The importance of training system for high quality production

23 Jun 2023
1719

The use of semi-dwarfing rootstocks has increased the orchard productivity, leading to the creation of high and super-high density cherry orchard. In addition to planting density, light interception is affected by cultivar, tree shape and height, row orientation, leaf area index, and seasonal vegetative growth.

Thus, choosing an appropriate training system could result in increased light interception, leading to increased production and fruit quality. Indeed, we should remember that excessive canopy shading results in reduced fruiting, decreased fruit weight, poor color development, and low total soluble solids content.

Light interception is optimized by choosing breeding systems suited to the growing environment. Bibaum systems, for example, are well adapted to areas with abundant light, high temperatures, and extended growing seasons. 2D planar farming systems reduce canopy exposure to light during the most intense hours (solar noon), thus protecting the developing fruit from overexposure to light.

The research we are presenting you today was carried out at the University of Tasmania.

In this study, the performance of different breeding forms of 'Kordia' grafted on 'Krymsk 5' (semi-dwarfing rootstock) was evaluated. The training systems evaluated were the 2D planar training systems of upright fruiting offshoot (UFO), super spindle axe (SSA), tall spindle axe (TSA), Bibaum (BB), and steep leader (SL) over two seasons.Figura 1. Schema della provaIn the two seasons, light interception was highest in UFO and SL (69% of incident light) and lowest in BB (66%). SSA had the highest yield (15.1 t ha), followed by SL (14.5 t ha) and UFO (12.7 t ha).


In terms of fruit quality, this study confirms that at the same crop load conditions, there is a strong correlation between light interception and dry matter and soluble solids content. In addition, when lateral-bearing cultivars (such as Kordia) are grown in planar form, adequate spacing between uprights is necessary to achieve optimal light interception and fruit quality.

According to the results of this study, breeding forms like BB, TSA and SL offered sufficient space to allow lateral fruiting wood formation. Although the appropriate crop load for 'Kordia' grafted on K5 has not yet been identified, the results suggest that it is highly dependent on the training system considered, since lateral wood production may be limited depending on the developmental stage and final structure of the tree.

In the second year of research, seasonal variations had the greatest impact on fruit production and quality, with relatively cool temperatures, considerable rainfall and reduced solar radiation during flowering and fruit development. Within a season, however, variation in light interception related to breeding forms and crop load affected cherry yield and quality parameters.

A longer-term study is needed to better understand the advantages and disadvantages of lateral-bearing cultivars. However, this work has revealed fascinating new results that may allow a different training system in 'Kordia' depending on the growing environment for better efficiency in terms of light interception, fruit quality and productivity.

Fonte: CH Stone, DC Close, SA Bound, I Hunt (2022). Training systems for sweet cherry: Light relations, fruit yield and quality. Agronomy, 2022.


Melissa Venturi
University of Bologna (IT)


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

Innovative solutions against Drosophila suzukii in France: conference in May

Crop protection

27 Mar 2025

The April issue of PHYTOMA magazine explores solutions to combat Drosophila suzukii, the fly that damages cherries. Learn about proven control strategies, including anti-insect nets and the use of sterile insects. Updates on 22 May in Balandran.

Taking stock of the situation in Chile: an interview with Claudia Soler, Executive Director of the Chilean Fruit Cherries Committee

Markets Production Press review

22 Jan 2024

It is important to note that ours is a mature industry,' says Claudia Soler, 'and Chile is the world's largest cherry exporter and leads the southern hemisphere's exports: more than 96% of the supply with over 400,000 tonnes of shipments in 2022-2023.

In evidenza

Karst soils and microclimate: why Makarska (Croatia) leads in organic cherry and olive farming

Specialties

27 Jun 2025

Makarska (Croatia) stands out in organic farming thanks to calcareous karst soils and a unique, windy microclimate. These natural conditions create a resilient ecosystem ideal for cultivating high-quality olives and Marasca cherries in a sustainable environment.

Artificial intelligence and deep learning for cherry sorting in Turkey

Post-harvest​

27 Jun 2025

A study from Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University in Turkey enhances cherry classification using YOLOv8 and deep learning techniques. The method enables precise identification of varieties directly on the tree, improving harvesting, quality control, logistics, and exports.

Tag Popolari