New trends of apple (Malus domestica) production: A review

Abstract

Apple (Malus domestica) belongs to rose family Rosaceae of Angiosperms. Apple farming is an important activity and profession of farmer communities in the Himalayan states of India. China is the world’s largest producer of apples while India holds the second place in world trade market. The most common verities of apples in India are Red Delicious and Granny Smith. In North West Hill Region, Jammu and Kashmir contributes 80% of India’s apple production, Himachal Pradesh which is the second largest producer accounts for 12.5% and Uttarakhand produces 5% of India’s apples. In North East Hill Region, Arunachal Pradesh is the only major apple producing state outside the north-western hill region in the country producing Black Bendavis, Royal gala, Jonathan, Red Gold, Gani Gala, Rich-A-Red, Royal delicious, Red delicious, Golden delicious, Cooper- IV, McIntosh, Crofton, Granny smith, Starkrimson, Fokla, Ruspippin, Rajakori, Ganu and Mutsu apple varieties. The apples are a great source of fiber and pectin, and helps in controlling insulin levels, acts as anti cancerous, anti cholesterol and reduce risk of asthma and diabetes. The majority of farmers at low altitude and mid altitude reported decline in apple farming whereas 71% farmers at high hill areas refused decline in apple farming. About 73–83% farmers admitted delay in apple’s harvesting period. At mid hills apple scab and at low hills pest attack on apple crops are considered as the indicators of climate change.