Orchard Outlook: Honeycrisp and Ambrosia Fruit Maturity Report - Sept 23, 2025

This is the fifth maturity update for Honeycrisp and the first update for Ambrosia using the example regions. Similar to last year, the Honeycrisp fruit being monitored are now within or near the window of optimal maturity. In Ambrosia, some minor starch movement and good sugar content is reported. Information is included on the Season Extension Program that reopens on October 1 and includes support for irrigation capacity. 

Please note that the DA meter is misaligned with maturity indices this year and is giving variable results, therefore our preference is for relying on starch and flavour as maturity indicators. The DA meter was developed as a tool based on the relationship between chlorophyll degradation and the rate of change of maturity indices and in some years the relationship may not align.

• Even if DA values do not make sense for comparing years, the values should still be useful for comparing blocks to decide which to harvest first.

Important Note - The following information is for general industry purposes only. Growers are encouraged to use their own discretion to harvest trees that are exhibiting delayed colour development or exhibiting maturity indices that disagree with what is being reported here. Values were measured on an average of fruit that were representative of the block's crop load and tree vigour.

Honeycrisp Fruit Maturity Report

Fruit representative of size and colour were taken from all sides but not from the interior of the canopy where maturity is expected to be delayed and is most likely targeted for a second pick timing.

Table 1: Maturity indices for regular Honeycrisp fruit sampled in the current year on Monday, Sept 22, 2025. Values are compared with the samples taken one week prior on Monday, Sept 15, 2025. All samples represent fruit prior to the first harvest.

Table 1 Honeycrisp Discussion:

• Local research by John Delong et al. 2013 showed that optimal values of the starch index for long-term storage for Honeycrisp are between 5.0 and 7.5. Early harvest of Honeycrisp before starch 5.0 can lead to more bitter pit in storage whereas late harvest beyond starch 7.5 results in more soft scald.
• First-pick fruit are ready in Rockland and Lakeville with starch index values that are beyond 5.0 and are exhibiting excellent flavour.
• The North Medford blocks being monitored still have some starch flavour and will likely reach maturity around Sept 25-26.
• The rate of change of starch conversion was relatively fast over the past week at +2.5 starch index units at several of the sites. 
• ReTain applied in Lakeville on Sept 1 (3 weeks before harvest) did not appear to have much influence on the maturity of the first pick under this year's conditions.
• Honeycrisp harvest is underway. Maturity should be monitored closely and first pick harvest is encouraged where colour is acceptable.

More observations (data not shown):

• Red blush colour increased by about 0-25% over the past week depending on the site.
• Preharvest fruit drop has not been observed at the monitoring sites but it is recommended that the industry be on high alert and consider the use of ReTain or Harvista if there are early signs of drop.

Table 2: Maturity indices for regular Honeycrisp fruit sampled on Monday, Sept 22 relative to the past 2- or 3-yr average (combined years 2022, 2023, and 2024) sampled on a similar calendar date. Rockland is not included because a new site is being monitored and there is no data for comparison.

Table 2 Honeycrisp Historical Discussion:

• Starch index is similar to the 3-year average. Last year's harvest dates should give some guidance.
• The North Medford site is usually less mature at this time because it is usually treated with ReTain, but this year it was not treated.
• Soluble solids values in our region for Honeycrisp tend to be 11% brix at harvest maturity. This year, without the diluting effect of water the soluble solids continue to be much higher than usual.
• The mass and diameter data depend on crop load but they show a significant impact of the drought on marketable fruit.

Ambrosia Fruit Maturity Report

Fruit were taken from throughout the trees to target a one-pick harvest to strip the trees.

Table 3: Maturity indices for Ambrosia fruit sampled in the current year on Monday, Sept 22.

Table 3 Ambrosia Discussion:

• The starch has begun to convert to sugars in Rockland and Lakeville so the starch index is higher than the base level of 1.0. Local research by John Delong et al. 2013 showed that optimal values of the starch index for long-term storage of Ambrosia are between 2.8 and 4.5. Starch index values are currently below 2.8.
• It is likely too late to have an influence of ReTain but consider Harvista if labour issues are anticipated.
• Similar to the DA value in the context of Honeycrisp, there is likely a misalignment with Ambrosia so starch index should be monitored instead.

More observations (data not shown):

• Red colour varies greatly and there is less colour where drought stress is most prevalent. 
• The marketable Ambrosia fruit on trees with deep root systems and limited drought stress weighed 174 g and measured 73 mm (2.87") in diameter. Fruit on young trees with drought stress weighed 118 g and measured 64 mm (2.52") in diameter. Fruit size will vary by crop load and soil moisture, but this information is shared for your general knowledge.

Table 4: Maturity indices for Ambrosia fruit sampled on Monday, Sept 22, 2025 relative to 2024 when sampled on a similar calendar date.

Table 4 Ambrosia Historical Discussion:

• Starch index is similar to what was recorded in 2024. Last year's harvest dates should give some guidance.
• Soluble solids values in our region for Ambrosia tend to be 12% at around optimum harvest maturity and this year the values are already higher than usual.
• The mass and diameter data depend on crop load but they show a significant impact of the drought on marketable fruit across many regions. Older trees with deeper root systems may be less affected. 

About each maturity measurement:

Starch Index - Starch is converted to sugars as ripening progresses. The starch-iodine test is used because iodine binds to starch molecules turning them blue/black, whereas sugars are not stained and remain clear. The Cornell chart on a scale of 1 to 8 was used above and values are an average of ten representative samples from each block.

Soluble Solids - Approximates the percentage of sugar content of the fruit. Measured using a digital refractometer. Values are an average of ten representative samples from each block taken on the blush side of each fruit.

DA Meter - The delta absorbance (DA) value is related to the chlorophyll content of the peel. AAFC researchers in Kentville developed a protocol for Honeycrisp. Values above 0.60 are immature, values 0.6 to 0.36 are ideal for long term storage, and values below 0.35 are best for short term storage because they are more prone to storage disorders. Values shown above are the average of twenty fruit taken throughout a block, with readings taken on the transition area between the sun and shade exposed sides. DA values will be noticeably different between the most mature and least mature fruit on a tree. 

Notices

Season Extension Program - Includes Irrigation Capacity

The objective of the Season Extension Enhancement Program is to help support fruit, vegetable and ornamental producers who invest in innovative technologies to extend their growing season, adapt to a changing climate and open up new market opportunities. This program includes "adopting and developing irrigation capacity for field operations." 

Please find the 2025-2026 guidelines on the Hort NS website. Applications are now closed and will reopen on October 1st, 2025. At that time, applications can be accessed on the Hort NS website. Please assume that this funding is available on a first come, first serve basis. Contact your local ag rep for support with applications.

Nova Scotia Crop & Livestock Insurance Commission

The Nova Scotia Crop & Livestock Insurance Commission has advised that for any insured perennial crops showing plant damage that may result in yield loss next year, they encourage producers to submit a Notice of Damage now.

Perennia Food and Agriculture Corp.
Edited by Michelle Cortens, Tree Fruit Specialist