Apple Farming Information Detailed Guide

Apple Farming Information Detailed Guide

Apple Farming Information Detailed Guide:

Today, we learn the topic of apple farming in India. It also covers apple planting methods, apple cultivation practices.

Introduction of Apple:

Apple fruit is the oldest and commercially the most important temperate fruit and is fourth among the most widely produced fruits in the world after orange, banana, and grape. China is the largest apple producer in the world. In India, it is mostly grown in Kashmir, hills of Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh. Apple cultivation also extended to Nagaland, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya. Apples are mostly consumed as fresh fruit but a small part of the production is processed into jellies,  juices,  canned slices, candies.

Climate required for Apple farming:

Apple can be grown at altitudes 1,500 m to 2,700 m. above sea level, in the Himalayan range which experience 1,000 to 1,500 hours of chilling or cooling (the number of hours during which temperatures remains at or below 70 C in winter season). The temperature during the apple growing season should be around 21 C to 24 C. For best growth and fruiting, apple trees need 100 cm to125 cm of annual rainfall, evenly spread throughout the year. Too much of rainfall and fog near the fruit maturity period would result in poor fruit quality with improper color development of fruit and fungal spots on the fruit surface. Apple cultivation is not suitable where the high velocity of winds are expected.

Soil requirement for Apple farming:

Apple cultivation is suitable in loamy soils with rich in organic matter and pH range of 5.5 – 6.5. Soil should not have water logging and soil with good drainage is ideal for apple farming.

Propagation in Apple farming:

Commercial  Apple propagation is done by budding and tongue grafting methods. The planting material needed in apple farming should be purchased only from the registered nurseries and  care should be taken care while transporting those.

Planting and Spacing in Apple farming:

The average number of plants in an area of one ha. may range from 200 to 1250. 4 different categories of planting density are implemented viz. low (less than 300 apple plants per hectare), moderate (300 to 500  apple plants per hectare), high (500 to 1300 plants per hectare) and ultra high density (more than 1300 plants per hectare). The combination of scion and rootstock variety determines the apple plant spacing and planting density unit area.

Planting Method in Apple farming:

Hexagonal (or) Square system of the plantation is followed in the valleys whereas the contour method is normally followed on the slopes. Apple plantation of pollinator species in between the main species is required for proper apple fruit setting. For the establishment of  Royal Delicious variety, plantation of Golden Delicious and Red Delicious as pollinators is recommended by the Horticulture Department. Dig pits of size 1 m x 1 m x 1 meter are prepared for planting in October to November month. In each pit, 30 kg to 40 kg of Farm Yard Manure (FYM), 500 grams of Single superphosphate and 50 grams of Malathion dust are added after mixing properly. follow one irrigation immediately after plantation.

Manures and Fertilization in Apple farming:

Farm Yard Manure (FMY) at 10 kg per year age of the tree is applied along with other fertilizers. The ratio of K, P, and N which is applied in an orchard of optimal fertility is 70:35:70 grams per year (age of the tree). After 10 years of tree age, the dose should be stabilized at 700:350:700 grams of K, P, and N per year. The standard fertilizer dose of K, P and N in an “off” year (when the crop load is low) is 400 grams. 250 grams and 500 grams respectively. For deficiency of boron, zinc, manganese, and calcium use appropriate application of fertilizer.

Intercultural Operations and Weed control in Apple farming:

Applying glyphosate @ 800 ml/ha. or Gammaxone/Paraquat (0.5% ) as the post-emergence herbicide will destroy the weed growth for 4 to 5 months.

Irrigation/Water supply in Apple farming:

The irrigation requirement in Apple farming is 115 cm/annum which should be scheduled in 14 to 20 watering/irrigations. In summer, watering should be provided at an interval of 6 to 10 days while in winter it is given at an interval of 3 to 4 weeks. At least 8 irrigations are required during the critical period April to August after fruit set.