Row Distance and Tree Heights in Apple Trees

Abstract

The apple cultivars ‘Discovery’, ‘Jonagold’ and ‘Mutsu’ were planted in 1980 at row distances of 3 and 4.5 m. Tree heights of 1.5, 2 and 2.5 m were established at 3 m row distance, and 2.25, 2.75 and 3.25 m at 4.5 m row distance. The tree heights were effective from 1985–86; yield and fruit development were followed during 1982–90. Yield per tree, tree size and fruitfulness were larger at the wider row distance, especially for ‘Mutsu’. Thus, in ‘Mutsu’, yield per hectare at 4.5 m equalled that at 3 m, contrary to ‘Discovery’ and ‘Jonagold’, where yield per hectare was higher at 3 m. Also, dry matter contents and colour development (‘Jonagold’) were improved by 4.5 m row distance in several cases. Reduced tree heights decreased yields and colour development (‘Jonagold’), but with minor reductions at tree heights of 2.0–2.5 m during the first 7–8 years. A tree height of 1.5 m, at 3 m row distance, responded negatively, especially for ‘Discovery’ and ‘Jonagold’.