Here’s the latest maturity report using apples grown at the AHS Jr. AREC in Winchester or nearby:
We’ve had adequate rainfall, which has helped overall fruit size in most orchards. Additionally, with the cooler night temperatures that we’ve been experiencing in the northern Shenandoah Valley, ripening has moderately slowed down which will allow for increased red color development.
Nonetheless, Reds, Goldens, early Fuji strains, and Empire without ReTain are ready for harvest and may be past their prime by the middle or end of next week. Many of these apples are already moving past the ideal starch readings for long-term CA storage.
Romes are probably going to be ready shortly (next week?), followed by Stayman and Idared. Additional fruit size increase will be gained for Yorks that are allowed to stay on the tree for a couple of more weeks.
Many of the blocks that we are collecting fruit from were sprayed with ReTain, so ethylene and starch readings in our reports are going to be lower than in non-sprayed blocks. As always, please check with your buyer before you harvest.