12 BULLETIN 1448, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



This variety grown in regions having a shorter growing season, 

 such as Nebraska, Iowa, northern Illinois, northern Ohio, and terri- 

 tory to the northward, is not so likely to break down in storage. 

 Fruit from these districts may safely be left on the tree until the 

 ground color of the fruit corresponds to No. 4 and until the apples 

 are highly colored. The ground color and the loosening of the fruit 

 on the trees are probably the best indexes to the time of picking under 

 these northern conditions. Fruit in these sections will generally test 

 from 16 to 18 pounds at picking time. 



KING DAVID 



King David is <*nost susceptible to scald in storage. It usually de- 

 velops very high color, and it is desirable if possible to leave the fruit 

 on the tree until it attains this high degree of color. 



For best storage and dessert quality the fruit should be left on the 

 tree until the ground color corresponds to Nos. 3 to 4, Plate 1. This 

 variety may be left on the tree with safety until the pressure test 

 reaches an average of 18 pounds. The variety has" a rather marked 

 tendency to drop when it reaches proper picking condition. 



Because of its high color development and the fact that fruit 

 picked when immature has fairly good storage quality, there is an 

 inclination, particularly in the early shipping districts, to pick this 

 apple somewhat too early. Better dessert quality and equally good 

 storage quality will be realized from picking somewhat later than is 

 generally practiced at the present time. 



McINTOSH 



The Mcintosh appears to be almost immune to the development of 

 storage scald, consequently it is not essential to leave the fruit on the 

 tree until late in order to obtain good storage quality. High color 

 commands a premium, however, so the variety should be left on the 

 tree long enough to attain high color. This variety is not susceptible 

 to water core. It has, however, a noticeable tendency to loosen and 

 drop from the tree if left a little beyond the prime picking season. 



When in best condition for picking, the Mcintosh will usually 

 show a pressure test of 15 to 16 pounds and a ground color between 

 Nos. 3 and 4, Plate 1. If the fruit reaches this condition and is still 

 poorly colored, it will be fairly satisfactory for storage if left on the 

 tree until the pressure test is as low as 14 pounds. Excessive drop- 

 ping may, of course, necessitate harvesting before this condition is 

 reached. 



The dropping of the fruit and its stage of color development are 

 the main considerations in determining when to pick the Mcintosh 

 for marketing. Fruit picked at 15 to 16 pounds pressure will hold 

 in storage somewhat better than softer fruit. This variety softens 

 very rapidly at high temperatures, and it is very essential that the 

 fruit be placed under refrigeration quickly after harvest if good 

 storage quality is to be assured. 



NORTHERN SPY 



The Northern Spy, like the Mcintosh, is not susceptible to storage 

 scald, and the development of water core is also rather rare. The 



