If you contemplate planting a new peach or nectarine orchard, you should study and consider carefully one of the following orchard systems:
■THE KELK
■CENTRAL LEADER
■TATURA TRELLIS
■OPEN TATURA
Each of these systems has good and bad points. There is no such thing as a perfect orchard system.
However, these four systems have the potential for trees to intercept more sunlight and produce more fruit per hectare than the traditional, widely spaced, open-vase trees that have been the 'bread and butter' for orchardists for many years.
The four systems also introduce methods of tree management that encourage early production in the life of the orchard and good production of fruit of high quality. As well, they can reduce use of pesticides, are more labour efficient and are banker friendly.
The Kelk, Central Leader, Tatura Trellis and Open Tatura are distinctly different. You must decide which one you can afford and which one suits you best.
