Author: Madeline Wimmer This fruit update contains information about… Postharvest fruit handling Apples Bitter pit management: Thinking ahead for the next growing season. Grapes Berry bruising from late-season heavy wind, rain, and small-hail. 2024 Fruit and Veg Updates survey This article will conclude the University of Minnesota (UMN) Extension fruit update series for the 2024 growing season. While our regular updates are wrapping up for this year, the growing season is not done for everyone. If you find yourself needing production support during these final weeks, reach out through the contact link above. Additionally, the newsletter will continue to publish more fruit-related content throughout the year, and into next year until the next fruit update series begins. I hope you have found value in this series for your production needs and look forward to joining the growing season with you, next year! -Madeline Wimmer, UMN Extension educator, fruit production Postharvest fruit handl
Madeline Wimmer- UMN Fruit Production Extension Educator Image: University of Minnesota (UMN) researchers evaluate hundreds of apples each year to search for unique, well-performing apple varieties that match or surpass the Honeycrisp standard. Seen in this photo is David Bedford, Jack Tillman, and Sarah Kostick, UMN apple researchers and breeders; and Kate Scapanski, UMN apple researcher. With its original release in 1991, it’s been a while since the Honeycrisp apple was released and began a revival in apple consumption throughout America. The Honeycrisp apple was and still is adored for its balance of sweetness and tartnes, juiciness, and its signature crisp texture. To this day, a number of apples that are just as excellent in quality have been released by the University of Minnesota (UMN) fruit breeding program: Zestar!®, SweeTango®, First Kiss® (aka Rave®), and, most recently, Kudos®, and Triumph®. Today, the efforts to breed apples through traditional breeding methods continue fo