Due to the influence of the subtropical high-pressure system, northern China has experienced frequent rainfall in early September, with precipitation significantly higher than usual and less sunlight than normal. These conditions coincide with the ripening of mid-season apple varieties, impacting fruit colouring and sugar accumulation. Local farmers are closely monitoring weather patterns and preparing for tree management and fruit quality control.
Shandong, a major apple-producing region in China, typically schedules the bag removal for Fuji apples from late September to early October. Generally, apples are kept in bags for over 100 days, during which the skin turns milky white. Removing the bags too early or too late, especially during continuous rainy periods, can result in poor colouring, "reverse greening," and other quality issues, significantly affecting yield and quality.
Li Xiaoliang, Product Manager at OneDayOne Group, mentioned that this year, they have delayed the apple bag removal process to ensure better fruit quality. The prolonged rainy season increased soil moisture, lowered temperatures, and reduced sunlight, all of which influence the ripening process. By delaying the bag removal, apples have more time to adapt to changes in temperature, humidity, and light, ensuring a better quality of maturity.
Bag removal is a meticulous, time-consuming task that significantly affects the subsequent harvest management. Onedayone's Fuji apples undergo a two-step bag removal process: the outer bag is removed first to let the fruit adjust to the environment, followed by the inner bag 2-3 days later. This process is carried out after 3 p.m. or on cloudy days to prevent sunburn and maintain the fruit's appearance.
According to Li Xiaoliang, besides adjusting the bag removal time according to weather conditions, they also implement other quality management practices, such as pruning shading branches, rotating fruits, laying reflective film, and cushioning the apples after bag removal. "Overall, we remain optimistic about the quality of this year's Fuji apple harvest," he stated.
For more information:
Maggie Peng
OneDayOne Group
Tel: +86 187 17865462
[email protected]