Effect of Training System on Yield in ‘Early Redhaven’ Peach

Abstract

Yield performance, efficiency of tree management and ease of harvest were evaluated in ‘Early Redhaven’ peach subjected to five training systems. Yield per plot in the first 5 and 10 years of production was higher in the modified-leader trees and the angled double-trees than in trees from most of the other training systems, respectively. Plots were single trees in all systems except for the angled double-tree system where 2 trees planted at 45° in opposing directions occupied each site. Extrapolation of the data to a per hectare basis indicated comparable yields in the angled single-tree, palmette and open-center systems but which were higher than in the modified-leader and angled double-tree systems. Ladders were required for the open-center and modified-leader trees by the 6th year of production but trees from the angled single-tree, palmette and angled double-tree systems could be harvested from ground level into their 10th year of production.