Fruit tree production details cited at recent conference

By LYNN MONTGOMERY | East Texas Edition

March 13, 2003 -- During the recent Fruit and Vegetable Conference in Tyler, specifics on fruit tree production were shared with those attending the session presented by Dr. Charles J. Graham, Louisiana Agricultural Center, Calhoun, La.

The future success of a peach orchard is highly linked with the planning and site preparations that is put into it, Graham stressed. Short cuts can result in less-than-ideal growth and poor production during the orchard's existence.

"Key elements are site selection, soil preparation, rootstock selection, tree training, tree pruning, fruit thinning, disease and insect control, weed control, and marketing outlets," he began. Site selection consists of soil drainage and type, water quality, air drainage, previous site history, and market access.

"If you lack elevation, there is not a lot you can do (to grow trees)," Graham said. "Peaches are susceptible to waterlogged soils, so excellent internal soil drainage is essential. Know where the water is going to go."

Graham added, "The ideal site is on rolling or elevated land, in relation to the surrounding area, so that cold air can drain during spring frosts. Easy movement of cold air is a must, so avoid air drainage barriers. A wind machine can be used to help with air movement in the orchard, but the success depends upon a warm air layer above the orchard. The machine cost around $17,000 and will protect 10 to 12 acres."

According to Graham, peach trees perform best on sites not previously planted, but if you are replacing an existing orchard or using a site that has been in open pasture or field cropland, it is important to take a nematode count (involves a separate soil sample). Contact your local Extension agent for complete details.

Plant spacing, in the orchard, must be determined to properly lay out row terraces before planting. Surface water drainage and slope when laying out rows, he recounted.

Soil quality - fertility and acidity - is also essential. "An acidic soil should be limed to bring the pH up to the 6.0 to 6.5 range. Low soil fertility can be corrected by applying fertilizer or by increasing the level of organic matter in the soil. Overly-fertile soils can lead to excessive vegetative tree growth at the expense of fruit production," Graham explained.

Peach trees are highly influenced by an appropriate rootstock for the site.

"If root-knot nematode is the only problem, then Guardian and Nemaguard can be used as a rootstock. Guardian is generally recommended on sites with a past history of Peach Tree Short Life Syndrome. Lovell performs better on heavier soils where nematodes are not an obstacle," Graham said.

After the rootstock is selected and the trees begin to grow, they will need to be pruned and trained.

"Trees will need to be pruned and trained," Graham said. "They are pruned to a single trunk (which means removing all branches) after planting and topped at 24 inches. After three to four weeks of growth, select three to five vigorous shoots which are evenly spaced in the top of six inches of the trunk. Remove all other competing shoots.

"After an additional month of growth, select three or four major scaffolds, depending on how well spaced the shoots are arranged on the trunk," Graham continued. "Allow these scaffolds to grow until the dormant season. In late winter, cut the scaffolds off at about two feet from the main trunk. This will force side shoots to grow for selection of sub-scaffolds."

Pruning a young tree, according to Graham, controls its shape by developing a strong, well-balanced framework of scaffold branches. Some ways of pruning are open center, open vase, quad-V, and perpendicular V. Pruning is need to allow an increase in light penetration and air circulation which aids in disease control.

Pruning also reduces the crop load and reduces the amount of costly hand thinning required to produce large, quality fruit.

"Perform major pruning only during the dormant season or late winter just before budbreak," Graham added.

Once the trees have begun to grow fruit, one of the most important cultural practices involved in peach production is weed control.

"Eliminating weed competition must be minimal around young trees for tree survival and rapid growth. Heavy weed or grass competition can result in severe nitrogen deficiency (light green to yellow foliage with red spots). A weed-free soil surface should be maintained in an area at least as wide as the limb spread of the tree," Graham said.

Know that the fruit is well on its way, the last step is marketing. Whether its pick-your-own, farmers market, wholesale market, or for family and friends, many will enjoy the fruits of your labor.