Fruit size in monitored blocks of McIntosh, Delicious and Gala is 2.47 in., 2.22 in. and 2.33 in., respectively, which is slightly smaller than fruit size at the same time last year. We judge that the stage of maturity of apples is similar to historical norms. Therefore, growers should plan to apply ReTain on McIntosh and Gala between August 10 and 15. Summer pruning before application is recommended on blocks destined to receive ReTain, to improve spray coverage. Don't Give Up On Calcium July's wet weather has kept many fruit trees growing quite vigorously.
Terminal growth is still active, creating a potentially strong 'sink' for calcium in the trees.
Again, these calcium applications are highly recommended this year to avoid disorders such as bitter pit, cork-spot, and general storage breakdown. Given the cool, wet weather of the past month, coupled with the general lack of early-season mite pressure, it seems unlikely that many growers will face a pressing need for application of a summer rescue miticide. Weathering Heights After nearly a month of sampling for invasion and damage of apple maggot flies, it is apparent that this season s population is pretty light. With the relative lack of pressure, AMF stings on fruit have also barely hit the radar screen. We have no solid explanation for the light load of invading AMF, but feel that two issues may be at play.