Influence of orchard production system and cultivar on early productivity of sweet cherry (Prunus avium): effects on tree growth and fruit production and quality

Abstract

This experiment assessed 3 orchard production systems [Tatura trellis, 1-m within-row tree spacing; palmette trellis, 2-m within-row spacing; freestanding, multiple leader (vase), 3-m within-row spacing] and 2 cultivars of sweet cherry (Prunus avium) (Van, Lambert) to establish the horticultural merits of high density, sweet cherry production. The combination of high tree densities and shallow duplex soils reduced vegetative vigour by 32% compared with the lowest tree density production system. Production systems at the highest tree densities produced the highest cumulative yields to year 7 for both cultivars. Fruit size was not affected by orchard production system; however, the extent of rain-induced fruit splitting may be affected by production systems. Cultivar influenced both yield and susceptibility to rain-induced fruit cracking. Van was earlier to bear fruit than Lambert on all production systems and more resistant to rain-induced fruit splitting.