High density planting systems of European plums – the effect of growth and productivity of three cultivars after nine years

Abstract

An intensive field planting of 'Edda', 'Opal' and 'Mallard' plum trees (Prunus domestica L.) all grafted on the semidwarf rootstock St. Julien A was established in 1993 at Ullensvang Research Centre, western Norway at 608 North. Four different single row planting systems (vertical axis, free spindle, hedgerow and Y-trellis) and three planting densities (0.5, 1.0, 1.5)/4 m for the Y-trellis and hedge trees and 2.0)/4 m for the central leader trees) were evaluated. This field planting gave a rapid canopy development and crop yields at early tree age. Trunk cross sectional area of the trees increased with increasing tree spacing. 'Opal' was the most vigorous cultivar. During the first four cropping years, the yields/ha were positively correlated with tree density. After nine years, cumulative yield per ha was highest on the Y-trellis and hedge trees with the highest density (5000 trees per ha). The two central leaders showed similar yield pattern, but yielded less than the two other systems. Plums produced on these canopy systems showed minor differences in the average fruit weights, and no significant differences were found among the spacings. The soluble solid contents of the plums were in general high. Neither planting density nor system had much impact on the sugar content of these cultivars. 'Opal' had significantly smaller plums and lower contents of soluble solids than the two other cultivars.

Growth, fruit size, yield performance and micronutrient status of plum trees (Prunus domestica L.)

“…Also, Meland (2005) reported that OPA in the fourth leaf in HDP had significantly smaller fruits, and trees gave 15 t per hectare. Our YH for this cultivar was higher than those obtained by Meland (2005), but in the sixth year after planting. In general, our data for YT, YH and YE are similar to those published by Halapija-Kazija et al (2009) and with similar group of plum cultivars and inferior to the results obtained by Blažek and Pištěková (2009).…”

“…This corresponds to results obtained by other authors (Sosna 2002, Vitanova et al 2004). Meland (2005) found that OPA was the most vigorous. Similarly, BLU grew vigorously in our trial, but was reported as slow growing in the Czech Republic (Blažek et al 2004).…”

“…Contrary, the lowest YE found on OPA. This is probably due to their high vigour and so high TCSA (Meland 2005, Peppelman et al 2007). Also, Meland (2005) reported that OPA in the fourth leaf in HDP had significantly smaller fruits, and trees gave 15 t per hectare.…”

“…This is probably due to their high vigour and so high TCSA (Meland 2005, Peppelman et al 2007). Also, Meland (2005) reported that OPA in the fourth leaf in HDP had significantly smaller fruits, and trees gave 15 t per hectare. Our YH for this cultivar was higher than those obtained by Meland (2005), but in the sixth year after planting.…”

Seasonal changes and content of sodium in main organs of European plum trees (Prunus domestica L.), fruit size and yield as affected by rootstocks on acidic soil

“…Cultivar/rootstock interaction were not oserved. Previous work on plum in HDP system also reported a high variability among cultivars regarding this parameter (SOSNA, 2002;MELAND, 2005;PEPPELMAN et al, 2007). There were significant difference in yield per tree and unit area among cultivars ( Table 7).…”