Planting systems for fruit trees in temperate climates

Abstract

Developments in intensification of pome‐fruit orchards have led to changes in orchard design. Dwarfing rootstocks increase the proportion of harvestable yield. Precocious and high yields are also obtained with high light utilization, which can be achieved by manipulating planting density and planting system. To demonstrate this, hedgerows, multi‐row systems, and various trellis systems are compared with full‐field systems and homogeneous canopies. Light distribution is more uniform at low rectangular designs, which favors productivity, but a higher rectangularity (e.g., single rows) may be preferred if light penetration into the center of the rows becomes too low. The importance of row orientation for various planting systems and the effect of tree design on growth and productivity are discussed. Physiological implications are indicated briefly. Conclusions are drawn on optimal orchard designs in temperate climates.