Increasing pome fruit size

Size is a critical characteristic for grading pome fruits. A minimal size, determined by the diameter of the equatorial section, is required on all grades. An evenly shaped and sized fruit is desired for the fresh market and also for canning. Pome fruit size is greatly influenced by pruning and thinning practices and also by crop nutrition.

Crop Nutrition and Apple Size

Phosphorus

Trials in France show that phosphorus can increase the commercial premium >75mm grade of apples by 24%, through increasing pome fruit size. Thus, it is particularly important to ensure supplies are not limiting in the period 6 weeks post-flowering. Often this is best achieved by using supplementary foliar phosphate.

Phosphorus and fruit size France

 

Magnesium

Lack of magnesium results in reduced photosynthesis leading to smaller leaves that are lighter in colour, poor flowering, reduced pome fruit size and significant fruit drop.

Magnesium Optimum Range Apple South Africa

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