Before the Fuji apple harvest, many growers were convinced that the time was near and often felt anxious. However, it's crucial to remember that proper late-stage management plays a vital role in ensuring a successful yield. Here are some practical post-harvest management tips for Fuji apple producers to consider.
First and foremost, pest control and leaf protection should not be overlooked. Every year, some orchards neglect late-season pest management, leading to infestations from pests like the codling moth and oriental fruit moth. This can result in excessive leaf drop, which significantly impacts both fruit quality and yield. Therefore, it's essential to continue pest control efforts based on monitoring, applying eco-friendly pesticides every 15–20 days as needed.
Secondly, ensuring adequate sunlight is key to improving fruit color and sugar content. From late September to late October, Fuji apples go through a critical phase of color development and sugar accumulation. Research shows that light intensity within the tree canopy has a strong positive correlation with both fruit color and sugar levels. Thus, growers should pay close attention to this period.
To optimize light exposure:
1. Prune sticky, diseased, or weak branches promptly to open up the canopy and allow more sunlight to reach the inner parts of the tree.
2. Remove fruit bags 20–30 days before harvest. Choose a sunny, windless day between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to remove the outer bag first, followed by the inner bag after 3–5 days.
3. Consider using reflective mulch films in high-quality orchards after removing the fruit bags. This helps enhance color development on the lower and inner parts of the tree.
4. Thin leaves strategically to improve fruit coloring. Start by removing leaves close to the fruit, then gradually take out shaded leaves at the base of branches. Do not remove more than 30% of the total leaves. After about two weeks, the fruits will be fully colored on the sunny side. Gently turn the fruit and secure it with transparent tape during midday to 5 p.m.
5. Spray water in the evening to increase the day-night temperature difference, which enhances sugar accumulation. From mid-September to late September, spray fresh water on the leaves every evening around 6 p.m., doing this 2–3 times per week.
By following these practices, growers can significantly improve the quality, appearance, and sweetness of their Fuji apples, ultimately leading to better marketability and profitability.
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