How to increase apple firmness
Nitrogen excess can reduce apple firmness
Over-use or late applications of nitrogen reduces apple firmness, potentially resulting in more damage in transit and storage, and a reduced shelf life.
Phosphorus can improve long term storage
Phosphorus sprays applied six weeks post petal fall can be used to increase fruit firmness improving long-term storage potential at the same time.
Calcium has a major role in producing firm fruit
Calcium has a major role to play in maximizing apple quality by providing firm fruit. Cell wall integrity and cell-to-cell adhesion is improved, resulting in a tougher flesh that is less prone to bruising or tissue breakdown.
Soil applied calcium nitrate is very effective in improving fruit firmness. When using foliar applications, the more sprays the better, provided that products such as calcium nitrate don’t deliver too much nitrogen, creating nutrient imbalances and loss in quality.
Trials suggest that for firmness, the critical value of calcium in apple at harvest is higher than the 5mg/100g fresh weight recommended for minimizing bitter pit.
Recommended fertilisers for apples
Related articles
How to increase apple weight
How to reduce bitter pit in apples
How to minimise apple internal breakdown
Apple nutrient requirements
Identify and diagnose apple nutrient deficiencies
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