Abstract
In this study, the effects of a tree joint training system for peach on tree growth, fruit production, and labor-saving cultivation management were compared with those of a straight line training system. Additionally, differences due to the height of two (1.55 and 1.85 m) of the main branches in the tree joint training system (tree joints I and II, respectively) were compared. There were no differences in the characteristics of fruit between the experimental plots, and the highest cumulative yield occurred in the first 4 years after planting in tree joint I. The number of working hours to prune tree joint I was the lowest, and the increase in the workers’ heart rate on harvesting was lower with tree joints I and II compared with the straight line training system. In conclusion, 1.55 m was a suitable height for the main branch in the tree joint training system based on these results. In comparison with the straight line training system, a mature orchard was achieved earlier with the tree joint training system, and cultivation management was more labor-saving.
