Abstract
'Empire' (E) and 'Marshall McIntosh' (MM)/'Mark' trees planted in 1986 were trained to the freestanding central leader (CL), central leader with annual extension-shoot heading (HCL), slender spindle (SS) or vertical axis (VA). Support with a full tree stake (SS & VA) had little effect on shoot growth. HCL increased shoot number and mean length. Fewer pruning cuts were made on supported trees, while more were made on HCL trees. Dry weight of prunings 1989-91 was the same for all MM trees, while in E trees, CL and SS had lower pruning weights than HCL and VA. Bloom density was uninfluenced by support or training. Fruit set was greater in 1990 and 1991 on supported E trees, and in 1990 on supported MM trees. Yield was greater on supported systems in 3 out of 4 production years. Total yield after 6 years of age was 26-38% greater for supported trees of both cultivars. Bienniality was reduced about 15% by support in MM trees but unaffected by support or training in E trees. Net total crop value (estimated annual crop value minus annual harvest cost and support cost, if applicable, annual 10% discount rate) in 1991 was approximately $1600 per ha greater for supported E trees and $270 per ha greater for supported MM trees.
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