On Tuesday members of EKFS gathered in East Kent to celebrate the walk of this year's Winning Orchard.
This annual event highlights the pinnacle of our East Kent Apple Growers expertise. Many growers enter their best orchards into the competition, and the high standard of management from all entrants ensures a very worthy winner.
This year the winner was a 'Gala One' orchard grown on Adrian Scripps Ltd Wenderton Farm near Bridge East of Canterbury.
Before visiting Wenderton, members were invited to meet at Adrian Scripps Ltd Ickham Farm barely a mile and in sight of Wenderton, where EKFS Chairman Paul Hamlyn introduced Russell Graydon - Farm Manager and James Simpson MD of ASL who welcomed us all with an overview and short walk around the orchards at Ickham.
The Ickham farm is cropped entirely with Mariri Red Braeburn, with the oldest orchard planted in 2019. In an adjacent orchard trees of a younger age.
Russell Graydon said due to many vigorous Braeburn trees at Ickham they have used 'root pruning' and Aurea Imaging located on the tractor to identify strong/weaker trees. With this data they were able to apply extra root pruning (both sides)to the stronger trees.
Below: left. Mariri Red Braeburn row and right. colour beginning to show on the Mariri Red Braeburn (cold nights/warm days will
help maximise red colour by harvest in October)
From Ickham we drove the short distance to the 'home farm' at Wenderton where Russell Graydon introduced several machinery suppliers showing 'specialist equipment' and offering advice. This opportunity was taken when we arrived back from the orchard walk around Wenderton while supper was being served! On the right: The 'Crimper machine used to control wild flowers in the orchard rows without destroying the efficacy of the sward
Orchard walk and visit to EKFS Winning Orchard
Below: Russell Graydon leads the group around Wenderton orchards
During the walk, Russell and James stopped at strategic places for an opportunity to explain: varieties/clones, tree management, etc. in addition: Dr Matevz Papp-Rupar Plant Pathologist, Project Leader at NIAB updated members on his work on: The role of endophytes in affecting symptom development of European apple canker caused by Neonectria ditissima; Duration: 2017-2022; Partners: NIAB, Adrian Scripps Ltd, AHDB, Avalon Produce Limited, ENZA/T&G Global Lt, Frank P Matthews Ltd, Worldwide Fruit Limited; Funding: BBSRC-LINK
Or to the put it 'simply' trying to solve what is a global issue, namely European Apple CANKER
Below: EKFS Winning Orchard - Gala One (an early ripening sport of Gala)
Below: L & R. At Wenderton 22 hectares of Pink Lady in 2nd and 3rd leaf 'looking good'
Wildflowers are now a standard in apple orchards, attracting beneficial insects improving pollination and assisting control of pests within the apple trees.
The rows are not mowed as that removes too much of the flowers, but using the 'Crimper' periodically during the summer reduces the height of the wildflowers without decimating the 'wildflower sward'
Back in the farmyard, we were able to access the equipment on show and discuss with suppliers some of the 'nuances' of the display.
Below: Ford tractor with 3 row sprayer and Aurea Tree Scout unit used to determine flower/crop load
Click on Aurea Tree Scout imaging
Below: The FRUITAERATOR which is a subsoiler with 'vibrating tines' breaks up soil pans allowing aeration benefitting soi structure and drainage
Below: Mark Tully - Landseer - Updates growers on harvest timing indicators and storage potential
Mark told us (reminded) of the weather pattern this summer (?) miserable wet dull lacking sun; until some sunshine and warmth
in August. With an early blossom most apples are of good size. Storage potential should be OK (?)
The technology now available enables earlier, more accurate indication of harvest dates and storage potential
CHLOROPHYLL FLUORESENCE
We have developed a system to predict the date of 80% starch within apples as an indication for an optimal harvest date by monitoring chlorophyll throughout maturation. This has been put to use over several years.
NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING
We have been working with TrinamiX to develop a product for UK specific apples that can detect dry matter, brix, and acidity.
So far, we have been able to track the dry matter and brix of an apple from fruitlet (whilst still on the tree), through maturity and harvest, all the way to the end of storage. We were able to visibly see what the dry matter and brix values performing.
Click on LANDSEER Fruit Testing
Technology surge
Adrian Scripps Ltd have always been leaders for analysing, then adapting and applying new technology and much was on display this week. One more remarkable 'piece of kit' in use is the Hectre software which assesses fruit size (and other elements) by scanning a bin of fruit from above. Russell Graydon told me they drive a tractor with 8 bins (2 levels of 4 bins) under the scanner delivering a size analysis of 97% accuracy! It is not necessary to scan every bin, 25% is enough to deliver an accurate result.
Stunning technology: "Previous technique's include taking a random sample of 100 apples from a bin and measuring them with sizing rings! "
Click on HECTRE , either with a hand held unit or an overhead scanner (in use at ASL)
The English Apple Man Comments: "A very enjoyable evening, fantastic fruit, great company and a tasty burger and apple pie to follow"
That is all for this week
Take care
The English Apple Man