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.
In 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.
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)
20 Sep 2024
A recent study conducted Ukraine focused on the influence that wood age has on key sweet cherry productivity parameters. The results showed that wood age is one of the main factors determining productivity: three-year-old wood sections showed the highest flower density.
10 Jun 2024
Weigi rootstocks are crossings between GiSelA- and Weiroot-clones. Further trials started in 2004 on 4 different locations in Germany and France. After few years testing and some positive results, decision is taken to propagate them invitro in Italy and start making trees.
07 Nov 2025
ValenteProtect© systems provide protection from rain, hail and insects, helping cherry growers secure abundant, healthy and market-ready harvests. Rain, Multishield and Insect Net systems ensure complete seasonal protection for top-quality yields.
07 Nov 2025
In 2024/25, Hort Innovation drove a full-scale strategy to promote Australian cherries: targeted social campaigns, retail training, and Asian export promotions led to an 11.8% sales boost in stores and a 46% export growth in Vietnam, strengthening the entire supply chain.
