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WHAT IS THE OPTIMUM TREE DENSITY? There are a number of factors that will determine the optimal tree density for an intensive fruit orchard. Fundamentally within row spacing (and therefore tree density) needs to be calculated based on the vigour of the scion variety and rootstock and the soil quality. Where the combination of rootstock x scion variety x soil results in vigorous growth it is best to look at wider spacings and therefore lower densities. Where there is access to more dwarfing rootstocks planting distances can be reduced (increasing tree density). The decision about planting density is also largely dependant on economic considerations such as establishment costs and likely returns. CHARACTERISTICS OF HDP The trees of HDP should have maximum number of fruiting branches and minimum number of structural branches. The trees are generally trained with a central leader surrounded by nearly horizontal fruiting branches These branches should be so arranged and pruned in such a way that each branch casts a minimum amount of shade on other branches. The height should be one and half its diameter at the base. A key to successful HDP depends upon the control of tree size. METHODS TO ACHIEVE HDP 1. Use of size controlling root stocks. In apple, dwarfing root stocks and intermediate stocks like MM 106, MM 109, and MM 111 are used to control the size of the plant. In pears, Quince A, Adam and Quince-C are commonly used as dwarfing root stocks. 2. Use of spur type scions - In temperate fruit crops like apple, the cultivars can be classified into a spur type or non-spur type. The spur types which have restricted annual growth are alone suitable for HDP. 3. Training and pruning methods to induce dwarfness - under Indian conditions, apple trees trained under spindle bush, dwarf pyramid, cordon
systems are found to contain the growth of the trees appreciably for HDP systems. 4. Mechanical device and use of chemicals to control size Growth regulators such as daminozide, ethephon, chlormaquat and paclobutrazal are extensively used to reduce shoot growth. 5. Besides chemical manipulation, mechanical devices employing the use of spreaders and tying down the branches to make them grow from near horizontal to an angle of 45 from the main stem are also some of the standard practices to control tree size.
Spindle
The spindle system is generally suited to densities up to 2000 trees/ha and have a height of 2-3m. The planting distance is usally 3-5m x 1-2m depending on rootstock vigour. At planting, the leader is not headed and a number of laterals are selected to form part of the permanent scaffolds in the bottom of the tree. Competing laterals that develop on the leader are removed early. As the leader grows more scaffolds are selected and spaced equally. Leader dominance is important and if lost will result in a reduced tree canopy. If it becomes too strong, lateral growth and development will be reduced. Spindle
systems can be free standing, but mostly ustilise some form of support (2-3 wire trellis).
Vertical Axis
The vertical axis is similar to the spindle and it is often hard to distinguish the difference, except that the vertical axis does not have permanent scaffolds. This system suits densities between 1000-2500 trees/ha with a spacing of 4-5m x 1-2m . Height can reach up to 3m. These systems are best planted with well feathered nursery trees. A central leader (axis) is developed with 'weak' (small diameter) fruiting branches arising around the leader. The leader is not headed back in the first few years of this system to ensure that weak fruiting branches are developed. These fruiting branches are systematically renewed to prevent them becoming premanent scaffolds .Support of a multi wire trellis is required for these systems.
Slender Spindle
The slender spindle system involves more severe pruning than the vertical axis and is suited to densities of 2000-5000 trees/ha. The planting distance is 3.5m x 1-1.5m and tree height is usually restricted to 2-3m. Well feathered nursery trees are preferred for planting the slender spindle system.
Super Spindle
The super spindle system is utilised for super high density orchards on weaker rootstocks such as Quince C. These systems have densities of greater than 4000 trees/ha. Planting distance is usually <3m x <0.8m and tree height is 23m.The main concept of super spindle orchards is to have closely spaced compact trees with short fruiting wood or spurs evenly spaced along the central leader. These systems require a multi wire support.
planted at approximately 3-4m x 1-1.2m equalling a tree density of around 3000 trees/ha. However, the development of double leaders mean that the leader density is 6000 trees/ha. One such double leader system is the Bibaum system.
Bibaum system
This system was developed in Italy and involves planting specially developed nursery trees that have 2 leaders (or axes). Trees are split at 25cm above the ground into two equally strong leaders (Musacchi 2008). This system is usually planted at 3.3m x 1-1.25m in a single row. Leaders are trained parallel to the row and are spaced at 50-60cm apart.Relatively weak fruiting branches are developed on each leader.
PALMETTE SYSTEM
The palmette system and its variations are generally limited to wide within row spacings (>2.0-2.5m) and by a taller tree giving a medium planting density of 700-1500 trees/ha. There are a number of different kinds of palmette training but all generally comprise of a central leader with scaffolds in the plane of the row only. Tiers of scaffolds are chosen as the leader grows each season and are tied to wires to reduce vigour and promote spurring. The palmette is considered a traditional system, however it is still used widely in areas where the environment, species or the cultivar/rootstock combinations are conducive to vigorous growth.
V/Y SYSTEMS
There are various V or Y shaped orchard systems used in pear production. Y shaped systems have trees with a vertical trunk and two opposing arms of the tree trained to either side of the trellis and are in single rows. V shaped systems have alternating trees leaned to one side of the trellis and can be double or single rows. Two of the main systems used for pear production are the V Hedge and Open Tatura Trellis.
V- Hedge
The V hedge system is widely used in the Netherlands and Belgium and is a variation of a Y shaped system. It is a single row system with a planting distance is 3.5m x 1.25m equalling approximately 2000 trees/ha.These systems are planted using well feathered two year old nursery trees. Four feathers are kept as fruiting branches and considered as four central leaders on one stem. Tree height is maintained at 2m with an opening of the V of 1.4m. Often each 'leader' is supported by bamboo stakes.
trees can be planted either in sinle row or double or multiple rows. The major advantage of single row design is an improved light distribution within the canopy which is desirable for good quality fruit with easy orchard management practices.
MEADOW ORCHARING
It is a super intensive or ultra-high density planting system in which the fruit plants are grown at a density of 20,000-1,00,000 plants/ha. More particularly the use of this word is mainly because the tree top is trained and pruned mechanically similar to mowing of a grassland. This system is designed to produce fruits on 2yr old plants which are chemically treated to maintain a small low height framework. In Apple,plants are induced to form fruit buds in 1st yr by growth regulator treatment. In the 2nd yr pants flower and produce fruits after which they are cut back to stump with some type of combine harvester which will separate fruits from shoots.