1. Variety Description

Name:

Tao Dai apple belongs to the Rhamnaceae family.

The apple trees currently sold at the center are grafted varieties, allowing them to bear fruit within 12–18 months after planting.

Characteristics:

• Easy to grow and adaptable to all soil types.

• High and stable yield, resistant to major pests and diseases.

• If pruned early, the tree will bear fruit sooner the following year.

2. Planting Techniques

Planting Season and Spacing:

• The main planting season is from February to April (spring). If early grafted seedlings are available, planting can begin in November.

• In favorable spring weather, trees grow rapidly and will bear abundant fruit by year-end.

• Recommended planting distance: 3–4 meters between trees.

Planting Holes and Basal Fertilization:

• Hole size: 40x40x40 cm.

• Fertilization per hole:

  • 15–20 kg of well-decomposed manure

  • 0.5 kg superphosphate

  • 0.3 kg potassium

  • 0.2 kg lime powder

• Mix all fertilizers thoroughly with soil before filling the hole. Create a raised mound 20 cm above the ground surface (do not place the tree in direct contact with fertilizer).

• If manure is unavailable, use 5–7 kg of bio-fertilizer per hole instead.

Planting Method:

1. Dig a small hole in the center of the mound.

2. Place the seedling at the same level as the mound’s surface.

3. Cover the roots with soil, compacting it around the base.

4. Apply a 2–3 cm thick layer of straw mulch around the base.

5. Water immediately with 2–3 scoops per tree (avoid watering if it rains).

3. Care and Fertilization

Watering:

• In the first week, water once daily (morning or evening), using one bucket per tree.

• After the first week, water every 2–3 days for one month.

• As the tree matures, reduce watering frequency while maintaining soil moisture.

• Apples require sufficient water during their growth phase. Drought conditions result in small, thick-skinned, and less flavorful fruit.

Fertilization Schedule:

• Annually, after harvest and pruning, apply per tree:

  • 30–50 kg of manure

  • 5–8 kg superphosphate

  • 3–5 kg potassium

  • 0.5–1 kg urea

Pruning Techniques:

• Proper pruning increases fruit yield and quality. Since apple fruiting branches grow from mother branches in the same year’s spring, pruning should encourage strong, high-yielding branches.

1. Light Pruning (Annual Maintenance):

   • Done yearly after harvesting to ensure stable and high fruit production.

2. Heavy Pruning (Canopy Formation):

   • Applied to young trees (1–3 years old) and older trees needing rejuvenation.

   • Cut back all branches, leaving only the base of three large branches from the previous year to form a productive canopy.

4. Pest and Disease Control

Common Diseases:

• Root Rot and Trunk Cracking:

  • Symptoms: Sparse canopy, pale green leaves that fall prematurely, branches die back, and roots decay.

  • Prevention: Avoid excessive moisture around the root zone.

• Branch Dieback (Colletotrichum cloeosporioides fungus):

  • Causes branch drying and death.

  • Affects mature fruits, causing soft rot.

  • Prolonged direct sunlight also contributes to this disease.

• Fruit Skin Disease:

  • Fungal infection during fruit development causes small black spots that crack, reducing fruit quality and market value.

  • Prevention: Keep orchards well-ventilated, remove debris, and apply preventive fungicide sprays after fruit setting.

• Powdery Mildew on Leaves:

  • Minimal impact as it occurs when the tree is already fruiting.

  • Best prevention: Delay grafting until after September and avoid early pruning, as young shoots emerging in temperatures below 20°C are prone to infection.

• Fruit Rot:

  • Occurs in mature apples close to ripening, causing rapid decay (can affect all fruits on a tree within a week).

Common Pests:

• Root-Feeding Insects:

  • Includes termites, grubs, crickets, ants, and especially mealybugs.

  • Found at soil depths of 0–50 cm.

  • Symptoms: Yellowing leaves, tree weakening, and potential death.

• Stink Bugs:

  • Feed on young shoots and leaves, causing wilting.

  • Damage young fruits, leaving black spots and leading to fruit drop.

  • Weaken fruit quality and open entry points for fungal infections.

• Stem and Branch Borers:

  • Common in apple orchards, causing tiny boreholes with white fungal dust around openings.

  • Found from mid-rainy season to early dry season.

  • Though small, these boreholes reduce growth, weaken branches, and increase breakage risk.

5. Harvesting

• Apples are ready for harvest 2–3 months after flowering, when they reach full size, firm skin, and bright color.

• Hand-pick carefully to avoid bruising during transport.