Increasing apple yield

Tree density, orchard orientation and spacing are critical to ensure crops make best use of environmental conditions so that yield potentials are reached.

Thorough soil preparation prior to planting and maintenance of optimum pH ensures good rooting and that nutrients are readily available.

Pruning and crop thinning are critical if growers are to produce an optimum number of evenly sized fruit.

The use of fungicides and insecticides will reduce the incidence of yield and quality sapping diseases and pests.

Crop nutrition is essential

• Nitrogen and potassium are key elements in boosting shoot and leaf growth, maximizing flowering, fruit set and fill, as well as yield potential.
• Phosphorus is important for early growth and rooting, and then again for producing a large number of healthy flowers clusters, and good fruit size.
• Calcium is needed to ensure healthy leaf development and canopy growth, thereby providing for a firm platform for high yields.
• Magnesium and manganese also ensure good photosynthetic activity, maintaining productive growth and strong fruit retention on the tree.
• Poor availability of any micronutrient will restrict yield. Boron is particularly important at flowering to maximize flower number and fruit set. Zinc is also important for bud development and flowering.