Test results and practical experience with mechanical pruning of apple orchads in the Lower Elbe region

Mechanical pruning trials were conducted in the
ESTEBURG orchard and on fruit producting farms
over a period of six years. Comparable yield levels
were achieved with mechanical and manual pruning.
However, the results also indicate purely mechanical
is insuffi cient to fruit quality. Possibilities
for improving the quality of fruit as a manual
correction cut or by mechanical summer pruning
were investigated. In addition, recommendations
on the base of trial results are discussed. Finally,
the article gives an overview of the current
importance of the issue of mechanical pruning in
fruit orchard practice and presents arguments for
or against the mechanical pruning of apple trees.
Overall mechanical pruning is regarded to be relevant
for only a small proportion of fruit farms in
the Lower Elbe Region at present.

Documents

Test results and practical experience with mechanical pruning of apple orchads in the Lower Elbe region () Mechanical pruning trials were conducted in the ESTEBURG orchard and on fruit producting farms over a period of six years. Comparable yield levels were achieved with mechanical and manual pruning. However, the results also indicate purely mechanical is insuffi cient to fruit quality. Possibilities for improving the quality of fruit as a manual correction cut or by mechanical summer pruning were investigated. In addition, recommendations on the base of trial results are discussed. Finally, the article gives an overview of the current importance of the issue of mechanical pruning in fruit orchard practice and presents arguments for or against the mechanical pruning of apple trees. Overall mechanical pruning is regarded to be relevant for only a small proportion of fruit farms in the Lower Elbe Region at present. Keywords: Apple, fruiting wall, mechanical pruning

Details

Activity type

Publication in technical journal

Activity work package

Secure sustainable fruit production

Activity number

OVA-WP5-A33

Activity contact

Andreas Hahn
ESTEBURG-Obstbauzentrum Jork
Obstbauversuchsring des Alten Landes e.V.
Moorende 53
21635 Jork

Telefon: 0 41 62 / 60 16 - 0
Fax: 0 41 62 / 60 16 - 600
E-Mail: [email protected]

Activity partner

OVA

Activity country

Germany

Last edit

22-08-2017