Last year was a a tough one for apple growers across Minnesota, as orchards around the state came off one of the coldest winters in recent memory. That led to some winter damage to apple trees, which in turn affected the summer crop.

That, according to David Bedford, a research scientist with the University of Minnesota, who spoke with orchardists at the 82nd annual Minnesota Apple Growers Association convention Thursday at the La Crosse Center.

He said orchards around the state saw more winter injury than normal, and it happened to a number of varieties, such as Honeycrisp, Fireside and Sweet 16. However, there was little noticeable injury on other popular varieties such as Zestar and SweeTango. And young trees of any variety that were planted that same year also were most susceptible.

Though the frigid temperatures contributed to the injury, many hearty Minnesota varieties are bred to withstand the cold. Factors leading up to the winter were more instrumental in setting up the adversity, Bedford said.

In addition, 2013 saw a late ripening season -- meaning there was little time between the end of the harvest season where the tree is bearing fruit and the beginning of the stressful winter season. Honeycrisp, Bedford said, had a huge crop that year and those trees hung onto their leaves longer.

Source - http://www.freshplaza.com/