Apples on the menu at AFBI Loughgall

Apple growers from both sides of the border have visited the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI’s) Loughgall site to hear the results of recent research on apple production carried out there. The visit was organised by Mr John Beggs, Chairman of the Northern Ireland Fruit Growers levy group.

Professor Alistair McCracken, senior plant pathologist in AFBI, gave a presentation on the identification, pathology and control of European apple canker, an important disease of apples. The visiting apple growers discussed the impact that this disease has on their crops and fed back their experiences which are helping identify knowledge gaps for future research.

Dr Seán Mac an tSaoir, senior apple researcher in AFBI, presented the findings from a DARD-funded project investigating new methods of orchard development, including the use of fruit trellis systems.  His results show that increases in yield of over 50% are possible using “fruit wall” systems compared to standard rows of apple trees.  Dr Mac an tSaoir also explained that pruning of a fruit wall at the stage of early fruit development i.e. summer pruning, reduces the need to prune apple trees from annually to only one year in four.  This approach would result in significant savings in labour costs if adopted by the industry.

There is an emerging industry of artisan cider production from Armagh Bramley apples and the DARD-funded research has also investigated the potential for reducing the costs of production.  Dr Seán Mac an tSaoir explained that the cost of the crop protection programme could be reduced whilst maintaining the yield of apples of suitable quality for cider production, but without compromising the overall health of the trees.

Mr John Beggs (Chairman of the NI Fruit Growers Group) chaired a lively discussion on issues arising from AFBI’s research and said, “On behalf of the fruit growers, I would like to thank DARD for their continued support for the research programme at AFBI Loughgall which is making an important contribution to the sustainability of apple production.”

Mr Beggs closed the meeting by wishing Professor McCracken well in his forthcoming retirement and thanking the growers from both parts of the island for their support for the top fruit research programme at AFBI Loughgall which was building on the foundation of a long history of expertise in fruit research at the station.

Notes to editors: 

AFBI carries out high quality technology research and development, statutory, analytical, and diagnostic testing functions for DARD and other Government departments, public bodies and commercial companies.

AFBI's Vision is “Scientific excellence in Northern Ireland … serving the world”.

All media enquiries to AFBI Press Office

Share this page