Introduction
Apple (Malus Domestica) is a commercially grown edible fruit. It is cultivated widely for various purposes. Apple cultivator gains high profits from the commercial apple selling. Moreover, farmers also earn plentiful from its small scale business of producing apple juice, jelly, jam, candies, pie etc.
It is one of the important temperate fruits and that comes fourth among the most widely produced fruits in the world following Banana, Orange and Grapes
Area and Production
Yearly produce of apple is 87,236,221 tonnes worldwide. China is the world’s largest producer of apple following USA. Both countries contribute for more than 50% of apple production of the globe. Turkey, Poland, India, Russia, Iran, France, Chile, Brazil etc. are among the other apple producer countries.
India ranks 5th in the world in production of apples by producing 2,136,000 tonnes of apple every year. Mostly in India, apple is cultivated in Kashmir, hills of Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh. Its cultivation now has extended to the states of Nagaland, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya.
Apple farming Guide
Here is the complete guide which covers almost every aspect of apple cultivation.
Soil Requirements
The soil for apple cultivation requires to be loamy and well aerated with the ph. value ranging between 5.5 to 6.5. The soi rich in organic matter is the best for apple cultivation. Waterlogged, soggy or compact soil is not the ideal type of soil for cultivating apple trees.
Climate and Temperature
Apple is a temperate fruit crop that usually grows in the dry temperate areas. The temperature during the apple growing season should range from 21 to 24 degree Celsius. Apple crop needs approx. 100 to 125cm of rainfall annually. Quality apples are grown in the Himalayan Ranges at altitudes of 1500 m to 2700m above the see level.
Planting season
Early spring season usually of late January to February is the best time for propagation and plantation of apple trees.
Planting and Spacing
In one hectare of land 200 to 1,250 apple trees are grown. Depending on the region and variety we can use different spacing methods such as low density, moderate density, high density and ultra-high-density plantation.
Planting Method
Plantation of apples in valleys is done by following the methods of square and hexagonal methods of plantation. Whereas on the slopes, contour planting method is used for the plantation of apple. Irrigation is needed immediately in the orchard after the plantation of trees.
Manures & Fertilization
According to farmyard manure (FYM), 10 kilograms of fertilizers along with other fertilizers is correct to apply. This is the quantity of application for per year age of tree.
Irrigation
Apple orchards needs approx.115 CMS of water per annum. Annually they need around 15 to 20 irrigations to fulfil the required water needs. During summers irrigation needs to be done at the interval of 7 to 10 days. Whereas in winters these intervals should decrease to the intervals of 4 to 5 days.
Training and Pruning
For proper growth and development of apples, timely pruning and training is necessary. Proper training improves the fruit colour and minimize the effect of heavy snowfall an hail.
Pests and Disease in Apple
It is a necessary step of growing every crop. Apple also gets affected from various pests and diseases that results in reducing fruit quality and growth. Timely resistance from these pests is done to an extent with spraying fenitrothion, chlorpyriphos, carbaryl etc.
Harvesting
Apple trees usually starts bearing fruits from the 8th year of plantation. From 8th to 17th year, the growth of apple goes increasing that becomes constant up to 30 years. The life of apple trees is mostly of 30 years that can be extended up to 40 years.
The yield of Apple
Varying according to the cultivar, region and farming practices average yield of apple is around 10 to 12 kilograms per tree yearly. On an average 11 to 20 tonnes of apples are harvested from per hectare of land.
Conclusion
Apple is a crop that is a lifetime investment for securing future as its fruiting continues till 30 to 40 years. It is a demanding crop having numerous benefits and highly suggested fruit by the doctors. With some safety measures and care apple orchards can give high and quality produce.