Effect of hedging on the productivity of Valencia orange trees

Abstract

The effect of hedging on the productivity of 9- and 17-year-old Valencia orange trees was studied in two trials located in inland irrigation districts in New South Wales. At both sites the trees were double planted in north-south rows, and were hedged on their east and west sides in spring 1969 and again in late spring 1973, at two levels of severity. Light hedging (0.2-0.3 m of canopy removed from each side of the tree) was effective in restricting tree spread into the inter-row space without adverse effects on yield. With light hedging the yield loss in the first season was recovered by increased production in the second season after hedging. More severe hedging caused a significant reduction in cumulative yield. By timing the hedging to coincide with the setting and early development of a potential heavy crop the extent of alternate bearing was reduced. There were no consistent effects of hedging on fruit size.