Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/40315
Pears Systems High-density pear systems compared Belgian researchers aim to find which planting system is the most profitable for pears. by Geraldine Warner I n a comparison of seven different pear-training systems at a Belgian research station, a system called "long pruning" has been the most productive over the first nine years, with production of close to 70 bins per acre last season. Long pruning is so named because the branches are allowed to grow long and pendant. Trees are planted at a density of 694 per acre. The planting produced 57 bins per acre in the eighth leaf and 67 in the ninth leaf. Dr. Jef Vercammen, director of the apple and pear experimental plots at Pcfruit in Sint-Truiden, Belgium, said the pear systems trial was established in 2002 using Conference on Quince Adams rootstocks with Concorde as pollinizers. The seven systems are: • Candlestick, a three-leader system with trees 5 feet apart and 11.2 feet between rows (694 trees per acre) Trees in the Drapeau system are planted at a 45-degree angle and the branches trained vertically. It has been one of the most profitable systems in the trial. • Drapeau with trees 6 feet apart and 11.5 feet between rows (647 trees per acre) • Hedge of Tienen (palmette) with trees 5 feet apart and 11.2 feet between rows (694 trees per acre) • Long pruning with trees 5 feet apart and 11.2 feet between rows. • Quad V with trees 3 feet apart and 10.5 feet between rows (1,139 trees per acre). • Slender spindle with trees 5 feet apart and 11.2 feet between rows (694 trees per acre). • Super spindle with trees 1.5 feet apart and 10.5 feet between rows (2,267 trees per acre) For each system, the researchers worked with a pear grower with the same system in his or her own orchard. The growers advised on how the plot should be planted and maintained. The scientists tracked production, fruit size and quality, labor costs, total costs, and profitability. We grow organic Mandarins, Pluots and Kiwis on 16 acres. Every year we have trouble with cold weather in the springtime. Previously we had water protection only, but we put in our 1st Chinook Wind Machine this last summer and it really saved our bacon. This year we didn't lose anything. I can't say enough about the coverage we get. One neighbor's field was not protected and he lost all of his fruit. We protect 14 acres with one Chinook Wind Machine. The Chinook blade moves a lot of air, and it's economical. I use 4 gallons of diesel an hour, while another neighbor uses 13 to 16 gallons of propane an hour with a competitor's machine. On top of it all, the Hauffs are very good people to deal with. Clyde Litchfield and son-in-law James Day MARYSVILLE, CALIFORNIA 5 Increased Radius Coverage by 80-150 Feet with Same HP Draw 5 Air Flow Starts 14'' from Hub 5 Donier Swept Tip—Reduces Tip Drag 5 The Only Fan Blade with the "Trailing 1801 Presson Place • Yakima, WA 98903 509-248-0318 fax 509-248-0914 hfhauff@gmail.com www.hfhauff.com 12 SEPTEMBER 2011 GOOD FRUIT GROWER Edge Wedge" (widens sector angle and increases air velocity) 5 Advanced Flow Design 5 Increased Horsepower 5 LESS FUEL CONSUMPTION 5 Quality Built, Affordable, Fast Payback The bush spindle, the most common pear growing system in Belgium, has had the lowest production of all the systems tested, reports Jef Vercammen. www.goodfruit.com Jef Vercammen explains the hedge of Tienen (palmette) system. It has been one of the least profitable so far because of the long establishment phase. Jef Vercammen (right) and Tom Decker, researchers with Pcfruit in Belgium, explain the quad V system, which has consistently produced large pears. photos by geraldine warner H. F . HA UFF C O M P A N Y I N C .