperatures for western New York in the teens for the morning of April 5 and 6. Overall good fruit bud return reported. Apple fruit bud development was estimated to be about two weeks ahead of normal.

Pennsylvania – Apples in Adams County were reported at half inch green stage on early blooming varieties. Growers reported good fruit bud return overall. Peaches were in full bloom while tart cherries were in the white bud or popcorn stage. Fruit maturity is believed to be 12 to 14 days ahead of normal.

Virginia – Good return bloom was expected in most areas. Apple bud maturity is reported to be one half inch green to pre-pink in the Winchester area. Cherries are coming into bloom with peach bloom almost complete. The extended forecast has growers concerned because of multiple mornings with forecasted freezing temps. Apple development believed to be 10-14 days ahead of normal.

North Carolina – Granny Smith and Pink Lady varieties were reported with 25% to 50% bloom while Golden and Red Delicious were reported to be entering bloom. After experiencing minor frost events recently, growers were concerned with at least two nights of forecasted freezing low temps this week.

Washington – In the Yakima Valley, warm temperatures of 70-80˚ F projected through this week. Cherries were reported to be in full bloom. Early apple varieties were beginning to bloom now into next week. Crop maturity was reported to be three to seven days ahead of normal depending on location. Crop potential could be greater than 2014. More orchards now coming into production with 80-100 bins to the acre. Anticipate cleaning up 2015 crop prior to new crop. Current peeler prices reported at $9/cwt. and juice at $5/cwt.

Ontario – Apples entering bud swell to bud break in the Simcoe area while the Georgian Bay area was still full dormant to silver tip. Fruit bud maturity in the Simcoe area is reported to be about two weeks ahead of normal.


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