Well-managed fruit crops deliver good yields and exceptional quality

Overall, 2025 was one of the warmest and driest springs in recent years, followed by prolonged hot and dry conditions during the summer. Although this weather helps growers achieve high quality fruit, it also introduces biotic and abiotic stress-related risks.

Low temperatures early in the spring delayed bud-break at the beginning of the season. However, warmer-than-average conditions later on, along with low rainfall, were favourable for good pollination on apples, pears and cherries. Frost damage was minimal throughout the country and fruit set was particularly good in varieties like Gala, Cox and Braeburn.

July was the sunniest and driest on record in parts of South East, with heatwaves in late July-August pushing temperatures to the high 30s. Conditions were favourable for fruit set, cell division, sugar content and flavour. However, prolonged drought had an impact on fruit sizing in unirrigated orchards and increased risk of sunburn, fruit drop and tree stress.

Yields are generally expected to be very good, close to 2022 levels. Gala and Braeburn have done well, although fruit size was variable in places. Most varieties, including Cox and Egremont Russet, set better than in previous seasons due to better blossom conditions. Pear yields were more variable, with some growers reporting light fruit set on Conference pears, but were good overall. Quality across the board was exceptional with excellent skin finish.

Turning to pest and disease control, apple scab was less prevalent in 2025 than 2024 due to the dry primary scab season. However, significant levels of scab were present on some farms where initial inoculum was high, where the fungicide programme was inadequate or where canopy management was poor (reduced airflow).

Warm conditions shorten the life cycle of pests so rosy apple aphid control was more difficult this year. The loss of Gazelle (acetamiprid) meant more broad-spectrum insecticides had to be used, which affected levels of beneficials that help contain aphids. Similarly, the codling moth flight period was extended due to warm conditions at dusk and we recorded a second generation in our Fruit Insight Model.

Stone fruit

Fruit set was good for most stone fruit crops. Cherry orchards cropped well in most regions,  ripening up to two weeks early this year. Protected crops did not have any cracking issues.

SWD pressure remained high this season, with significant levels of damage being recorded near harvest in some orchards.

For plum growers it was a particularly strong year with a bumper crop reported in many
Victoria orchards.

In summary, despite the challenges, 2025 is widely viewed as a high-quality year for UK top and stone fruit, although success varied depending on irrigation access, canopy management and efficient pest control. Farms who managed their crops well will have achieved good yields and fruit with exceptional quality.

About our experts

Alex Radu has been part of the Agrovista team since 2009, bringing over 15 years of hands-on experience and deep technical expertise to the UK’s horticultural sector. He began his journey as a horticultural consultant, working closely with fruit growers to develop tailored crop protection and nutrition strategies. In 2019, he stepped into the role of technical manager, where he continues to play a key role within the business.

Alex is a LEAF-endorsed consultant and is recommended by the organisation to provide accurate, up-to-date advice on sustainable farming through integrated farm management and the LEAF Marque.

Fokion Chatziavgerinos joined Agrovista’s highly regarded team of fruit specialists in 2021, advising on tree fruit and vines across England and Wales. Key interests include integrated pest management, plant pathology, fruit tree nutrition and fruit crop physiology.

Early start for soft fruit

Soft fruit crops were affected by sunny and dry conditions during the season and production started approximately three weeks earlier than last year.

Most days were good for pollinator activity and light levels were brilliant, which improved photosynthesis levels and supported fruit development. Fruit size and yields were good, and quality did not disappoint, developing great flavour and shelf-life, which led to some good sales volumes.

Dry conditions created a more uniform fruit profile – limiting the summer production peak and helping reduce fruit waste when demand generally drops in August during school holidays.

Biocontrol introduction management is critical in controlling pest levels in crops. The unusual weather patterns this season meant that thorough crop monitoring, as well as adjusting and timing applications well, were vital to achieve successful control.

Pest pressure developed earlier this year, so higher rates of biocontrol had to be applied earlier to help good establishment and control of thrips and two-spotted spider mites (TSSM). With good establishment also earlier this year, Orius has worked well for thrip control.

TSSM pressure was higher in raspberry this year, triggered by good conditions that accelerated their lifecycle. However, control was great in most crops, especially where Spidex (Phytoseiulus persimilis) early applications were made.

Mildew risk in strawberries was very high during the summer months and it was probably the biggest fungal concern of the season. Based on disease risk and crop susceptibility, spray intervals were shortened to three days in some crops, whilst some varieties had to be removed due to high levels of infestation.

Generally, 2025 was a good season, with fruit still in demand until late in the autumn for both raspberry and strawberry crops.

Read more fruit news.