2022 Volume 21 Issue 2 Pages 189-196
In this study, we evaluated the growth and fruit production of ‘Akatsuki’ peach trees trained to a tree joint V-shaped trellis system (JV-trellis) applied at two distances of 150 and 200 cm between planting rows. In addition, given the strong tendency for enlargement of the lateral branches close to the main trunk, we examined the effects of the timing of pinching shoots and autumn pruning on lateral branch growth in JV-trellis. We found that the crown expansion and height of trees trained using JV-trellis were earlier and lower, respectively, than those recorded in the control modified open-center system. However, no significant differences in growth or productivity were detected with respect to the two planting distances in JV-trellis. In the 4th year (6 years old), the yield of the JV-trellis trees was 2.8 t・10 a–1, which represents an increase of 20% compared with trees cultivated using the modified open-center system. However, we detected no significant differences between the fruit quality of fruit produced using JV-trellis and modified open-center systems. Furthermore, pinching shoots until 45 days after full bloom and pruning until 1 month after harvest were effective measures for controlling the growth of branches, although it was insufficient to reduce branch growth. In conclusion, the JV-trellis ‘Akatsuki’ system is considered to be applicable for attaining early yields of ‘Akatsuki’ peach, although it would be difficult to continue stable production in the long term, unless effective lateral branch management technology is established to reduce the growth of lateral branches.
