California Agriculture

Simply put, a fruit tree can be viewed as a solar collector that converts sunlight into fruit. The more efficiently this is done, the greater the potential yield and profit. Consequently, growers face an important question when planting an orchard — what planting system to use? While varieties can be changed rather easily through grafting, the spacing, rootstock and conformation aspects of an orchard are typically permanent until that orchard is removed entirely, usually only after 15 to 20 years. These aspects can have profound effects on orchard productivity. Research conducted at the UC Kearney Research and Extension Center on orchard systems — including higher-density plantings and pruning techniques that enhance light interception — has allowed growers to make better-informed decisions when planting new orchards.