Production Technology of Apple in India
Introduction
Apple (Malus domestica) is one of the most important temperate fruits in India, contributing significantly to the economy of hilly regions. Apples are consumed fresh and also used in processing industries for making juices, jams, jellies, and other products. The major apple-producing states in India are Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, while newer regions like Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim are emerging as potential growers. Apple cultivation supports the livelihood of lakhs of farmers and is a source of significant foreign exchange through exports.
Soil and Climate
Soil Requirements
Apples thrive in well-drained loamy soils that are rich in organic matter. The ideal soil pH ranges between 5.5 and 6.5. Heavy clay or poorly drained soils should be avoided as they can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Climatic Conditions
Apple is a temperate crop and requires chilling hours (between 1,200 to 1,500 hours below 7°C) for proper bud development. It grows well at altitudes ranging from 1,500 to 2,700 meters above sea level. A temperate climate with cold winters and moderate summers is ideal. Excessive rainfall, high humidity, or frost during flowering can severely affect yield and quality.
Varieties
- Spur Types and Colour Sports: Red Chief, Oregon Spur-II, Silver Spur, Well Spur, Red Spur, Super Chief, Starkrimson, Hardi Spur, Schelet Spur, Ace Spur
- Standard Colour Mutants: Vance Delicious, Top Red, Skyline Supreme, Hardiman, Bright-N-Early
- Standard Varieties: Starking Delicious, Red Delicious, Rich-a-red
- Low Chilling Varieties: Michal, Schlomit, Anna, Vered, Tamma, Tropical Beauty, Parlins Beauty
- Pollinizing Varieties: Golden Delicious, Red Gold, Tydeman’s Early Worcester, Summer Queen, Golden Spur, Granny Smith, Winter Banana, McIntosh, Scarlet Gala, Manchurian, Snow Drift, Malus floribunda
- Scab Resistant Varieties: Prima, Priscilla, Sir Prize, Florina, Flrdous, Shireen, Macfree, Coop-12, Coop-13, Liberty, Freedom
- Hybrid Varieties: Lal Ambri (Red Delicious × Ambri), Sunheri (Ambri × Golden Delicious), Chaubattia Princess, Chaubattia Anupam (Early Shanburry × Red Delicious), Ambred (Red Delicious × Ambri), Ambrich (Richard × Ambri), Amroyal (Starking Delicious × Ambri)
Propagation and Rootstock
Apples are primarily propagated through tongue grafting and T-budding. These methods ensure the true-to-type nature of the variety. Grafting is usually done during the dormant season in December and January.
Rootstocks
Apple trees can be grown on seedling or clonal rootstocks:
- Seedling Rootstocks: More vigorous and commonly used in traditional orchards.
- Clonal Rootstocks: Preferred for high-density plantations. Popular ones include:
- M9: Dwarf
- M26: Semi-dwarf
- MM106: Semi-vigorous
- MM111: Vigorous
Planting Density, Time, and Method
Planting Time
The best time for planting apple trees is during the dormant period, i.e., December to February.
Planting Density
- Traditional orchards: 250–300 trees/ha (spacing: 6 × 6 m or 5 × 5 m)
- High-density orchards: 1,000–2,500 trees/ha (spacing: 3 × 1 m or 2 × 1 m)
Planting Method
Dig 1 × 1 × 1 m pits and fill with soil mixed with 20–25 kg FYM. Place the graft union 10–15 cm above ground. Water immediately.
Irrigation
Apples are sensitive to drought and waterlogging.
Irrigation Frequency
- Summer: Every 7–10 days
- Winter: Every 20–25 days (if needed)
Methods
Drip irrigation is ideal. Avoid flood irrigation to prevent root rot.
Manure and Fertilizers
Per Tree Per Year
- FYM: 30–60 kg
- Urea: 350–700 g
- DAP: 250–500 g
- MOP: 200–400 g
Time of Application
FYM: December-January
NPK: Split after flowering and during fruit set
Micronutrients like Boron and Zinc should be applied if deficiency symptoms are observed.
Intercultural Operations
Weeding
Manual or chemical weeding keeps basins clean.
Mulching
Organic mulch or black polythene helps conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Cover Crops
Legumes like beans or peas can be grown for soil enrichment.
Training and Pruning
Training
Use Modified Central Leader System or for high-density, Spindle bush, Vertical axis, Slender spindle.
Pruning
Prune in December–January to remove dead, diseased, and crossing branches.
Major Pests
- San Jose Scale: Dormant oil spray, Chlorpyrifos
- Woolly Apple Aphid: Dimethoate spray, resistant rootstocks
- Codling Moth: Pheromone traps, insecticide sprays
Major Diseases
- Apple Scab: Mancozeb, Captan sprays
- Powdery Mildew: Sulphur, systemic fungicides
- Fire Blight: Pruning and copper fungicides
Harvesting
Apples mature in 120–180 days after bloom depending on the variety. Maturity indicators:
- Colour change
- Ease of fruit separation
- TSS: 12–14%
- Firmness: 6–8 kg/cm²
Yield
- Traditional orchards: 10–15 tonnes/ha
- High-density orchards: 30–60 tonnes/ha
Conclusion
Apple cultivation in India is profitable in temperate zones. Using high-density planting, drip irrigation, and integrated management practices can increase productivity and fruit quality. Support from government schemes and improved storage facilities is helping expand this vital horticultural crop.