The Best Time to Remove Apple Bags
Sharing gardening knowledge about the best time to remove apple bags. Next, the editor will provide you with detailed answers.
The Best Time to Remove Apple Bags
Time and Method for Removing Apple Bags: The time for removing apple bags should be around 120 days after the apples are bagged. The bags should be removed in the morning and afternoon, paying attention to the order before and after removing the bags, laying down reflective film, and being cautious about continuous rainfall after bag removal, which can lead to "re-greening" of the apples, so it is necessary to ensure
1. The time for bag removal must be appropriateRemoving the bags too early can lead to poor coloration of the apple fruits.
If the bag removal time is delayed, it will also lead to poor coloration. The general best time for bag removal is when the apples have grown inside the paper bags for about 120 days. I believe a minimum of 110 days is a suitable period for bag removal.
Usually, when apples are bagged, the weather is cool, and there is no risk of sunscald or dry weather, so there is no need for early irrigation. Moreover, rainfall is still relatively frequent at this time, so it is enough to grasp a reasonable bag removal time.
During the day, the bag removal time is generally from 7:30 am to 11:30 am, and from 2:30 to 3:00 pm to around 7 or 8 pm in the evening. The high-temperature period at noon should be avoided, and no one does it this way.
2. Properly prune excess branches and leaves to accelerate proper coloringBranches and leaves that need to be pruned generally include weak, thin branches, vertical branches, and branches near the apples that affect coloring. These should be pruned during the bag removal process, and it is recommended to use apple tree pruning shears.
3. The order of bag removal cannot be mixed upNowadays, double-layer paper bags are used. First, remove the outer layer of kraft paper, leaving the inner red wax paper on the apple tree to ensure coloring, for about 5 to 7 days.
Then remove the inner wax paper, clean as you go, and finally lay down the reflective film.
Therefore, the correct order is: outer kraft paper - inner red wax paper - laying down reflective film. From the perspective of bag removal on the whole apple tree, it is from top to bottom, inside to outside.
During the bag removal process, branches and leaves mentioned in the second point should be pruned in a timely manner.
4. The moisture level of the apple orchard soil before and after bag removal should not be too wet, slightly dry is bestThis is completely related to the coloring of the apples. Do not irrigate before and after bag removal, as this is the wrong approach.
Moreover, many apple orchards are planted on hillsides without irrigation conditions, so the moisture level is relatively good, slightly dry, which is more conducive to the coloring of apples.
5. Leaf removal and proper fruit turningLeaf removal was mentioned in the second point. The purpose of turning the fruit is also for coloring, especially during and after the laying of reflective film. Be sure to turn the fruit gently without letting it fall off.
If it accidentally falls off, the practice in our rural home in Pingliang, Gansu is to combine one or two "white apples" into transparent plastic bags.
Then hang them on the tree, closest to the reflective film. This way, coloring is not affected.
Some fruit farmers will directly leave the accidentally dropped fruit on the tree, but I don't think this is good. It's better to put it in a plastic bag, which helps with even coloring.
This article shares detailed content about the best time to remove apple bags and hopes it can be helpful to you!