Apple

General Information About Apple

Apple (Malus domestica) is one of the most important temperate fruit species cultivated since ancient times. The culture apple tree is generally medium to large, forming a spreading canopy. It can reach 8-10 meters in height. Branches develop laterally.

The apple tree root system is not a taproot; roots are mostly near the surface and spread wide. Branches are divided into wood branches (long internodes) and fruit branches (short internodes).

Most apple varieties are self-sterile. Cross-pollination is essential for fruit set and yield, so suitable pollinator varieties must be planted together.

There are about 6500 apple varieties worldwide, with about 460 grown in Turkey. Common commercial varieties in Turkey include Amasya, Starking, Golden, Gravenstein, Jonathan, and Rome Beauty.

Originating from Anterior Asia, apples are well adapted to cool and cold temperate climates. They can be grown economically even in northern countries like Sweden. In Turkey, they are successfully produced at altitudes of 800m and above in Mediterranean and SE Anatolia regions.

Apple trees are very cold- hardy, withstanding -35 / -40 °C during dormancy. However, flowers are damaged at -2 / -3 °C.

Apple Rootstocks

M 9

Dwarf rootstock suitable for high density. Grows 30-40% of standard. High fruit quality, early bearing. Requires support system.

B 9

Dwarf similar to M9. More cold hardy and resistant to crown rot. Higher tolerance to fire blight.

M 26

Between M9 and MM106 (45-55% vigor). Requires support in light soils. Better cold hardiness than M9.

MM 106

Semi-dwarf (65-75% vigor). Resistant to woolly apple aphid, sensitive to crown rot (avoid heavy soils). Does not need support. Yields in 3-4 years.

MM 111

Semi-dwarf (80-85% vigor). Resistant to calcareous and heavy soils, crown rot, and woolly aphid.

Climate and Soil Requirements for Apple

Climate Requirements

Apple is a cold-hardy fruit with high chilling requirements. Late spring frosts are a risk during flowering. Avoid frost pockets.

Soil Requirements

Apple prefers deep, well-drained, loam to clay-loam, organic-rich soils with pH 6–7.5. Heavy, poor drainage soils increase root diseases.