Vorarlberg apple growers expect sweet harvest despite heat

Apple growers in Vorarlberg expect an average or better harvest, with the hot summer giving the fruit higher sugar levels, ORF Vorarlberg reports. Harvesting is due to begin soon.

The region’s apple farms weathered the dry conditions relatively well, according to Jens Blum, spokesman for Vorarlberg’s commercial fruit growers. He attributed this to the deep soils, which can store more water. Rainfall varied by region, with the lower part of Vorarlberg receiving more than the upper part. Growers in the upper region had to irrigate their orchards, something that had not previously been necessary in Vorarlberg, Blum told ORF Vorarlberg.

Blum said growers were satisfied with the crop. The apples have also continued to grow in recent weeks, although the final assessment will not be made until harvesting ends in late autumn.

One problem this summer was sunburn, which causes pale, yellow or brown discolouration on the fruit. Affected apples can develop a fermented taste and can no longer be sold. Black nets used to protect the fruit from hail can also help prevent sunburn, Blum said.

Growers are already conducting larger trials with the more heat-resistant Bloss variety to prepare for future climate extremes. So far, they have been satisfied with the results, and no sunburn has occurred on the trial apples.