Search Results
Factorial combinations of ± root pruning (RP) and ± summer pruning (SP) were initiated in 1991 as subplots within a Redhaven/Lovell study of orchard training systems: Open Center (OC), Y-Trellis (YT), Central Leader (CL), and Meadow Orchard (MO) established in 1985. Root pruning was imposed at bloom (March 28) at 76 cm from the trunk to a depth of 45 cm. Summer pruning consisted of preharvest removal of water sprouts (June 5). Canopy density, quantified by transmittance of PAR radiation through the canopy, was greatest in OC and MO and least in YT and CL systems. SP and RP treatments further reduced canopy density by 35 to 80%. There were no main or interactive effects of SP and RP on 1991 yields or fruit quality, and also no interactive effects of orchard systems with SP and RP. Thus, SP and RP reduced canopy density without negative effects on fruit. RP, however, advanced harvest date by ca 4 days. A parallel study was also initiated in 1991 to determine the effects of root pruning distance (30, 60, 90 cm from the trunk, or no RP) on canopy density, yield, and fruit quality of mature, OC-trained Redhaven/ and Jefferson/Lovell. Reduction in canopy density without loss of yield or fruit size was obtained at a RP distance between 60 and 90 cm.
Abstract
Cuts were generally more prevalent on mechanically harvested peaches than on those hand harvested, although they were usually within acceptable limits. Bruise development during storage was variable and often not significantly higher on machine harvested fruit than on those hand harvested. Fruit position within bulk bins appeared to influence subsequent bruise development. A prototype portable dumper-sorter did not significantly increase fruit injuries. Providing fruit were of comparable maturity, injuries to postbloom regulator-treated fruit were comparable to those untreated. The development of rots during storage was the greatest source of unmarketable fruit and is regarded as the most serious problem related to the mechanical harvesting of peaches for fresh market.
Spring frosts frequently reduce peach crop load of in the SE, resulting in excessive shoot growth and shade, reduced fruit bud formation, and increased pruning costs. Root pruning (RP) has been an effective, nonchemical means to reduce excessive growth of apple trees, but response of peach is unknown. Two studies were conducted in 1991 & `92 on 8-year-old trees to determine: (A) effects of RP distance (Redhaven/and Jefferson/Lovell) and (B) effects of RP frequency (Redhaven/Lovell). In Study A, RP was imposed in 1991 at 30, 60, or 90 cm from the trunk (both sides of row, 45 cm depth), with unpruned controls. Shoot growth and canopy density (PAR absorbance) in `91 were more responsive than yield to RP. Optimum pruning distance was between 60 & 90 cm. There was no residual effect of `91 RP on `92 shoot growth (RP not repeated in `92), but yield was reduced more in `92 than in `91 by `91 RP. In Study B, RP frequency (75 cm from trunk) was imposed as a factorial: - & + RP in `91 × - & + RP in `92. `91 RP reduced shoot growth in `91 & `92, and reduced yield in `92 but not in `91. `91+`92 RP reduced `92 yield more than RP in `91 or '92 alone.