AppleMalus

Apple

Apples

1. crabapple
2. apple tree
3. pome fruit

1. crabapple
2. apple tree
3. pome fruit

1. Apple
2. Malus
3. Pome fruit

1. Tracheophytes
2. Angiosperms
3. Eudicots
4. Rosids

Rose family

1. Fruit

The apple (Malus) is a genus of deciduous trees and shrubs in the rose family. Worldwide, there are numerous species and countless cultivars that vary greatly in taste, appearance, ripening time, and use. Apples are one of the most popular fruits and are consumed fresh, processed into juices, sauces, compotes, or baked goods. They are rich in vitamins and fiber.

1. Taskpruning

   Label

   Pruning

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 1

   Conditionfrost-free

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Perform pruning on older trees.

1. TaskPruning

   Label

   Fruit tree pruning

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 2

   Estimated efforthigh

   Notes

   Formative, thinning.

2. TaskPest and disease control

   Label

   Pest and disease control

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 2

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Check for pests and diseases.

1. TaskPest and disease control

   Label

   Bud break spray

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 3

   Conditionbud break

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   With oil sprays against mites and insect eggs.

2. TaskFertilizing

   Label

   First fertilization

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 3

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Loosen soil and fertilize.

1. TaskPest and disease control

   Label

   Blossom monitoring

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 4

   Conditionflowering

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Watch for pests like apple blossom weevil.

2. TaskPest and disease control

   Label

   Scab control

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 4

   Conditionif needed

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Spray against scab if necessary.

1. TaskFruit thinning

   Label

   Thin fruit set

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 5

   Conditionfruit set

   Estimated efforthigh

   Notes

   To promote larger fruits and prevent biennial bearing.

2. TaskPest and disease control

   Label

   Pest control

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 5

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Check for aphids and codling moth.

1. TaskFruit thinning

   Label

   Thin fruit set

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 6

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Continue thinning fruit set.

2. TaskWatering

   Label

   Watering

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 6

   Conditiondry periods

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Water during dry periods.

1. TaskPruning

   Label

   Summer pruning

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 7

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   For better light and air circulation to fruits.

2. TaskHarvest

   Label

   Harvest of early varieties

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 7

   Conditionfruit ripe

   Estimated efforthigh

   Notes

   First harvest of early varieties.

1. TaskHarvest

   Label

   Harvest of summer and early autumn varieties

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 8

   Conditionfruit ripe

   Estimated efforthigh

   Notes

   Harvest summer and early autumn varieties.

2. TaskPest and disease control

   Label

   Pest and disease control

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 8

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Check for pests and diseases, treat if necessary.

1. TaskHarvest

   Label

   Harvest most apple varieties

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 9

   Conditionfruit ripe

   Estimated efforthigh

   Notes

   Harvest most apple varieties.

2. TaskSoil preparation

   Label

   Prepare soil

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 9

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Preparation of the soil for autumn planting.

1. TaskHarvest

   Label

   Harvest of late varieties

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 10

   Conditionfruit ripe

   Estimated efforthigh

   Notes

   Harvest late varieties.

2. TaskPlanting

   Label

   Plant fruit trees

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 10

   Estimated efforthigh

   Notes

   Plant fruit trees.

3. TaskSanitation

   Label

   Remove fallen leaves

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 10

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Remove fallen leaves to prevent fungal diseases.

1. TaskPlanting

   Label

   Plant fruit trees

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 11

   Estimated efforthigh

   Notes

   Plant fruit trees.

2. TaskMulching

   Label

   Care for tree bases

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 11

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Mulch or cover tree bases with compost.

1. TaskFrost protection

   Label

   Frost protection

   Prioritylow

   Months

   1. 12

   Conditionfrost

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Provide frost protection for young trees if needed.

1. loam
2. sandy_loam
3. clay_loam

Prefers deep, nutrient-rich, and well-draining soils. Avoid waterlogging at all costs.

1. loam
2. sandy_loam
3. clay_loam

Deep, humus-rich, and loose soil is ideal. Avoid waterlogging.

1. Flowering
2. Fruit set
3. Fruit development

Consistent soil moisture is important; avoid waterlogging.

Regular compost application and balanced fertilization promote fruit production.

Apple trees require ample space and should not be planted too closely. Consider the final size of the variety and the training method.

1. Sucking insects (aphids, mites)
2. Boring insects (codling moth)
3. Beetles (apple blossom weevil)

1. Fungal diseases (scab, mildew)
2. Bacterial diseases (fire blight)
3. Physiological disorders (bitter pit)

1. Variety selection: Prefer resistant or tolerant varieties.
2. Site selection: Sunny, airy, but protected from strong winds.
3. Soil care: Well-draining, nutrient-rich soil, avoid waterlogging.
4. Plant health: Balanced fertilization, adequate water supply, promote biodiversity.
5. Sanitation: Remove infected plant parts, disinfect tools.
6. Encourage beneficials: Create habitat for natural pest predators.
7. Crop rotation: Ensure adequate break after other Rosaceae family members.

Accurate diagnosis often requires observing symptoms over time and considering site and weather conditions. If in doubt, consult an expert or send in samples.

1. Slugscab

   Severitymedium

   Conditions

   1. High humidity (over 90%)
   2. Leaf wetness for several hours
   3. Temperatures between 10-25°C

   Affected parts

   1. Leaves
   2. Fruit
   3. Blossoms
   4. Young shoots

   Prevention

   1. Choose resistant varieties.
   2. Remove infected leaves in autumn.
   3. Ensure adequate spacing for good air circulation.
   4. Apply fungicide sprays in spring during wet weather (e.g., sulfur or copper-based).

   Organic control

   1. Regular removal of infected leaves and fruit.
   2. Sprays with plant extracts (e.g., horsetail).
   3. Application of sulfur preparations.
   4. Encourage beneficial insects.
2. Slugpowdery_mildew

   Severitylow

   Conditions

   1. Dry weather with high humidity at night
   2. Temperatures between 15-25°C
   3. High nitrogen levels in the soil

   Affected parts

   1. Young leaves
   2. Young shoots
   3. Fruit

   Prevention

   1. Balanced fertilization, avoid excessive nitrogen.
   2. Ensure good ventilation through pruning.
   3. Choose resistant varieties.
   4. Remove infected plant parts.

   Organic control

   1. Sprays with milk (diluted 1:10 with water).
   2. Application of sulfur preparations.
   3. Plant extracts (e.g., nettle).
3. Slugfire_blight

   Severityhigh

   Conditions

   1. Warm, humid weather
   2. Temperatures above 18°C
   3. High humidity
   4. Presence of insects (e.g., fruit flies, aphids) as vectors

   Affected parts

   1. Blossoms
   2. Young shoots
   3. Branches
   4. Trunk

   Prevention

   1. Choose resistant varieties.
   2. Avoid wounding bark and shoots.
   3. Pest control (especially insects that transmit bacteria).
   4. Remove infected plants in the vicinity.
   5. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization.

   Organic control

   1. Immediate and generous pruning of infected parts (at least 30 cm below visible infection).
   2. Disinfect tools after each cut (e.g., with alcohol).
   3. Do not compost infected plant parts; burn or dispose of them safely.

1. Symptom

   Brown, velvety spots on leaves and fruit that later turn woody and crack.

   Possible causes

   1. scab

   First checks

   1. Is the weather wet and cool?
   2. Are the spots visible on both sides of the leaves and on the fruit?
2. Symptom

   White, powdery coating on young leaves and shoots.

   Possible causes

   1. powdery_mildew

   First checks

   1. Is the weather dry but nights are humid?
   2. Are the affected plant parts young and actively growing?
3. Symptom

   Blossoms and young shoots look scorched, die back, sticky ooze present.

   Possible causes

   1. fire_blight

   First checks

   1. Is it warm and humid?
   2. Are insects active that could transmit the disease?
4. Symptom

   Small, sunken, bitter spots under the fruit skin.

   Possible causes

   1. bitter_pit

   First checks

   1. Does the problem primarily occur during storage?
   2. Was there drought stress or unbalanced fertilization during the summer?

1. Bud break: March
2. Flowering: April-May
3. Fruit ripening: August-November (variety dependent)

The flowering period is an important indicator for the harvest and can be affected by late frosts. Fruit ripening varies greatly depending on the variety.

Annually, although biennial bearing (alternating years of high and low yield) can occur depending on the variety.

1. Coloration of the fruit skin (variety dependent)
2. Taste (sweet, typical apple flavor)
3. Fruit detaches easily from the branch with a gentle twist
4. Firmness of the flesh
5. Removing the core before consumption is not necessary, but the seeds are not intended for consumption.

Apples should be harvested carefully to avoid bruising. They can be consumed fresh, stored, or processed. Cool, dark, and humid storage extends shelf life.

Cool and dark

Several weeks to several months, depending on variety and storage conditions.

1. Applesauce
2. Apple pie
3. Apple juice
4. Cider
5. Dried apple rings
6. Compote
7. Jelly

1. Flesh
2. Peel (for untreated fruit)

1. Seeds (contain small amounts of amygdalin, which can be metabolized into cyanide)

The seeds should not be consumed in large quantities. There is no danger from normal consumption of the fruit.

Yes, apples are very enjoyable raw and are a popular snack.

1. Espalier
2. Cordon
3. Bush tree
4. Half-standard
5. Full-standard

The choice of rootstock significantly influences the growth, size, and fruit production of the apple tree. Various training systems are possible and require adapted pruning and care measures.

Apple trees provide food and habitat for a variety of insects, birds, and small mammals. Their blossoms are an important food source for pollinators in spring.