Orchard walk: Batlow, January 2007

January 2007 | Ardrossan Orchards, Batlow NSW | Notes by Julie Dart

The third Batlow walk was hosted by Ian Cathels at Ardrossan Orchards and concentrated on crop load, harvest maturity and high-density orchard design. John Wilton discussed the effect of crop load on fruit pressure and soluble solids, the sensitivity of Fuji to over-cropping and the need to judge harvest maturity using starch, brix and pressure together.

Dr Terence Robinson of Cornell University also discussed the evolution of high-density systems in the United States, including slender spindle, super spindle and the importance of canopy light interception. The report captures discussion on rootstocks, pruning, fruit quality, colour development, harvest timing and the economics of orchard system design.