Increased Risk of Diffuse Skin Browning in Goldens in 2018
Increased Risk of Skin Browning in Golden Delicious this Season
Prompt removal of field heat and SmartFreshTM treatment is generally good advice for Eastern storage operators. However, handling practices for Golden Delicious this season may provide an exception. Golden Delicious are susceptible to a surface browning disorder identified as "diffuse skin browning" (DSB). These skin browning symptoms appear early in storage and may be considered a "chilling disorder" since rapid field heat removal increases the disorder.
Control of DSB in Goldens is a regular concern in warmer growing regions, but is seldom seen in New York. This pattern of appearance implies that Goldens may be more susceptible to DSB following warm seasons such as this one. The disorder is successfully controlled by slowing field heat removal after harvest and delaying SmartFresh treatment.
SmartFresh use recommendations for Golden Delicious suggest:
- Maintaining air discharge temperatures at evaporators above 36o F
- Delay SmartFresh treatment until fruit has reached 40o F, but within 8 days of harvest
- Vent storage rooms to prevent the buildup of CO2 during temperature pull down
- Gradually reduce fruit temperature to holding temperature of 33 - 34o F
- In CA rooms, maintain less than 1% CO2 during the first six weeks of storage
Note: that the suggested slowed cooling rate and delay of SmartFresh treatment applies only to Golden Delicious.
Upcoming Events
Apple Leafcurling Midge IPM - Webinar

February 16, 2023
In recent years, the apple leafcurling midge (ALCM) has become an increasingly problematic pest in many orchards across the northeast.
Western NY Fruit Conference - "State of the Industry"

February 27 - February 28, 2023
Henrietta, NY
CCE-LOF are excited to bring you a muti-day fruit conference in WNY! This is replacing our Winter Fruit Schools. Tentative Agenda is now available.
Fire Blight Informational Series - Michigan Fire Blight Meeting
March 1, 2023 : Michigan Fire Blight Meeting
Traverse City, MI
The team leading the national fire blight SCRI grant "Comprehensive Fire Blight Management for the United States" is hosting a March meeting (in person or virtual) as well as a webinar series. This multi-state series will address new research on best management practices for fire blight control. You are encouraged to attend these events which will provide cutting edge research recommendations into how to manage fire blight. Each session eligible for some DEC credits (see below for quantities, and bottom of article for direction on how to receive credit).