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Orchard-system configurations increase efficiency, improve profits in peaches and nectarines
Authors
Kevin R DayTheodore M DeJong
R. Scott Johnson
Authors Affiliations
K.R. Day is Tree Fruit Farm Advisor, UC Cooperative Extension, Tulare County; T.M. DeJong is Professor and Cooperative Extension Specialist, Department of Plant Sciences, UC Davis; R.S. Johnson is Pomology Specialist, Department of Plant Sciences, UC Davis.Publication Information
Hilgardia 59(2):75-79. DOI:10.3733/ca.v059n02p75. April 2005.
PDF of full article, Cite this article
Abstract
Simply put, a fruit tree can be viewed as a solar collector that converts sunlight into fruit. The more efficiently this is done, the greater the potential yield and profit. Consequently, growers face an important question when planting an orchard — what planting system to use? While varieties can be changed rather easily through grafting, the spacing, rootstock and conformation aspects of an orchard are typically permanent until that orchard is removed entirely, usually only after 15 to 20 years. These aspects can have profound effects on orchard productivity. Research conducted at the UC Kearney Research and Extension Center on orchard systems — including higher-density plantings and pruning techniques that enhance light interception — has allowed growers to make better-informed decisions when planting new orchards.
References
Day KR, Johnson RS, Crisosto C, et al. Tree height and volume studies for fresh-shipping stone fruits. California Tree Fruit Agreement Research Reports for 2002. The California Tree Fruit Agreement, Reedley Calif 2003. p.5. www.eatcaliforniafruit.com/growers-shippers/research.
Day KR, Johnson RS, DeJong TM. Evaluation of new techniques for improving stone fruit production, fruit quality, and storage performance: High density training trials. California Tree Fruit Agreement Annual Research Report. 1993. 7- www.eatcaliforniafruit.com/growers-shippers/research .
DeJong T, Day K, Doyle J, Johnson S. Evaluation of training/pruning systems of peach, plum and nectarine trees in California. Acta Hort. 1991. 322:99-106.
DeJong TM, Tsuji W, Doyle JF, Grossman YL. Comparative economic efficiency of four peach production systems in California. HortScience. 1999. 34(1):738-
Ferree DC, Carlson RF, Rom RC, Carlson RF. Apple rootstocks. Rootstocks for Fruit Crops.. 1987. New York: J Wiley. p. 107-43.
Gerdts M, Andris H, Beutel J. High density goes big time. Fruit Grower. 1979. 9-10.
Grossman YL, DeJong TM. Training and pruning system effects on vegetative growth potential, light interception and cropping efficiency in peach trees. J Amer Soc Hort Sci. 1998. 123:1058-64.
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