- Apple harvests early - As much as expected in previous years
Apple Harvest starts earlier this year. Ten to twelve days ahead, according to fruit advisor Rolf Hornig. The reason is an earlier apple blossom due to mild weather in spring.
First, very early varieties are already being harvested in the north, such as the Delba variety. The main harvest, which usually starts in the first week of September, will therefore begin in MV at the end of August. Then, for example, the Elstar will be ripe. Officially, the season in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern will open on August 30.
The apple blossom was very early this year due to the mild weather in February and March. Some growers then suffered damage from frosts in April, but not all, as Hornig says. For the harvest quantity, the expert is optimistic. It should be around the average of the last five years - and that's 25,000 tons.
Apples are the most important fruit in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's agriculture. Apple orchards cover about 1,500 hectares.
As a result of the early apple blossom, some varieties like Delba are already being [harvested apples] in the northern regions. With the main harvest starting earlier in MV, expect ripe Elstars by the end of August.
Despite the frosts in April affecting some growers, Hornig remains hopeful about the [harvested apples] quantity, estimating it to be around the average of the past five years.
