Question
Thanks for the quick reply. Your answer is helpful.

When you say that the heavy fruit set in itself can be a problem, can you be more specific as to the nature of the problem.

Also, based on what you have said, should I remove the smaller apple "buds" to ensure that the remaining larger apples grow to maturity?

In addition, should I water the trees on a regular basis in addition to the normal rainful we have been receiving?

thanks again....

Peter




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Followup To
Question -
Hi Gary,

I live in Winnipeg , MB

We have 2 apple trees in our backyard. Each tree is about 10 ft high. I don't know what type of apples the trees produce but I do know they are not crab apples. the tree produces a semi- sweet to sweet full size apple that is more green then it is red.

In any case, this spring we had an extra ordinary amount of white blossoms on every branch of the tree. Each blossom appeared to be producing a bunch of at least 3 to 4 apples. The appearance of a very abundant yield was apparant. In the last 2 - 3 weeks, the trees have both begun to shed many of the apples that initially appeared. the sheddings are up to .5 to .75 inch in diameter. the larger apples seem to be staying on the tree. A significant amount of the smaller ones are drying up and or just wilting and falling off.

we have had a late spring with mostly cool weather up to the middle of June. the precipitation has been average in that we have had enough rain for it to be considered a normal season.

As a note, last year the trees yielded a very poor crop in that only a few of the branches on each tree yielded fruit. the fall prior, I did some heavy pruning of both trees, reducing the foilage by about 10% on each tree.

What do you think may be the cause of the fruit shedding this year.

regards,
Peter

Answer -
Peter,

First, the heavy fruit set is a symptom of alternate bearing.  This happens when a tree has a poor fruiting season and stores more sugars than normal due to low fruit production.  The following year the tree has more energy than normal and can produce more fruit.  this heavy fruit set was also encouraged by the pruning.  

This heavy fruit set in itself can be a problem.  The tree can only produce enough sugars from photosynthesis to support a certain number of fruit.  Typically growers will thin the fruit set so the remaining fruit will get larger.  The trees will also abort fruit if there are too many to support.

I hope this helps.

Gary

Answer
Peter,

The problem with a heavy fruit is based on carbohydrates produced by the tree.  There is only so much to go around.  If the need for carbos is greater than the tree is producing then the production of seeds, fruit from our point of view, is reduced and the potential next generation of the plant.  Plants produce seeds for the next generation.  It is a survival thing.


As far as removing the smaller buds is concerned, commercial growers will take long poles and bang on the branches AFTER fruit set to knock off some of the fruit.  They do this to ensure there is adequate druit set.  If you remove the small buds then you are removing potential fruit.

I would only irrigate if normal rainfall is below average.  More water does not equate into more frui.  It only increases your water bill. (From my point of view)

Gary