Horticulture Research Station

Midwest Apple Improvement Association (MAIA) Cultivar Trial Update, 2025

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Abstract

The Midwest Apple Improvement Association (MAIA) was established to develop apple cultivars specifically adapted to the climatic conditions and production challenges of the Midwestern United States. Apple growers in this region frequently contend with extreme winter temperatures, variable spring weather, and disease pressure which can limit the performance of cultivars developed for more temperate growing regions. As a result, regionally adapted cultivars with strong horticultural performance and desirable fruit quality are needed for maintaining profitable apple production for small scale production. Several MAIA cultivars, including EverCrisp apple, Rosalee apple, and Ludacrisp apple, have recently been released and are being adopted by growers across the region. Cultivar trials are essential for evaluating the performance of these selections under diverse environmental conditions and management systems. This study evaluates the horticultural performance of MAIA cultivars in regional trials, with the goal of providing growers with information on growth, productivity, and fruit quality to support cultivar selection and orchard management decisions.

How to Cite:

Slack, S., Meyer, O. & Delthony, L., (2026) “Midwest Apple Improvement Association (MAIA) Cultivar Trial Update, 2025”, Iowa State University Research and Demonstration Farms Progress Reports 2025(1), 7-8.