Orchard walk: Batlow, June 2008
2 June 2008 | Hosted by Greg Mouat, Batlow NSW | Future Orchards 2012
The June 2008 Batlow walk examined mature and higher-density apple blocks under constrained water conditions. In a Buckeye Gala block grafted onto Jonagold/M26, the group discussed mulch, planting density, low vigour, crop load and the trade-off between excellent packout and low yield. The notes record a 95% packout in 2007–08 from a deliberately light 15 t/ha crop.
A Cripps Pink block was then used to discuss tree-row volume, pruning and bud numbers. Practical tips included starting pruning at the top, singulating the leader, removing strong upright shoots, avoiding shortening cuts that stimulate regrowth and considering bud thinning where settled trees carry excessive bud numbers.
