Apple trees often bear fruit that can unfortunately rot before it is harvested. This is a common phenomenon for many apple tree owners. Rotting apples can be an annoyance, but there are several potential causes for this issue. It is important to understand these causes in order to ensure a healthy harvest from your apple tree.
One factor that can cause your apples to rot is too much water. Frequent rains, combined with irrigation, can cause apples to absorb too much moisture, leading to rot. To avoid this issue, make sure to plant your apple tree in a location that receives ample sun and good drainage. Additionally, irrigate your tree only when the soil has gone dry.
Another factor causing rotting apples is insufficient sunlight. Apple trees need ample sunlight to produce healthy fruit. If your tree is not receiving enough sunshine, the fruit may be small and prone to disease and rot. Make sure to plant or move your tree to a location that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight every day.
A third cause of your rotting fruit can be fungal disease. Fungal diseases, such as apple scab, occur when the wet surface of the apple absorbs fungi from the soil. Fungi cause spots to form on the apple’s surface, leading to rotting fruit. To prevent this from occurring, make sure to keep your apple tree leaves and soil free from debris and weeds which act as a host for fungal spores.
The fourth potential cause of rotting apples is pests. Pests such as aphids, codling moths and various species of beetles, can damage the fruit in various ways. Aphids will suck sap from the fruit and cause it to rot. Codling moths eat their way into the apple, resulting in a core filled with rot and webbing. Beetle pests will chew through the apple skin, leaving behind entry points for decay and rot. Check your tree regularly to make sure it is free from pests, and use insecticides if necessary.
Storage Problems
The fifth factor that can cause your apples to rot is improper storage. If apples are not stored correctly, they will be prone to moisture and decay. In order to keep your apples fresh, make sure to keep them at a temperature of around 32°F. Additionally, store your apples away from ethylene-producing fruits such as bananas, which can speed up the rotting process.
The sixth potential reason for rotting apples is a lack of maturity. Most apples need to fully ripen before they can be harvested and stored. Apples that have not been allowed to fully ripen will be prone to rotting. If you suspect this is the case with your apples, allow them to continue to mature on the tree before harvest.
Lastly, temperature fluctuations can cause your apples to rot. If your tree is exposed to hot temperatures during the day and cold temperatures at night, the apples may suffer from internal bruising. This can cause the flesh of the apple to be prone to decay. To prevent this from occurring, make sure your apple tree is sheltered from temperature extremes.
Pruning Issues
A final potential cause for rotting apples is improper pruning. Too much pruning can reduce the amount of fruit on the tree, and also increase the amount of sunlight, which could lead to sun scalding or sun burning of the apples. This can cause premature ripening and rotting. Make sure to research the right way to prune your apple tree, to ensure optimal fruit production and healthy fruit.
Soil Problems
Another factor that can cause rotting apples is poor soil. Apple trees need healthy soil with plenty of organic matter to thrive. If your soil lacks adequate drainage, oxygen, and nutrients, your apples won’t be able to absorb the proper nutrition they need to be healthy. To make sure your soil is in good condition, test it for any problems each season and amend the soil with fertilizer and compost if necessary.
Additionally, your apple tree might also be affected by soil pests, such as root maggots or grubs, which can cause the fruit to rot. To make sure your tree is free from soil pests, use pesticides or natural remedies such as trap crops to keep them away.
Diseases & Pesticides
Organic methods can be used to help prevent diseases and pests from affecting your apple tree. Common organic remedies include the use of compost tea and sulfur-based fungicides. Compost tea can be sprayed on the tree to help deter fruit pests, while sulfur-based fungicides can help prevent fungal growth. Additionally, using traps can help minimize the population of certain pests, such as codling moths.
Finally, make sure to harvest your apples as soon as they ripen. When left on the tree too long, apples will begin to decay, which can result in more rotting apples. Also make sure to remove any rotting fruit from the tree, as this can cause infection to spread to other apples.
Harvesting Tips
When it comes to harvesting your apples, timing is key. Make sure you harvest your apples as soon as they ripen to avoid rotting. Additionally, be sure to make smooth, clean cuts when picking your apples. Any bruises or cuts can cause the apples to become prone to pest infestations and rotting.
Furthermore, don’t forget to use a basket or cloth bag when harvesting your apples. Avoid using plastic bags, which can cause moisture and heat buildup and cause the apples to spoil.
Finally, make sure to store your apples in a cool, dark area away from other fruits. Also make sure to check on your apples every week or two and get rid of any apples that may be beginning to show signs of decay.
