Improving fruit set, production efficiency, and profitability of pears
Author: Todd Einhorn, Stefano Musacchi
Published: 2014
Summary: This projects objectives were: 1. Develop plant growth regulator protocols for early and consistent fruit set. Test and adapt current protocols successfully utilized in Europe on PNW varieties. Characterize PGR effects on flowering, fruit set, and vegetative growth. 2. Apply current root pruning technologies available in the US to existing, and future, plantings. Test application timing, depth, and severity of root removal, and characterize the effect of these treatments on shoot growth, flower development, fruit set, fruit size and productivity. 3. Develop new plantings of competitive orchard systems. Develop demonstration orchards at MCAREC of single axe and bi-axe planar hedgerows. Work collaboratively with growers to establish planar commercial high-density blocks.
