Production of Apple

Apple

     Apple (Malus pumila) is the most important temperate fruit of the north-western Himalayan region. It is predominantly grown in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and hills of Uttar Pradesh, accounting for about 90% of the total production. Its cultivation has also been extended to Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Nagaland, Meghalaya in north-easterm region and Nilgiri hills in Tamil Nadu. The agroclimatic conditions in these states are not as conducive as in north-western Himalayan region. Early and continuous rains from April onwards do not favour the production of quality fruits besides resulting in high incidence of diseases.

       The apple-growing areas in India do not fall in the temperate zone of the world but the prevailing temperate climate of the region is primarily due to snow covered Himalayan ranges and high altitude which helps meet the chilling requirement during winter season extending from mid-December to mid-March.

Climate and soil

        Most of the apple varieties require 1,000–1,500 hours of chilling below 7°C during winter to break the rest period. These conditions are available at an elevation of 1,500–2,700m above mean sea-level in the Himalayan ranges. By and large, the average summer temperature should be around 21°–24°C during active growth period. The areas with frost-free spring and adequate sunshine during summer without wide fluctuations in temperature are most suitable for apple cultivation. Low temperature, rains and cloudy weather, during flowering period hamper the bee activity, affecting cross pollination adversely. Areas exposed to high winds particularly the hill tops are also not suitable for its cultivation. Dry winds during summer desiccate flowers and hamper bee activity, resulting in poor fruit set. Inclement weather, particularly low temperature below 15°C during bloom restricts the bee activity which is completely inhibited below 4.4°C, affecting fruit set. Fully opened blossoms may be killed at temperatures below –2.2°C. The optimal temperature for pollen germination and fruit setting is 21.1–26.7°C.

        Well-distributed rainfall of 100–125cm throughout the growing season is most favourable for its optimal growth and fruitfulness. The long drought spells during fruit development and excessive rains and foggy conditions at fruit maturity hamper fruit size and fruit quality. Dry temperate areas suitable for apple cultivation in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir are most suitable for production of high-quality fruits having intense colour development, high sugar content and longer shelf-life.

          Soil depth, drainage and pH determine the suitability of soil types. Loamy soils, rich in organic matter having a pH of 5.5–6.5 with gentle to moderate slope, proper drainage and good aeration are most suitable. The soil should be free from hard substrata and waterlogged conditions. Where cultivation is done on flat soils, proper drainage channels need to be developed to restrict the incidence of collar-rot, root-rot and other soil-borne diseases.