BUSINESS MEMO: `APPLE MONTH'

September has been proclaimed as "Apple Month" in Missouri, and the state's apples are ripe for picking.

This year's apple crop is expected to top the 1996 crop.

The apple season typically runs form the beginning of September to the end of November, said Wayne Yokley, who heads the Missouri Department of Agriculture Market Development Division.

Jonathan and Golden and Red Delicious apples are the state's most abundant varieties, but Paulard, Empire and Gala continue to grow in popularity and availability.