Van den Ende: Growth mindset
For late-season stone fruit, deficit irrigation can be timed to control canopy growth without impacting fruit size.
Van den Ende: Tame your trees
For high-density pear plantings, it’s critical to get an early start.
Good to Know: Ten pruning rules
Universal techniques that deliver high yields and packouts of apples and pears.
Good to Know: Approaching apricots in 2D
Training trees with multiple leaders and no branches can quicken investment returns.
Good to Know: The 1-2-3 rule for renewal pruning
Use the 1-2-3 rule of renewal pruning to keep the fruiting wood of apple and pear trees young and productive.
Van den Ende: What are the problems with branches?
The haphazard complexity of these branched apple trees on Tatura trellis make management and productivity of trees difficult. (Courtesy Bas
Van den Ende and Tisdall: Keep phytophthora out of your orchard
This ‘plant destroyer’ fungus thrives in wet soils.
Be aware of shortcomings with Malling 9 rootstock
High summer temperatures and shallow soils can adversely affect canopy development and yield.
Don’t invest in unwanted shoot growth
With spring approaching in the Northern Hemisphere, a new season for orchardists starts with flowers, new leaves and shoots — and much anxiety.