Tree structure and orchard management influence yield and fruit quality | [La structure de l'arbre et la conduite du verger influencent le rendement et la qualité des fruits]
1998
Bassi, D. ((Université de Milan (Italie). Istituto di Coltivazioni Arboree)) | Corelli-Grappadelli, L. | Rombola, A.D. | Tagliavini, M. | Sansavini, S.
Yield and fruit quality in orchards result from interaction of several factors including genotypes, planting design, tree structure and pruning, soil texture and management, nutrients and water balance. In high density planting (HDP) orchards the control of each of these factors requires a basic knowledge of tree physiology and a expertise in tree management. These systems are very light-efficient (i.e. productive) when trees are young (up to the 4.-5. leaf), but then overcrowding occurs and the initial advantage is lost (though the costs were incurred). Conversely, lower density orchards may have lower yield at the beginning (and their productivity reduced), but they make-up from leaf 4 on. The issue of spacing is a matter of compromise, i.e. efficiency, both in management and economic terms. Pruning has to be commensurate with bud number so as to control the quality of both fruit and forming buds. Pruning in HDP is thus a powerful factor in controlling fruit quality. At high crop loads, thinning brings about a more than proportional increase in fruit size. At low crop loads, however, fruit size no longer responds to thinning. Mature trees recycle a substantial amount of nutrients previously stored in perennial organs to sustain early growth, flowering and fruit set the following year. Progresses on nutrient management have been made to reconcile productivity, fruit quality and environmental concerns. Fruit quality and tolerance to pathogens, especially in stonefruits, are largely affected by timing of irrigation. Reducing the amount of water supply during the last month before harvest, while only slightly affecting fruit size, increases soluble solid content
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