ISHS Acta Horticulturae 297: II International Symposium on Kiwifruit
CROPLOADING AND CANOPY MANAGEMENT |
| Authors: | K.M. Cooper, R.R. Marshall |
| Keywords: | leaf:fruit ratio, fruit size, yield, return bloom |
| Abstract:
Profitable kiwifruit production depends on the grower's ability to obtain consistent, high yields of export quality fruit. Croploading and canopy management both influence final fruit size, export yield and return bloom. Croploads were adjusted by manipulation of winter pruning and by removing flowers or fruitlets 5–28 days after full bloom. Best fruit size and export yield were obtained at croploads around 40 fruit/m2 canopy. It is essential to leave adequate leaves on fruiting canes to ensure good fruit size and return bloom. A leaf:fruit ratio of 3:1 on fruiting canes was necessary to support croploads of around 40 fruit/m2 canopy. Leaf:fruit ratios had a greater effect than cropload on fruit size. A 3:1 or 2:1 leaf:fruit ratio on the fruiting canes was required to ensure good return bloom in the following season. With careful croploading and canopy management it should be possible to achieve around 8000 trays per canopy hectare with 70% of the fruit in the preferred size grades of 25–36 fruit/tray. | |
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