Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/787641
30 FEBRUARY 15, 2017 GOOD FRUIT GROWER www.goodfruit.com (mechanically pruned on two sides of the V) to allow every apple to be visible from nearly every possible posi- tion. This not only allows the harvester vision system to see a very high percentage of fruit, it also allows uniform color and maturity of the crop, enhancing the produc- tivity of the autonomous harvester developed by Wafler. The vertical leader of each tree is supported by a wire. Other options in the vertical support include bamboo or fiberglass rod. Wafler wraps the leader of the tree around the support wire, and by the time the tree passes the top horizontal trellis wire, the tree has been lightly girdled by growing around the vertical support wire. A Gala block visited during the International Fruit Tree Association tour last summer was a marvel of consistent vigor, con- sistent crop load and very consistent canopy. The multileader format appears to be very simple to train and support. The critical factor in developing the multileader is uniform spacing of the leaders; if the lead- ers are not uniformly spaced, they will eventually shade each other out. In addition, the horizontally trained sys- tems need manipulation as each "vertical" leader crosses the horizontal wire to induce at least two branches every 18 inches, tied horizontally in two or more locations to minimize environmental effects. The tools available to mechanically prune and adjust pruning have evolved considerably in the past five years, as have the abilities to plant the very straight rows that will enhance machine performance. The next era in tree fruit harvest is upon us. • Tom Auvil is research horticulturist for the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission. LIKE OUR ROOTSTOCK, OUR SERVICE WILL GROW ON YOU. SUPERIOR QUALITY , GROWN IN THE WILLAMETTE VALLEY Canby, Oregon Our fields are planted with the most popular clonal and seedling fruit tree rootstock varieties. We grow a great selection of dwarf, semi-dwarf and standard vigor varieties for apple, cherry, pear, plum and more... See our website for a complete list of our offerings. www.WillametteNurseries.com 503-263-6405 Toll Free 800-852-2018 Willamette@canby.com I S O R E G O N C E RT I F I E D A L L FR U I T TR E E R O O T S TO C K VIRUS-FREE Telone/Pic Available for 2017 Orchard Fumigation CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPLICATION: Northwest Washington: Tim Purcell 360-630-4285 Yakima Valley: Robert Rauert 509-728-2004 Columbia Basin/NE Oregon: Ryan Kelsey 509-481-5998 Wenatchee/Okanogan Valley: Adam Zediker 509-828-0691 Hood River/The Dalles: David Sbur 971-563-8848 Office 360-225-3588 Soil fumigation with Telone/Pic in perennial crops and orchards produces earlier and bigger yields, which leads to higher profits. This is not just in the early years, but over the life of the orchard. Trident is the Pacific Northwest's soil fumigation specialist, with 30+ years of orchard fumigation experience. Trident offers custom application of Telone II/Chloropicrin fumigants. Most growers are aware of recent allocation cuts and shortages of Telone II industry wide. Trident was able to supply product for all our customers' needs in 2016. Schedule your 2017 fumigation as soon as possible to ensure you have Telone/Pic available for your new orchard. Telone and Chloropicrin are federally restricted use pesticides. Telone II is a registered trademark of the Dow Chemical Company. Always read and follow label directions.