Botanical Name: Malus domestica.Family: Rosaceae which also includes other fruit trees such as pears, peaches, and cherries.The chromosome number of apple is 2n = 34.
1. Climatic conditions:
Apples are typically grown in temperate climates with a cool winter season and a warm summer season. The ideal temperature range for apple cultivation is between 15 to 24 degrees Celsius. Apples require a certain amount of chilling hours (below 7°C) to initiate flowering.
2. Soil:
Apples prefer well-drained soils with good water-holding capacity. The ideal pH range for apple cultivation is between 6.0 to 7.0. Apples can be grown on a wide range of soils but they are susceptible to root diseases when grown in heavy, poorly drained soils.
3. Propagation:
Apples can be propagated through seeds, grafting, or budding. However, propagation through seeds is not commonly practiced as it can lead to genetic variability.
4. Planting:
Apple planting is usually done in the autumn or spring season. The ideal seed rate is 1200 to 1400 seeds per hectare. The recommended spacing for apple planting is 6 to 8 meters between rows and 4 to 6 meters within the row.
5. Irrigation:
Apples require regular irrigation from the day of sowing. The frequency and amount of irrigation depend on the soil type, climate, and stage of growth.
6. Manures and fertilizers:
Apples require a balanced dose of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The recommended NPK dose for apple cultivation is 120:60:60 kg/ha. Organic manures such as farmyard manure or compost can also be applied.
7. Training and pruning:
Apple trees require regular training and pruning to maintain their shape, promote fruiting, and manage disease. Training involves shaping the tree when it is young, while pruning involves removing dead, diseased, or weak branches.
8. Variety names:
Some popular apple varieties include Red Delicious, Granny Smith, Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, and McIntosh.
9. Harvesting stage and yield:
Apples are typically harvested when they are fully mature, and the color has developed fully. The yield of apples can vary depending on the variety, soil, climate, and management practices. On average, apple yields can range from 15 to 50 tons per hectare.
