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- Author or Editor: Bas van den Ende x
Abstract
The Tatura Trellis consists of V-shaped trees planted closely together in single rows. Each tree has 2 limbs trained at 60° from the horizontal across the inter-row alley-way. No dwarfing rootstock is used and trees fill their allotted space rapidly and come into bearing early. The system, which employs a high tree density but does not require dwarfing rootstocks, has most of the advantages ascribed to other intensive orchards. Furthermore, it facilitates rapid and easy hand-harvesting and meets the requirements for simple mechanization (2, 8). We previously have reported experimental results (2) and commercial experience (6) with clingstone peach trees on Tatura Trellis. We report the results of a preliminary study of the planting and management approach for ‘Bartlett’ (‘Williams’ Bon Chretien’) pear trees in this paper.
Abstract
High yield and low cost of production are the important ingredients of profitable fruit growing. The Tatura Trellis aims to optimize yield by using orchard design and management principles that are based on understanding and overcoming the plant physiological shortcomings of existing orchards. It aims to reduce the cost of production by eliminating labor in the simplest and therefore the cheapest way.
Abstract
The Tatura Trellis was developed from principles to overcome problems identified in existing cultural systems (2, 3, 6). For optimum early bearing and yield, we wanted a) a tree design that fills the allotted space quickly, resulting in optimum land use; b) a uniform and controlled distribution of leaves and fruit to improve light interception (16) and photosynthetic efficiency (5); c) an ordered branch and leaf array that diminishes light competition within and between trees, so as to minimize the effects of crowding that usually result from high plant densities, especially with peach trees; d) close planting to create root competition, thereby reducing vegetative vigor while increasing fruitfulness (4); and e) large tree numbers per hectare for high yields early in the life of the planting. In addition, we proposed that within the above constraints, the new system should be simple to mechanize. The requirements we considered important were f) an orchard with planar, though not necessarily horizontal or vertical, surfaces for easy positioning of machines and aids; g) a canopy under which machines can operate to recover fruit simply during harvesting, and over the canopy for summer pruning; h) a shallow canopy to decrease the chance of fruit striking limbs or other obstructions, which could damage the fruit after they were removed mechanically (30); i) a shallow canopy to increase penetration and coverage of protective sprays; and j) single limbs that repeat at regular intervals to simplify the positioning of mechanical devices.