OSU horticulturist Dr. Todd Einhorn is experimenting to find out the best angle to train branches of d’Anjou pear trees to discourage suckering and promote early fruiting. Agricultural economist Clark Seavert devised the Competitive Orchard System several years ago to help pear growers lower costs and improve returns. Seavert, former superintendent at Oregon State University’s Mid-Columbia Agricultural Research and Extension Center, said that as costs increased, growers would have to switch from the standard orchard with three-dimensional trees and plant more efficient and profitable systems. As an example, the center planted a pear trial in 2006 with trees spaced 4 […]