The driving of apple trees in the shape of a slender spindle

Abstract

The paper relates to fruit growing, namely to a process for formation of apple tree crown in the shape of a slender spindle. The process of training the central axis on the apple was applied to the Granny Smith apple variety, grafted onto the M9 rootstock, with the slender spindle-type crown, the planting distances being 0.8 m per row and 3.2 m between rows. We used vigorous planting material with branches anticipated at the height of 50-80 cm and with well-developed and unshavened shaft, with viable buds along the entire length of the shaft, well-developed root system, excellent graft and root growth without traces of necrosis. Before planting, the trellis was installed and fixed 5 wires spaced 50, 80, 160, 240, 320 cm from the ground. The results of invention allow to form conical and narrow canopies, with a vertical central axis, weakly curved and well garnished with a single level of semi-skeletal and fruit bearing branches, which decrease in length from the base to the top of the tree.