Tree Fruit Newsletter — August 18, 2026
In this newsletter:
- Maturity Report
- Peel Sap Analysis Results for Honeycrisp Bitter Pit Prediction
- Disaster Relief Announcement
Maturity Report
Peaches
This week, we are picking this week: PF 15A, one of our best varieties for fruit size and flavor. We are also picking BuenOs2 and TangOs, both donut-type peaches.
Our last fungicide was August 1. Brown rot has been at a minimum so far. However, today, I spotted a decaying fruit covered in brown rot. Frequent rainfall makes it easy for the fungus to infect ripening fruit especially when fungicides are depleted.
Apples
Paulared starch breakdown has begun but quality will improve with more time on the tree. This variety is not typically stored on a long-term basis so maturity indicators are only a rough guide of quality.
| Variety | Starch Index 8/18/25 | Delta Absorbance* (IAD) 8/18/25 |
|---|---|---|
| Paulared | 1.7 | 1.56 |
* IAD is a measure of chlorophyll breakdown in the peel which parallels ripening. Numbers decrease as fruits ripen. Standards for Paulared have not yet been established.
The following is a rough guide to what the starch index numbers mean for apple ripening:
1 – 2: indicates lack of starch breakdown and generally unripe.
3: partially ripe, but prone to disorders in long-term storage.
4: typically ready to pick for long-term storage.
5 – 6: indicates good flavor and ready for general harvest or harvest for short-term storage.
7 – 8: indicates fully ripe, too ripe for long-term storage.
Peel Sap Analysis Results for Honeycrisp Bitter Pit Prediction
As part of a Specialty Crops Block Grant from the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, we measured fruit calcium concentration in peels from Honeycrisp apples in mid to late July as a prediction of bitter pit risk in cold storage. This was done in several blocks in each of three commercial orchards and in fruit from Highmoor Farm. Overall, calcium concentration is lower than in the previous three years which indicates elevated risk of bitter pit this year. Calcium concentration is lower despite the heavy crop and smaller fruit size. I suspect it was caused by the prolonged dry weather last summer which may have depleted calcium reserves that are normally stored within the wood and bark.
We will also be doing the ‘rapid’ test to confirm the risk of bitter pit and should have the results by the start of harvest.
Disaster Relief Announcement
Natural Resources Disaster Relief Assistance Program (NRDRAP) Applications Open
The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) is opening applications for the Natural Resources Disaster Relief Assistance Program (NRDRAP) today, Friday, August 14, 2026. Maine farmers, forestry businesses, aquaculture producers, and other eligible producers who experienced weather-related losses in 2023 or 2024 may qualify for financial assistance. Eligible losses may include crop loss, aquaculture loss, standing timber loss, harvested timber loss, on-farm and forestry infrastructure loss, and bare-ground practices necessary to mitigate land loss.
Application period: August 14, 2026, through November 6, 2026.
Applications will be accepted through the online portal at NRDRAP Portal. Paper applications are available upon request.
Producers can prepare now. Applicants are encouraged to begin gathering documentation, including:
- Ownership or lease documentation
- Parcel ID information
- FSA Farm Number, if applicable
- Tax or business identification information
- Photos or records documenting damage
- Other records related to weather-related losses in 2023 and/or 2024
DACF will provide technical assistance throughout the application period. Virtual office hours will be held every Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. beginning August 14.
For updates, eligibility information, and application details, visit the Natural Resources Disaster Relief Assistance Program (NRDRAP) webpage or email NRDRA@maine.gov, or call (207) 530-3144.
Renae Moran
University of Maine Cooperative Extension: Tree Fruits
PO Box 179
Monmouth, ME 04259
(207) 933-2100
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