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<p>This research aimed to identify the optimal tree density, fertigation doses and suitable tree training systems for intensive apple cultivation under Indian growing conditions, focusing on improving light interception, physiological performance, productivity and fruit quality.</p><p>The study was conducted over two years on 4-years-old apple trees (cv. Jeromine) grafted onto M.9 rootstock in Solan, India. A factorial Randomized Block Design was used, comprising three tree densities (4000, 3200 and 2666 trees ha<sup>−1</sup>), two training systems (Tall Spindle and Vertical Axis), and two fertigation doses (100% and 75% of the recommended NPK) with a total of 12 treatment combinations. Each treatment was replicated thrice and 2 trees were kept under each replication.</p><p>Results revealed that higher tree densities (4000 trees ha<sup>−1</sup>) and Tall Spindle training system significantly enhanced light interception, photosynthetic efficiency and productivity, despite limiting vegetative growth. Fertigation with 100% of the recommended NPK dose improved leaf nutrient status and physiological traits, resulting in higher productivity. However, interactive effect of tree densities, training systems and fertigation doses had no significant effect on most vegetative growth parameters, light interception, physiological traits, leaf nutrient content, yield efficiency and productivity. The tree productivity was strongly correlated with light interception (<i>r</i> = 0.88), photosynthetic rate (<i>r</i> = 0.75) and leaf area index (<i>r</i> = 0.67) (<i>P</i> &lt; 0.001). Principal component analysis highlighted tree height, canopy area and leaf area as key contributors to variance. The treatment combination of 4000 trees ha<sup>−1</sup>, Tall Spindle and 100% NPK dose resulted in 8.30 to 45.72% higher productivity compared to other treatments.</p><p>This study offers practical recommendations for sustainable orchard management, emphasizing the importance of higher tree density, Tall Spindle training systems and 100% fertigation to optimize leaf nutrient status, improved tree physiological traits and enhance productivity. These findings support farmers in improving profitability while contributing to sustainable agricultural practices.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>

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Optimizing Tree Density, Canopy Training and Fertigation for Improved Productivity and Light Utilization in Apple Orchards

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年10月17日

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  • Tanzin Ladon,
  • Jogindar Singh Chandel,
  • Naveen Chand Sharma,
  • Pramod Verma

摘要

This research aimed to identify the optimal tree density, fertigation doses and suitable tree training systems for intensive apple cultivation under Indian growing conditions, focusing on improving light interception, physiological performance, productivity and fruit quality.

The study was conducted over two years on 4-years-old apple trees (cv. Jeromine) grafted onto M.9 rootstock in Solan, India. A factorial Randomized Block Design was used, comprising three tree densities (4000, 3200 and 2666 trees ha−1), two training systems (Tall Spindle and Vertical Axis), and two fertigation doses (100% and 75% of the recommended NPK) with a total of 12 treatment combinations. Each treatment was replicated thrice and 2 trees were kept under each replication.

Results revealed that higher tree densities (4000 trees ha−1) and Tall Spindle training system significantly enhanced light interception, photosynthetic efficiency and productivity, despite limiting vegetative growth. Fertigation with 100% of the recommended NPK dose improved leaf nutrient status and physiological traits, resulting in higher productivity. However, interactive effect of tree densities, training systems and fertigation doses had no significant effect on most vegetative growth parameters, light interception, physiological traits, leaf nutrient content, yield efficiency and productivity. The tree productivity was strongly correlated with light interception (r = 0.88), photosynthetic rate (r = 0.75) and leaf area index (r = 0.67) (P < 0.001). Principal component analysis highlighted tree height, canopy area and leaf area as key contributors to variance. The treatment combination of 4000 trees ha−1, Tall Spindle and 100% NPK dose resulted in 8.30 to 45.72% higher productivity compared to other treatments.

This study offers practical recommendations for sustainable orchard management, emphasizing the importance of higher tree density, Tall Spindle training systems and 100% fertigation to optimize leaf nutrient status, improved tree physiological traits and enhance productivity. These findings support farmers in improving profitability while contributing to sustainable agricultural practices.

Graphical Abstract