Best Time to Remove Bags from Apples and Key Management Points After Bag Removal

Apple bagging technology is already very mature in our country, and it is used in many regions, but some fruit growers are still not very proficient in the bagging technology for apples, such as the time to remove the bags and the management after removal. So today let us learn together about the time to remove apple bags and bag removal management.

Best Time to Remove Apple Bags

Factors such as the climate of different regions, soils of different properties, and different apple varieties will all affect the time to remove apple bags to a certain extent. If it is a yellow-green variety using single-layer bags, the bags can be removed at harvest; if it is a red variety with single-layer bags, the bags can be removed one month before harvest. First tear the bag open into an umbrella shape and cover the fruit with it to prevent direct sunlight on the fruit surface. After 7-10 days, remove all the bags. This can prevent sunscald and accelerate fruit coloring; if it is a red variety using double-layer bags, generally remove the bags 30-35 days before harvest. First remove the outer bag, and after 4-5 sunny days remove the inner bag. The best time of day to remove the bags is from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and around 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. When removing the bags, be sure to avoid the time when the midday sunlight is strongest, so as to prevent the fruit from sunscald.

Management After Bag Removal

1. Autumn pruning

Apple trees need a good light environment for growth, so pruning work throughout the four seasons is extremely important. Taking autumn pruning as an example, it can not only increase light but also improve the quality of apple trees. Autumn pruning should make reasonable use of the light gaps between branches so that light can shine evenly on every branch.

2. Proper leaf removal

The purpose of this practice is to increase the light-receiving area of the fruit. Generally, leaf removal in September is best, whether for fruit on the canopy or fruit on the lower part of the canopy.

3. Turning the fruit and padding the fruit

This practice is to make the fruit color evenly. Generally, turn the fruit once within one week after bag removal, but do not twist the fruit with too much force, which may cause the fruit to drop.

4. Laying reflective film

Laying reflective film is mainly to allow the fruit in the stem cavity area and the fruit on the lower part of the canopy and the north side of the canopy to also receive light, thereby increasing the rate of fully red fruit. Generally, it is laid immediately after the inner bag is removed.

5. Spraying plant growth regulators

Many fruit growers spray plant growth regulators. The benefit of doing so is to prevent pre-harvest fruit drop, promote color change, and increase fruit coloring.

  For bagged apples, bag removal is also very critical. If you remove the bags too early or too late, it will lead to poor apple quality.