2D orchard planting systems

Orchard planting systems are specific combinations of orchard lay out and management, designed to improve orchard production efficiency.

2D system in the USAOver the last 30 to 40 years, numerous planting systems for modern apple orchards have been developed, each with their own merits.

They all have the goal of high early yields, high sustained yields and excellent fruit quality.

The combination of dwarfing rootstocks and higher tree planting densities has dramatically improved cumulative fruit production.

2D system in the USA
Many growers have been to the USA and seen the aptly named, two dimensional system (2D system).

In The Netherlands we planted the super spill system more than 30 years ago. It was planted 2.5 m  x 0.4 m (10,000 trees/ha).

The first few years were reasonably successful but after a few years the trees became too vigorous.

This was probably the first attempt at a 2D system. Of course we did not have Regalis and we did not do any root pruning in M9.

2D in Australia
It’s good to try new systems, but the long term success of a system with flat branches and reliance on a chemical like Regalis to control growth, still needs to be proven.

This system would be perfect for pears. Flat branches, or even upright branches, are ideal to grow quality pears.
I have seen the results of a 2D system in South Australia.

After 10 years the system no longer worked—branches were getting too strong and produced too many upright water shoots. This was due to the use of the wrong rootstocks (MM106 or stronger), no use of Regalis, and no root pruning.

We should create a new system instead of copying the US system

  • I really like the 2D concept, without any side branches so that apples are exposed to the same light levels.
  • We should bend the branch down, instead of straight on the wire like the American system.
  • Bending a branch of an apple tree results in a reduction in terminal shoot growth and a redistribution of growth hormones, particularly auxin.
  • The new plantings should be at least 2.7 m x 1.1 m (3330 trees per ha.)
  • The branch should be trained to the wire (taped) and then bent down to the lower wire and taped. This should be done systematically (see Figure 1).
  • The narrow, slender shape helps ensure that most of the canopy is well exposed.

For more information, contact details and photos see the March 2012 issue of Tree Fruit

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