Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
to slow its growth, to minimise the apical
dominance, and reduce regrowth (see page 3,
'Apical buds').
not useful for framework building, should be
pulled off so as not to unbalance the desired
structure of the tree (see page 46, 'Suckers').
As the tree ages, spurs will need thinning to
allow space for good-sized fruit to develop
(see Figure 6.28).
Fruitingwood
Just like apples, pears fruit on long-lived spurs
produced on two-year-old wood, and their
growth is managed in much the same way
(see Figure 6.27).
The spur on the left of Figure 6.27 has one
spent spur and is crowding the one above it.
The right hand spur is overly long with just
one bud. The top spur has been shortened to
a bud facing away from the main stem.
As mentioned earlier, pears are prone to
producing vigorous vertical growth that
should be weighed or tied down to slow the
flow of the cambium and encourage spur
development.
Keep the branch invigorated by maintaining,
but continually shortening, a wood bud at the
extremity of the branch. When branches
become too long, cut them back to a strong
side shoot or remove them altogether. In
free-standing fruit trees, remove an older
branch every few years to renew the fruiting
wood. Espaliers need more specialised
attention as they have permanent mother
branches (see page 131, 'Espalier'). As with
all trees, remove dead, diseased, crossing or
crowded growth.
Maintenance
Once the framework has been established,
maintenance pruning consists of tying down
new growth, thinning side growths to a
handspan apart, and removing weak or
spindly wood. Young trees persist in their
production of vigorous vertical growth that, if
Fireblight
Thanks to the Australian Quarantine Service,
we are mercifully free from this dreadful
disease. However, there are many countries
that are plagued by it. In such areas, avoid
heavy pruning that will stimulate vigorous
new growth - its favorite victim. Remove
affected shoots to 15 cm beyond the blight as
soon as possible and remember to sterilise all
tools thoroughly between cuts.
Harvest
European pears should always be picked
before they are fully ripe. As soon as they
Figure 6.28
Older pear and apple trees will need their
spurs thinned.
