Training Systems for Sweet Cherries. Lynn E. Long Oregon State University

Training Systems for Sweet Cherries Lynn E. Long Oregon State University

Changing Expectations Large open vase trees Objectives the same High quality fruit

Changing Expectations Need for efficiency increased World market Size Quality Labor availability Increased production costs Looking for new training systems

Objectives Objectives of training Good light penetration Encourage fruit size Tree maintenance Pruning Pest & Disease control Ease of harvest

Understanding the tree Natural tree Large Vigorous Shy branching Narrow crotch angles Non-precocious Effective system must deal with these characteristics

Understanding the tree Leaf to fruit ratio Shoot elongation imperative Need abundance of 30 cm shoots Axillary buds vs. spurs

Training system choices Examined Palmate Marchand Tatura trellis Spindle Spanish Bush Open Vase Others

Training system requirements Diverse choice Management skills Soil Rootstock Variety High Quality Fruit Simple & inexpensive

True pedestrian orchard Easy harvest and maintenance Dwarfing rootstock? Extensive heading cuts Delayed production Bacterial canker Subject to frosts Spanish Bush

Vogel Central Leader Precocious system Moderately high density Easy to grow Easy to maintain Good light penetration Dwarfing rootstock necessary

Open vase adaptation Low to moderate density Full size rootstocks Production 5 th -6 th leaf Large crop: 7 th or 8 th leaf Large fruit Tall trees Steep Leader

System Attributes Growing conditions Steep Leader Spanish Bush Vogel C.L. Good soils X Dwarf rootstocks only Dwarf rootstocks only Poor soils X X X Frosty sites X - X

System Attributes Rootstock/ variety Steep Leader Spanish Bush Vogel C.L. Full-size rootstock X Poor soils only - Dwarfing rootstock X X X Precocious variety X X X Precocious/ dwarfing X X -

System Attributes Training system characteristics Steep Leader Spanish Bush Vogel C.L. High management skills - X X High early yields - X X Reduced harvest costs - X X

3 rd leaf training system trial, Sweetheart Training system Vogel C.L. Steep Leader Spanish Bush Spanish Bush Rootstock Gisela 6 Gisela 6 Gisela 6 Mazzard Yield/tree (kg) 2.5 1.4 1.0 0

4 th leaf training system trial, Sweetheart Training system Rootstock Yield/tree (kg) Fruit Weight (g) Vogel C.L. Gisela 6 29 8.92 Steep Leader Gisela 6 16 8.47 Spanish Bush Gisela 6 18 8.41 Spanish Bush Mazzard 3 8.40

Spanish Bush At planting 2.5-3m x 5-6m Head 30-80 cm Establish branch angles

First Summer Spanish Bush

Second Spring Spanish Bush

Summer Second Leaf Spanish Bush

Spanish Bush Maturity Annual Pruning Thin branches (6) Renew fruiting wood Top and hedge Spring pruning Head for fruit size

Spanish Bush Maturity Annual Pruning Thin branches Renew fruiting wood (7) Top and hedge Spring pruning Head for fruit size

Spanish Bush Maturity Annual Pruning Thin branches Renew fruiting wood Top and hedge (9) Spring pruning Head for fruit size

Spanish Bush Maturity Annual Pruning Thin branches Renew fruiting wood Top and hedge Spring pruning Head for fruit size (8)

The completed tree Spanish Bush

Vogel Central Leader At planting 2.5-4m x 5-6m Head at 1 m

Early Spring Vogel Central Leader

Vogel Central Leader Second Year to Maturity

Vogel Central Leader At Maturity Maintain tree balance Renew branches Maintain tree height

Vogel Central Leader The completed tree

Steep Leader At planting 5-7m x 6-8m Head whip 1 m Establish branch angles

Steep Leader First dormant Select leaders Head leaders

2nd dormant or spring 2nd leaf Steep Leader

Steep Leader Maturity Remove large wood Large, smaller, smallest Leader = spindle Renew wood Establish light paths Remove pendant wood

Steep Leader Maturity Maintain height Prune top to weak laterals Single out tips Tip lower branches Maintain pyramid shape