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Adopting new technologies Growers who begin transition to modern orchard systems now will be ahead of the game. by Melissa Hansen P ennsylvania State University horticulturist Dr. James Schupp knows growers face a host of barriers to adopting new tech- nologies. But the rapid adop- tion of the mechanical string thinner by East Coast fruit growers proves that mod- ern orchard systems can be aligned with new technology to reduce labor costs and improve fruit quality. Orchard-Rite® Schupp, who is involved in the Com- prehensive Automation for Specialty Crops research project that's looking to increase orchard labor efficiencies, yields, and fruit quality, has searched for new technologies and evaluated existing and prototype ones. His experiences have helped him identify what's needed for growers to be able to successfully adopt new orchard technology. Tree architecture is critical, he said. Tree systems must be two-dimensional and columnar in style, with no more than 14 feet between rows. "Twelve feet is better, ten feet best," he said. V-style systems can also be mecha- nized. The concept is to have a continu- ous wall of fruit to provide a steady workflow as mechanized equipment moves down the row. Wind Machines • www.orchard-rite.com Schupp suggested a range of tree den- sities for these modern orchard systems— between 778 trees per acre for 4 by 14 foot spacings to 1,320 trees per acre for 3 by 11 foot spacings. Single rows of ten-foot tall trees with narrow canopies can accom- modate mechanical thinners, pruners, and harvest machines. The canopy will need support with wire and stakes. Size- controlling rootstocks help growers maintain desired tree height. Schupp said the modern canopy shape complements the natural tree form and lends itself to simplified pruning and training tasks. It also results in good light penetration and light distribution and produces the type of fruit that consumers prefer. He saw a biaxis system in Italy that he "We think in terms of quality…" believes has potential because it creates a narrow tree wall of fruit. The biaxis helps split the tree's vigor into two leaders while reducing the number of trees needed to fill the fruiting wall. Too many recipes In addition to high financial invest- ment and high-risk barriers faced by growers, there's been a lack of standard- ized systems, he said during the Washing- ton State Horticultural Association's convention in December. Through the years, orchard training systems have been developed for various reasons, but mechanization was never a driving factor. "There are more than 30 named apple systems for growers to choose from," Schupp said. "We have too many recipes out there. Technology cannot be expected to fit 30 different systems. Rather than have 30 systems, we ought to have two or three." Preparing for new technology will require change for most growers, Schupp said, suggesting that they consider the tall spindle, vertical V, or inline V as they transition to modern-style orchards. Thinner success Field trials of the Darwin blossom W e are developing a 5-acre vineyard on Red Mountain. Last year, we had an October freeze and a hard winter right behind it, causing a fair amount of winter damage. Looking back, we realized a wind machine would have helped us harden off the wood before winter and also give us the protection we need in the spring. We think in terms of quality and this was just one more thing to get us there. We ended up purchasing an Orchard-Rite Machine because the growers that we have the most confidence in recommended Orchard-Rite. We like the Auto Start Preset, and are looking forward to a wireless connection to a weather station, or computer. Orchard-Rite has given us great service even though we only have one wind machine. They are like working with a good neighbor that you trust. John and Peggy Thurtle • Red Mountain, Washington 1611 W. Ahtanum Yakima, WA 98903 509-457-9196 Sales: Virgil Anders, ext 114 Wind Machine Service For your nearest representative: www.orchard-rite.com Cascade 22 JANUARY 15, 2012 GOOD FRUIT GROWER string thinner, a mechanical thinner developed in Germany, began in the United States in 2007. U.S. growers have quickly accepted the technology, and some 25 growers in four states have bought machines for both fresh and processed peaches. "That's the fastest transfer of technol- ogy that I've ever seen in my career," he said. The blossom string thinner works on 3766 Iroquois Lane Wenatchee, WA 98801 509-662-2753 Sales: Dana Morgan, ext 215 Dave Harmening, ext 214 angled and vase-style tree canopies, knocking off 35 to 50 percent of the blos- soms to prethin the trees. University stud- ies have shown the net economic impact of using the mechanical thinner for processed peaches is a gain of $236 to $1,490 per acre for processed peaches and $185 to $934 per acre for fresh. The increase comes from labor savings and increased fruit size. Mechanically remov- ing blossoms instead of hand thinning green fruit results in larger fruit because the crop load is reduced earlier. Schupp noted that the string thinner was quickly adopted because tree www.goodfruit.com