In order to clarify the proper time for picking of apples in low altitude areasof San-in region, the changes in various fruit characteristics during maturationwere examined using adult trees of 'Golden Delicious' and 'Fuji' grown in HonjoExperimental Farm of Shimane University.
In 'Golden Delicious', fruits should be picked during a limited time, a few daysaround October 15 as fruit softening progressed rapidly after the time. Theduration from full bloom to the picking maturity, October15, was 166 days. In 'FuJi', picking maturity began on November 4 and it continued atleast untilNovember 14. It seems to terminate on November 25, Judging from the fruitcharacteristics and climatic conditions. The durations from full bloom to thebeginning and termination of picking maturity were 186 days and 201 days, respectiyely.
Thus, the proper time for picking in this area was extremely wider in 'Fuji' than in 'Golden Delicious' Furthermore, the dessert quality in 'FuJi' was fairlygood and almost equal to the known standard one.