Evaluation of the 'Mikado' tree training system versus the spindle form in apple trees
2004; De Gruyter; Volume: 12; Linguagem: Inglês
ISSN
2300-8849
Autores Tópico(s)Flowering Plant Growth and Cultivation
ResumoThe experiment was conducted at the Experimental Orchard in Dabrowice, near Skierniewice, from 1994 to 2000. Apple trees of the cultivar 'Sampion' on semi-dwarfing M.26 rootstock were planted 1.8 x 4 m apart. Trees were trained either according to the four-leadered 'Mikado' method or to the spindle method. Spindle trees were more vigorous than 'Mikado' trees, probably because they have only one main leader, whereas 'Mikado' trees have four. 'Mikado' trees had higher yields and better colored fruits. 'Mikado' trees had higher total leaf areas, higher leaf area indices, and intercepted more incident light. Trees trained as 'Mikado' had also very good light distribution in the whole volume of the canopy. Light distribution in the 'Mikado' canopies was more uniform than in the spindle canopy. The 'Mikado' system is a superior method to ensure high yields of high-quality apples. Only the high cost of the supporting framework limits its broader application.
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