Apple

Varieties of Apples: -

Many varieties of apple are cultivated but the following varieties are suitable for cultivation in Pakistan: Anna, Summer Gold, Golden Darst, Royal Gala, Summer Red, Spartan, Golden Delicious, Golden Smoothy etc.

Preparation of root stock for apple plants: -

The following rootstocks are used for grafting apple plants. East Malling No. 7, No. 9, No. 12, No. 13 and Crab Apple etc. The seeds are extracted from the following suitable plants by obtaining healthy and clean fruits. The seeds of these plants are usually very hard, so they are kept in moist sand for fifteen to twenty days for their germination this process is called stratification. For this process, wooden crates are usually used, five or six layers of seeds are laid in them and the moisture is preserved by sprinkling water on top of sand. When the seed coat of the seed bursts then transferred it to the nursery.

Method of transplant to nursery: -

Before transferring the seeds to the nursery, the land is prepared well, then furrows are made at a distance of 60 cm, their depth should not be more than 5-6 cm. Seeds are planted at a distance of 8 cm in these furrows. After planting the seeds, they are covered with leaf compost and irrigated with a sprinkler.

Soil:

Apple tree can be cultivated in almost any type of soil. But cultivation in well-drained fertile soil is essential for better yield. Saline Sodic and water-logged soil is not suitable for its cultivation.

Cultivation Time: -

The season of August to September is suitable for plantation of seedlings of these plants. The seedling of these plants capable to ready for grafting next year in the same season or next year in March-April.

Layout of Plants in Orchard: -

For planting an Apple orchard, the layout of plants is kept square and in this method the distance between the plants is 15 x 15 feet or 18 x 18 feet.

Method of Cultivation: -

Deciduous plants can be planted in Autumn or spring. Pits are dug before planting. These pits are left open for 15 days. The size of these pits should be 60-80 cm x 80-100 cm. The pits should be filled with top soil mixed with manure and chemical fertilizers. After that, well irrigated so that the plant stabilizes its place. Tall plants should be supported so that they do not fall to the ground.

Benefits of Pruning of Branches: -

Pruning of apricot plants have many benefits.

• The plant has balanced yield.

• Proper plant canopy is formed for proper growth.

• Makes the structure of the plant durable so that it is not damaged by weather.

• Helps to control diseases and infections

Center leader system / modified center system is used in apple plants and pruning of plants should be done in the month of January.

Grafting in apple plants: -

The following rootstocks of apple i.e., Crab Apple, M-9, M-106 are grafted on T-shaped or Wedge grafting. July to August and December to January months are suitable for grafting.

Apple Scab: -

This disease is found in every country of the world where apples are cultivated. It is spread by a fungus called Venturia inaequalis. Due to the attack of this disease in hot and dry season, round brown spots are formed on the leaves and fruits of the plants. Infected fruits fall on the ground, such fruits cannot be stored for long and infected plants have bear less fruit next year.

Control: -

• Collect and burn the fallen leaves under the trees in autumn.

• Plants should be properly prune to allow light and air to pass through.

• Spray Star F 50 ml mixed with 100 liters of water or spray Difenoconazole 120 ml mixed with 100 liters of water.

Codling Moth: -

This insect causes damage to apples in nymph stage. The female lays eggs on flowers, leaves and fruits. In April, these eggs hatch into nymph, which enters into the fruit and start eating the pulp. Affected fruit is unusable. The appearance of the fruits is de-shaped and the taste is not good, according to estimate the pest causes 20-30% damage.

Control:

• Apply light traps from April to July.
• From April to November, cloth etc. is wrapped around the stems of the plants so that the insects gathered in it and after a week it is opened and destroyed.
• Rotten fruit is picked up and burried into the pit.
• Properly prune plants for adequate air and light penetration.
• At the end of April, when the fruit is formed, spray cypermethrin/ Polytrin C 450 ml in 100 liters of water two or three times at an interval of 15 days.

Woolly Aphid:

It sucks sap from plant stems, leaves and roots. The growth of the attacked plants stops. The color of the leaves turns yellow. Raised lumps are formed on different parts of the plant. In December, the insect hibernate into the roots and emerges from the roots to the upper part of the plant.

Control: -

Spray Malathion pesticide from August to October.

Stem Borer: -

The insect damages plants in larva conditions. Its larvae live into plants, branches by making tunnel and eat from the inside. Its attack weakens the plants and if the attack is severe, the affected branches or the whole plant dries up.

Control: -

• Destroy the larvae with the help of a fine wire in the holes in the stem.
• Cut small pieces of Fasta tablets and put them in these holes and close them with soil. One tablet is enough for 10-12 holes.Sanjose Scale: -

Sanjose Scale:

This insect sucks the sap of the plant through its long thin proboscis in different parts of the plant, which causes the plants to wither. Generally, the attack of the insect is on the stem and branches. Sometimes it attacks on the fruit as well. Raised red marks on infected fruits are formed.

Control: -

Mix 3 liters of Chlorpyriphos in 100 liters of water and spray.

The amount of fertilizer needed by apricot plants depends on the type of soil, age of the plant, time of fruiting, type of fertilizer and the amount of fertilizer used in last year.

Fertilizer requirement before Fruiting:

Fertilizer requirement after fruiting: