In This Section |
Establishing
the High Density
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| Author: | John Gardner - Pome Fruit Specialist/OMAFRA |
|---|---|
| Creation Date: | 15 January 1998 |
| Last Reviewed: | 15 June 2005 |
M.9 and other dwarfing rootstocks can have the disappointing habit of not growing as vigorously as expected the first year in the orchard. To reduce the possibility of this problem every effort must be made to encourage tree performance.
The new trees should be irrigated as necessary to ensure that growth will not be reduced due to lack of adequate soil moisture. Until growers become familiar with dwarfing rootstock/cultivar combinations it is recommended that the new trees be defruited at bloom in the planting year.
Cultivating to loosen soil around the base of the trees will also promote growth. This cultivation should be at regular intervals before weed and grass competition gets well established. It should be shallow in depth so tree roots are not disturbed. It should be discontinued in July to avoid stimulating late tree growth that may be susceptible to winter injury. Weak weed growth under the trees by late summer can help trees harden off, and reduce soil erosion over winter.
Herbicides for first year plantings can be used as recommended in Publication 75, "Guide to Weed Control" or Publication 360, "Fruit Production Recommendations" to reduce early weed competition.
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Proper integrated pest management practices are encouraged in the new planting. Aphids, leafhoppers, caterpillars, apple scab, fireblight and powdery mildew are the most important pests of young apple trees. Regular monitoring and well-timed pesticide applications minimize stress to young trees and maintains sufficient leaf surface for photosynthesis, respiration, and growth.
High density supported plantings often require less pesticide for effective pest control. For details on how to make this determination, consult factsheet "Guide For Spraying Fruit Trees", Agdex 210/606.
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The issue of rodent guards for vole and rabbit protection will depend upon grower experience in the area. Major losses are possible if rodent populations get out of control. Emphasis should be placed on grass cutting, elimination of suitable hiding areas and the use of bait stations. For more details, consult factsheet "Rodent and Deer Control in Orchards", Agdex 210/681.
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Many growers prefer to plant a sod cover in the late summer of the first year. This cover should be of a non-legume grass mixture that is not overly vigorous or aggressive, resists traffic damage, and will not host nematodes. Tall fescue or creeping red fescue make excellent sod covers. Over time, legumes like dutch white cover may help maintain sod health if present in the sod. This grass strip should be precise so no competition is placed near the trees. A minimum of 1 m bare strip for the tree row is usually adequate to reduce grass competition and to discourage rodents.
If weed competition in the bare strip gets out of control, a herbicide recommended for first year plantings should be used as outlined in Publication 75, "Guide to Weed Control" or Publication 360, "Fruit Production Recommendations" .
Some growers have established their sod in the fall before planting and killed out the tree rows with systemic herbicides. For more details on Sod Cover and its management, consult factsheet, "Soil Management for Orchard and Vineyards", Agdex 206/510. See Product Order Form.
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