No harvest maturity standards are available for long term stored Bramley.
Earlier harvesting of Bramley is encouraged to avoid fruit becoming too large if left on the tree. However, there is an increased risk of scald and the development of bitter pit will be increased in low-calcium fruit. Late picking increases fruit softening and yellowing and the development of greasiness and flesh breakdown in stored fruit. Bruise susceptibility increases as picking is delayed.
From general experience fruits picked after the middle of September are less likely to provide premium quality after prolonged CA storage.
Greatest benefits of SmartFreshTM application and other strategies to control ethylene production are achieved on fruit picked at the correct stage of maturity for long-term storage.
·Picking Bramley too early and immature for immediate sale can result in consumer dissatisfaction. English Apples & Pears Ltd. have developed a maturity release index (MRI) for Bramley using firmness, acidity and sugar (soluble solids) measurements of the fruit:
Firmness (kg) x acidity (g/l) = MRI
Sugar (%)
Growers should not market Bramley with an MRI above 17.