Enhancing young tree growth in Stanthorpe

2013-2014 | Stephen Tancred, Orchard Services | Future Orchards® Stanthorpe trial report

This Stanthorpe Future Orchards® trial investigated practical options for improving the growth of young apple trees that had not developed strongly after planting. The broader program was focused on helping young trees fill their allotted canopy space sooner so that blocks could move into efficient commercial production more quickly.

The work included the use of gibberellic acid (GA3) as a growth-promoting treatment. Future Orchards® reporting from the trial noted improved extension growth on young Pink Lady trees following GA3 treatment, supporting the value of targeted growth-regulator use where weak vegetative development is limiting canopy establishment.

The trial also sat within a wider set of young-tree demonstrations that considered crop load, soil conditions, water, nutrition and training. The key management message is that weak young-tree growth is rarely solved by a single input: growers need to identify the underlying constraint, protect leader growth and avoid cropping trees too heavily before the framework of the canopy is established.