Horticultural practices such as fertilization, thinning, and summer pruning can have an effect on some pest problems as well as any physiological factors. Color photos in several references are best to show the characteristics of defects caused by many insects, diseases, and physiological problems. Call your local area Extension educator that specializes in fruit for the best resources for your location. Defects such as size, color, and bruising should be included in your evaluation as well as disease and insect damage. If this is done during the harvest at the block, bruising can be reduced and color standards are kept at required level.
Evaluations help estimate packout and can be used to determine storage and market destination.
Packout estimates may be more complicated since the market sometimes demands higher quality than that described in the USDA grade standards. Spray timing, choice of crop protectant, rates and application method are all factors that can effect pest management results. If apples are evaluated in the orchard, it is a good way to determine if spray coverage is adequate using application methods such as alternate rows vs. every row spray and the gallons per acre applied. The choice of material is based on the presence of predators you want to conserve, the level of insecticide resistance, and the incompatibility of materials with other strategies on the farm. Records of fruit damage and crop protectants required to maintain pest populations below an economic threshold are also useful in justifying registration of new products through 24C Special Local Need, and full federal labels.