Efficacy of a solid set canopy delivery system (SSCDS) in sweet cherry and apple
To reduce reliance on airblast sprayers in sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) and apple orchards (Malus domestica Borkh.), a solid set canopy delivery system (SSCDS) using multiple levels of sprinkler nozzles for trellised canopies is being developed.
This study reports preliminary comparisons of application efficacy using common plant growth regulators (PGR). The bloom thinner ammoniumthiosulfate (2%) was applied through the SSCDS and airblast sprayer at ca. 40 and 80% full bloom.
Efficacy was evaluated by assessing fruit set compared to an untreated control (UTC). In a separate experiment, gibberellic acid GA3 (20 ppm) was applied to sweet cherry at late Stage II of fruit development.
At harvest, treatment effects were quantified by assessing fruit quality.
Lastly, we evaluated the efficacy of the SSCDS for evaporative cooling (EC) in apples, documenting its effect on fruit surface temperatures (FST) compared to a standard EC system.
When ambient air exceeded 32°C, apple FST was measured using an infrared thermometer at regular intervals during and between cooling cycles.
There was no difference in efficacy of application technologies in chemical thinning.
Application method in the GA3 trial did influence fruit quality.
Airblast treated fruit exhibited decreased exocarp color (-14%) and increased firmness (+10%) compared to UTC. Fruit treated by SSCDS were heavier (+5%) than UTC. The SSCDS maintained apple FST below 27°C compared to 35°C from standard EC. The SSCDS may be a viable PGR application method and EC in trellised orchards; however continued engineering of nozzle type and placement is warranted.
Niemann, S.M., Whiting, M.D. and Hanrahan, I. (2016). Efficacy of a solid set canopy delivery system (SSCDS) in sweet cherry and apple. Acta Hortic. 1130, 145-150
DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2016.1130.21
https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2016.1130.21
DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2016.1130.21
https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2016.1130.21
Prunus avium L., Malus domestica Borkh., coverage, plant growth regulators
English
1130_21
145-150
- Workgroup Orchard and Plantation Systems
- Workgroup Environmental Physiology and Developmental Biology
- Division Temperate Tree Fruits
- Division Physiology and Plant-Environment Interactions of Horticultural Crops in Field Systems
- Division Precision Horticulture and Engineering
- Division Tropical and Subtropical Fruit and Nuts
- Division Temperate Tree Nuts
- Division Vegetables, Roots and Tubers
- Division Protected Cultivation and Soilless Culture
- Division Vine and Berry Fruits