Summer pruning affects yield and improves fruit quality of 'McIntosh' apples

The effects of summer pruning on the yield and quality, of apples (Malus domestica Borkh.) from mature 'Rogers McIntosh'/M.7 trees were assessed in 1986-88. Summer pruning from 1 July through 1 Sept. enhanced red coloring and increased the percentage of the crop graded U.S. Extra Fancy. Fruit weight was not altered by summer pruning. Total yield was reduced by summer pruning only, in 1 year; however, in no year was the harvested yield reduced. The portion of the crop that was picked in the first harvest was increased by summer pruning. Dormant-pruning time was decreased by summer pruning, and the total time required for pruning was increased only in 1 of the 2 years where it was measured. Summer pruning and daminozide treatment significantly increased the estimated net returns