The optimized orchard system generates high production and high-value target fruit. The trees have little structural wood and are supported by an eight-wire trellis. “If left alone, an apple tree will not develop a canopy that maximizes both light absorption and light distribution.  That is your job and your challenge as a grower.” Dr. Don Elfving, a Washington State ­University researcher at the Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center in Wenatchee, makes that assessment. Light absorption and light distribution are both critical to growers’ ability to produce high yields and a high proportion of “target fruit”—fruit of the size, color, […]