Re: [apple-crop] Planting density for Asian pears
I sent this reply yesterday with a couple of pictures attached but it has not appeared yet, maybe Jon could check the apple-crop 'junk' folder? - here is the text without the pictures - I've been growing asian pears for 20+ years now, but not in a high density situation - my planting is about 12' X 16' with open center trees - it has worked very well actually, the trees are readily maintained so that 95% of the fruit is accessed from the ground - I find the main difficulty in growing asian pears is thinning - it's all hand work so it's important to make it as easy as possible - 12' tall trees make it difficult - In the situation you describe I'd be considering removing every other tree, or maybe 2 out of 3 trees, so to be able to shorten and broaden the fruiting volume - Another consideration is variety selection - I had a row of Shinko and took them out - the flavor/sugar of that variety was markedly inferior to others of that season (Korean Giant/Olympic) at my location - Talking to my asian customers, these pears are used more for cooking than for fresh eating in pacific cultures - The best resource I have for asian pears is 'Guide Book of Nashi Production in Japan' by Kanichi Yaneyama/translated by Shinji Kawai and published by the Oregon Asian Pear Council in 1989 - I don't know about current availability - 75 pages with detailed discussion of pruning/thinning/management by variety with diagrams and pictures - David Doud grower, Indiana On Aug 1, 2014, at 10:12 AM, Weinzierl, Richard A wrote: > A new grower bought an Asian pear orchard that was planted a few years ago > north of Peoria, IL. Except for pollenizers, it’s all ‘Shinko’, and > apparently its resistance to fireblight is very good – I saw only one or two > infections in hundreds of trees. > > They have planted trees at very high density (4 feet in-row by 12 feet > between rows); the trees are at least 12 feet tall. Is anyone familiar > high-density production of Asian pears? And if so, do you have any pruning > recommendations? It’s obvious the density and prior pruning practices will > not work together. > > The fact sheets and similar references that I’ve seen suggest much lower tree > densities (218 to 242 trees per acre). > > Any general thoughts on managing the trees at high density … and what > spacing would you recommend for the additional plantings they intend to make? > > Rick Weinzierl > > Professor and Extension Entomologist > IL SARE PDP Coordinator > Department of Crop Sciences, University of Illinois > S-334 Turner Hall, 1102 S. Goodwin Avenue > Urbana, IL 61801 > 217-244-2126 > > > ___ > apple-crop mailing list > apple-crop@virtualorchard.net > http://virtualorchard.net/mailman/listinfo/apple-crop ___ apple-crop mailing list apple-crop@virtualorchard.net http://virtualorchard.net/mailman/listinfo/apple-crop
Re: [apple-crop] Planting density for Asian pears
I don’t have any experience with Asian pears, but I am planning to plant some high density pears in the future, and have given some thought to keeping them productive within their space. It seems to me that the trees are too tall already. A twelve foot row spacing limits tree height to nine feet if rows are north-south, and eight feet if rows are east-west to provide good light penetration. I have had very good luck bringing some Red Clapp pears down to almost half their size. Our best result was with: 1)Dormant pruning between snow melt and bud break. 2) Cut the trunk just above a limb. 3) Seal the cut with Tree-Kote or similar. 4) After one year bend all new growth over sharply with biodegradable twine. It might be worth experimenting on different rows whether summer pruning or limb bending will keep growth in check better. A wire trellis may be beneficial to have something to fasten limbs to in order to keep them below horizontal. It would seem that the Tall Spindle principle of removing any limb once it is too big for its space is going to have to be ruthlessly enforced on that spacing. Ernest Rollins 207-717-7057 Rollins Orchards 262 Dexter Rd Garland, Me 207-924-3504 www.rollinsorchards.com From: apple-crop-boun...@virtualorchard.net [mailto:apple-crop-boun...@virtualorchard.net] On Behalf Of Weinzierl, Richard A Sent: Friday, August 01, 2014 10:13 AM To: Apple-crop discussion list Subject: [apple-crop] Planting density for Asian pears A new grower bought an Asian pear orchard that was planted a few years ago north of Peoria, IL. Except for pollenizers, it’s all ‘Shinko’, and apparently its resistance to fireblight is very good – I saw only one or two infections in hundreds of trees. They have planted trees at very high density (4 feet in-row by 12 feet between rows); the trees are at least 12 feet tall. Is anyone familiar high-density production of Asian pears? And if so, do you have any pruning recommendations? It’s obvious the density and prior pruning practices will not work together. The fact sheets and similar references that I’ve seen suggest much lower tree densities (218 to 242 trees per acre). Any general thoughts on managing the trees at high density … and what spacing would you recommend for the additional plantings they intend to make? Rick Weinzierl Professor and Extension Entomologist IL SARE PDP Coordinator Department of Crop Sciences, University of Illinois S-334 Turner Hall, 1102 S. Goodwin Avenue Urbana, IL 61801 217-244-2126 _ No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2014.0.4716 / Virus Database: 3986/7950 - Release Date: 07/30/14 ___ apple-crop mailing list apple-crop@virtualorchard.net http://virtualorchard.net/mailman/listinfo/apple-crop
Re: [apple-crop] Planting density for Asian pears
I’ve seen several species of fruit trees respond well to high density pruning techniques, although I have not tried this on Asian pears: Establish a tall leader – select and tie one up if it is not present Only remove total branches, and do not tip the remaining branches – remove one or two entire branches each year Tie down new laterals below horizontal, before June 20 each year Not sure if Asian pears respond to Apogee, but it might be worth a try Be sure to take before and after pictures to see if this works! Let us know in a couple years…. Leslie [cid:image001.gif@01CDC8A7.C95AB0F0] Leslie Huffman 519-738-1256 leslie.huff...@ontario.ca<mailto:519-738-1256leslie.huff...@ontario.ca> From: apple-crop-boun...@virtualorchard.net [mailto:apple-crop-boun...@virtualorchard.net] On Behalf Of Weinzierl, Richard A Sent: August-01-14 10:13 AM To: Apple-crop discussion list Subject: [apple-crop] Planting density for Asian pears A new grower bought an Asian pear orchard that was planted a few years ago north of Peoria, IL. Except for pollenizers, it’s all ‘Shinko’, and apparently its resistance to fireblight is very good – I saw only one or two infections in hundreds of trees. They have planted trees at very high density (4 feet in-row by 12 feet between rows); the trees are at least 12 feet tall. Is anyone familiar high-density production of Asian pears? And if so, do you have any pruning recommendations? It’s obvious the density and prior pruning practices will not work together. The fact sheets and similar references that I’ve seen suggest much lower tree densities (218 to 242 trees per acre). Any general thoughts on managing the trees at high density … and what spacing would you recommend for the additional plantings they intend to make? Rick Weinzierl Professor and Extension Entomologist IL SARE PDP Coordinator Department of Crop Sciences, University of Illinois S-334 Turner Hall, 1102 S. Goodwin Avenue Urbana, IL 61801 217-244-2126 ___ apple-crop mailing list apple-crop@virtualorchard.net http://virtualorchard.net/mailman/listinfo/apple-crop
Re: [apple-crop] Planting density for Asian pears
I’m only familiar with the 20th Century and Chojuro varieties but they filled in a 8’ x 14’ planting nicely. I guess the grower could always cut out every other tree if it gets too hard to keep them in their space. Bill Fleming Montana State University Western Ag Research Center 580 Quast Lane Corvallis, MT 59828 From: apple-crop-boun...@virtualorchard.net [mailto:apple-crop-boun...@virtualorchard.net] On Behalf Of Weinzierl, Richard A Sent: Friday, August 01, 2014 8:13 AM To: Apple-crop discussion list Subject: [apple-crop] Planting density for Asian pears A new grower bought an Asian pear orchard that was planted a few years ago north of Peoria, IL. Except for pollenizers, it’s all ‘Shinko’, and apparently its resistance to fireblight is very good – I saw only one or two infections in hundreds of trees. They have planted trees at very high density (4 feet in-row by 12 feet between rows); the trees are at least 12 feet tall. Is anyone familiar high-density production of Asian pears? And if so, do you have any pruning recommendations? It’s obvious the density and prior pruning practices will not work together. The fact sheets and similar references that I’ve seen suggest much lower tree densities (218 to 242 trees per acre). Any general thoughts on managing the trees at high density … and what spacing would you recommend for the additional plantings they intend to make? Rick Weinzierl Professor and Extension Entomologist IL SARE PDP Coordinator Department of Crop Sciences, University of Illinois S-334 Turner Hall, 1102 S. Goodwin Avenue Urbana, IL 61801 217-244-2126 ___ apple-crop mailing list apple-crop@virtualorchard.net http://virtualorchard.net/mailman/listinfo/apple-crop
Re: [apple-crop] Planting density for Asian pears
Rick, In doing some research for our new planting program, I came across an article by Terence Robinson on high density pears that might be useful to you. We will be planting new apple trees over the next 5 years at a density of 3 x 12. The article on high density pears discusses trials with varying densities, 4 x 12 being one of them. Here's the PDF link: http://www.nyshs.org/pdf/NYFQ%202011/NYFQ%20Winter%202010.CMC/1.High%20Density%20Pear%20Production-%20An%20Opportunity%20for%20NY%20Growers.pdf Hope it helps! Dennis Norton IPM Specialist/Certified Nurseryman Royal Oak Farm Orchard 15908 Hebron Rd. Harvard, IL 60033-9357 Office (815) 648-4467 Mobile (815) 228-2174 Fax (609) 228-2174 http://www.royaloakfarmorchard.com http://www.royaloakfarmorchard.blogspot.com - Original Message - From: Weinzierl, Richard A To: Apple-crop discussion list Sent: Friday, August 01, 2014 9:12 AM Subject: [apple-crop] Planting density for Asian pears A new grower bought an Asian pear orchard that was planted a few years ago north of Peoria, IL. Except for pollenizers, it’s all ‘Shinko’, and apparently its resistance to fireblight is very good – I saw only one or two infections in hundreds of trees. They have planted trees at very high density (4 feet in-row by 12 feet between rows); the trees are at least 12 feet tall. Is anyone familiar high-density production of Asian pears? And if so, do you have any pruning recommendations? It’s obvious the density and prior pruning practices will not work together. The fact sheets and similar references that I’ve seen suggest much lower tree densities (218 to 242 trees per acre). Any general thoughts on managing the trees at high density … and what spacing would you recommend for the additional plantings they intend to make? Rick Weinzierl Professor and Extension Entomologist IL SARE PDP Coordinator Department of Crop Sciences, University of Illinois S-334 Turner Hall, 1102 S. Goodwin Avenue Urbana, IL 61801 217-244-2126 -- ___ apple-crop mailing list apple-crop@virtualorchard.net http://virtualorchard.net/mailman/listinfo/apple-crop ___ apple-crop mailing list apple-crop@virtualorchard.net http://virtualorchard.net/mailman/listinfo/apple-crop
[apple-crop] Planting density for Asian pears
A new grower bought an Asian pear orchard that was planted a few years ago north of Peoria, IL. Except for pollenizers, it’s all ‘Shinko’, and apparently its resistance to fireblight is very good – I saw only one or two infections in hundreds of trees. They have planted trees at very high density (4 feet in-row by 12 feet between rows); the trees are at least 12 feet tall. Is anyone familiar high-density production of Asian pears? And if so, do you have any pruning recommendations? It’s obvious the density and prior pruning practices will not work together. The fact sheets and similar references that I’ve seen suggest much lower tree densities (218 to 242 trees per acre). Any general thoughts on managing the trees at high density … and what spacing would you recommend for the additional plantings they intend to make? Rick Weinzierl Professor and Extension Entomologist IL SARE PDP Coordinator Department of Crop Sciences, University of Illinois S-334 Turner Hall, 1102 S. Goodwin Avenue Urbana, IL 61801 217-244-2126 ___ apple-crop mailing list apple-crop@virtualorchard.net http://virtualorchard.net/mailman/listinfo/apple-crop
