ISHS Acta Horticulturae 800: X International Pear Symposium
OVERVIEW OF INTENSIVE PEAR CULTURE: PLANTING DENSITY, ROOTSTOCKS, ORCHARD MANAGEMENT, SOIL-WATER RELATIONS AND FRUIT QUALITY |
| Authors: | S. Sansavini, V. Ancarani, D. Neri |
| Keywords: | pear orchard design, HDP and training systems, soil, water and tree management |
| Abstract:
The widespread trend towards higher pear planting densities in both the intensive orchards of Europe and their extensive counterparts in North America is being driven by innovations in crop-management regimes, cultivar-stock breeding, eco-physiological measures and sanitary control. Yet, were we to look for a single common denominator to serve as the basis of a unifying group portrait, the notably pronounced differences from area to area would surely thwart any such project. So it is perhaps better to focus on such key discriminating factors as stocks and control strategies of plant and root development in the pursuit of steady cropping from year to year, fruit quality and lower overhead outlays. Our purview is to examine these factors, elucidate their impact and see how they can be combined in regimes that optimise and simplify pear orchard management. Even a cursory glance at Europe reveals the use of quince stocks in general, and for high density planting (HDP) in particular, dwarfing clones like MC and Adams as well as those moderating vigour like Sydo and Provence BA29. These stocks have led to densities as high as 3,000–5,000 trees/ha in certain districts, although the average orchard remains rooted to fewer than 2,500–3,000 trees/ha. By contrast, areas of extensive, or less intensive, plantings under seedling, hybrid and/or oriental pear stocks tend to stay between 500 and 1,500 trees/ha, the density factor depending on how practicable it may or may not be in a given district. | |
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