ARTIFICIAL SPUR EXTINICTION ASE WHY?
As growers we spend our days trying to convert light into energy The scientist would say we aren’t doing a brilliant job Introduction Theirs loads more potential out there Where are we wasting it/ not utilizing light?
An average tree with an average number of flower buds could start the season with over 2000 buds We need 150 – 200 Bud Numbers Excessive bud numbers ‘could’ be wasting energy and ‘could’ be stopping energy being used in the right place
‘The Row!’ • This row would suggest we are! • Envy at Plant and Food Research in NZ • Has been in ASE for a number of years • Yielding in excess of 160 T/Ha without any bianulism
So how could we go about it ? Cropping units / linear Metre of tree (6-7) allowing light distribution through the tree …… dappled light. Removal of over vigorous units/branches – 5 buds per BCA This alone can make a massive difference Methodology Convert in an ‘on’ year ! Only works in balanced orchards Dial up the crop
Rome wasn’t built in a day ! Year one study at La Moriniere, suggested £566/Ha to do ASE 0.22p/tree ! Limited hand thinning needed Cost? and cost drops in subsequent years After conversion trees tend to produce lots of nice ‘bourse shoots’ Hasn’t shown big benefits in year one – buds & Light
Canker Tree structure Challenges ! Vigour
Consistent high yields The wins! Optimise fruit size
A thought for the Season
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