Management of Honeycrisp Apple Trees for Maximum Sustained Yield and Minimal Bitter Pit

Authors: ROBINSON, TERENCE - Cornell University; LAILANG, CHENG - Cornell University; MARIO, MIRANDA SAZO - Cornell University; LUIS, GONZALEZ - Cornell University; BRIAN, LAWRENCE - Cornell University; CHRIS, WATKINS - Cornell University; CRAIG, KAHLKE - Cornell University; MIKE, BASEDOW - Cornell University; Fazio, Gennaro

Submitted to: New York State Fruit Quarterly
Publication Type: Trade Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/6/2024
Publication Date: 3/21/2024
Citation: Robinson, T., Lailang, C., Mario, M., Luis, G., Brian, L., Chris, W., Craig, K., Mike, B., Fazio, G. 2024. Management of Honeycrisp Apple Trees for Maximum Sustained Yield and Minimal Bitter Pit. New York State Fruit Quarterly. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTTECH.25.3.385.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTTECH.25.3.385

Interpretive Summary: .

Technical Abstract: Over the last 20+ years we have conducted numerous research trials with ‘Honeycrisp’ to develop management approaches for this high value cultivar. We have published many of our findings and will publish additional findings in future issues of the Fruit Quarterly. In this article we present a summary of the current suggested management strategies for ‘Honeycrisp’ with the intent of providing in one publication a list of grower recommendations for this variety. Because ‘Honeycrisp’ is a high value cultivar it has been planted in all apple production areas of NY state. Its value comes from its unique crispy texture, and sweet taste which consumers value. Apple growers get a much higher wholesale price from ‘Honeycrisp’ than most other varieties. However, ‘Honeycrisp’ has several production issues that make it difficult to produce at a profit. First is highly biennial which has a large economic impact on farm cash flow in the year when it does not flower. Second it is highly susceptible to bitter pit, a physiological disorder related to calcium (Ca) deficiency. Based on reports from packing houses, industry representatives, and fruit extension agents in New York, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Washington, it is estimated that growers lose about 15-25% of the ‘Honeycrisp’ crop to bitter pit on average and up to 60-80% in extreme cases, which causes significant economic losses to New York apple growers. In addition, it is susceptible to various storage disorders and storage rots. In this article we present a summary of the current suggested orchard management strategies for ‘Honeycrisp’ which are based on 20+ years of research trials. The intent of this article is to provide in one publication a list of grower recommendations for this variety.