[Apple-Crop] Jonagold

[Kushad, Mosbah M]

Art:  Many factors contribute to poor color in “Jonagold” and other varieties of apples.

1.      “Joangold” is not a high coloring cultivar, except in excellent sites where it can get adequate cool nights and warm (but not hot) days at least one month before harvest.

2.       “Jonagold” is a vigorous tree. Adequate pruning is a must for good color.

3.      Heavily fertilized trees produce poor color fruits.

4.      High temperature and high humidity during coloring will reduce fruit color.

5.      I have seen young trees produce good color fruits compare to older trees, but I have also seen the opposite, which gets back to tree management..

6.      I am not sure heavy crop load impact fruit color much . I would assume the opposite.. A tree that has a heavy crop load is likely to have less shaded fruits..

7.      In my opinion the key players are inadequate pruning and hot and humid weather before harvest.

8.      I have seen a NW grower mist a “Jonagold” block to increase color through evaporative cooling.   Not a good practice if you live in a humid area..
Mosbah Kushad, University of Illinois

From: apple-crop [mailto:apple-crop-bounces at virtualorchard.com] On Behalf Of kellyorchards
Sent: Wednesday, October 12, 2016 1:20 PM
To: Apple-Crop
Subject: [Apple-Crop] Jonagold

Why are my Jonagolds not coloring?  Can this be an issue if they have a heavy crop?



Art Kelly
Kelly Orchards
Acton, Maine
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