Organic Processing Apple Production

By Charlie Embree

Kentville scientists transitioned one of the AAFC orchards at the Kentville station to organic. It was part of a pilot project with area producers. This pilot project investigates organic production practices and identifies challenges. An established local processing plant certified as organic and began processing in 2002. The certification process itself was challenging.

Yields in the transitional orchard in the first year were equal to conventional. In the second year they were markedly less. Disease, especially scab, was a concern. This is being addressed through the breeding of resistant varieties.

Major insects problems included codling moth and apple maggot. Insects are dealt with by augmenting natural controls, through predators, parasites and beneficial insects, and through traps and lures. Applied products such as Bt and soap or clay also show promise.

Weed concerns are addressed with hay, woodchips, horticultural vinegar, and with grazing animals. Hogs can be especially beneficial in weed control. They may also reduce apple maggots by eating drop apples, and reduce disease spread through infected leaves by mixing mulch and compost.

A variety of soil amendments showed promise, including poultry and fish composts. Changes in application times may reduce nutrient loss.

Apples produce more blossoms than they can effectively mature, so thinning agents are important. Organically accepted materials like kaolin clay need to be tested as blossom thinners. Long-term storage is also an issue.

Challenges for the future include the development of new biological control products, and a better understanding of long-term effects of soil nutrients.


Source
1st Canadian Organic Agriculture Research Workshop, University of Guelph, January 2004


Contact Info
Charlie Embree, Atlantic Food & Horticulture Research Centre, Kentville, 32 Main St., Kentville, Nova Scotia, B4N 1J5 CANADA
Email: embreec@agr.gc.ca


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