Some of the systems that are utilised around the world will be briefly described.

Systems derived from central leader

Double leader systems

Palmette systems

V/Y systems 

Systems derived from central leader

Pear trees are trained as central leader systems to develop a conical or pyramidal shaped tree that can be free standing or supported by a post or wire support systems. These tree shapes are considered one of the most efficient for light interception and crop production.

There are various systems that use the central leader concept. The major differences between these systems include tree density, height, leader management and whether or not permanent scaffod branches are retained.

Spindle

 The spindle system (sometimes referred to as the free spindle or bush spindle) is generally suited to densities up to 2000 trees/ha and have a height of 2-3m. The planting distance is usally 3-5m x 1-2m depending on rootstock vigour. Spindle systems are usually planted using well feathered two year old nursery trees.

At planting, the leader is not headed and a number of laterals are selected to form part of the permanent scaffolds in the bottom of the tree. Competing laterals that develop on the leader are removed early. As the leader grows more scaffolds are selected and spaced equally. 

Leader dominance is important and if lost will result in a reduced tree canopy. If it becomes too strong, lateral growth and development will be reduced.

Spindle systems can be free standing, but mostly ustilise some form of support (2-3 wire trellis).

                                 Figure 1: Spindle system in Belgium, planted at 4.5m x 1.25  (1700 trees/ha). 'Conference' on Quince Adams 

See Gallery for more examples of spindle systems.

Vertical Axis

The vertical axis is similar to the spindle and it is often hard to distinguish the difference, except that the vertical axis does not have permanent scaffolds. This system suits densities between 1000-2500 trees/ha with a spacing of 4-5m x 1-2m . Height can reach up to 3m.

These systems are best planted with well feathered nursery trees. A central leader (axis) is developed with 'weak' (small diameter) fruiting branches arising around the leader.   The leader is not headed back in the first few years of this system to ensure that weak fruiting branches are developed.  These fruiting branches are systematically renewed to prevent them becoming premanent scaffolds .

Support of a multi wire trellis is required for these systems.

                             Figure 2: A Spanish 'Axis' system. 'Conference' on Quince C. Planting distance is 3.75 x 1-1.25m (2100-2600 trees/ha)

See Gallery for more examples of spindle systems.

Slender Spindle

The slender spindle system involves more severe pruning than the vertical axis and is suited to densities of 2000-5000 trees/ha. The planting distance is 3.5m x 1-1.5m and tree height is usually restricted to 2-3m. 

Well feathered nursery trees are preferred for planting the slender spindle system.

Super Spindle

The super spindle system is utilised for super high density orchards on weaker rootstocks such as Quince C. These systems have densities of greater than 4000 trees/ha.

Planting distance is usually <3m x <0.8m and tree height is 2-3m.

The main concept of super spindle orchards is to have closely spaced compact trees with short fruiting wood or spurs evenly spaced along the central leader. These systems require a multi wire support.

Figure 3: Super spindle orchard in the Netherlands. 'Conference' on Quince C and spaced at 4m x 03m. This orchard is in its fourth leaf and was producing 45-50 tonnes/ha. In its second leaf it had produced 35 tonnes/ha.

See Gallery for more examples of super spindle systems.

Double leader systems

Double leader systems are trained with the aim of achieving high leader densities whilst keeping tree numbers (and cost) down. Trees are usually planted at approximately 3-4m x 1-1.2m equalling a tree density of around 3000 trees/ha. However, the development of double leaders mean that the leader density is 6000 trees/ha.

One such double leader system is the Bibaum^® system. This system was developed in italy and involves planting specially developed nursery trees that have 2 leaders (or axes). Trees are split at 25cm above the ground into two eaqually strong leaders (Musacchi 2008). This system is usually planted at 3.3m x 1-1.25m in a single row. Leaders are trained parallel to the row and are spaced at 50-60cm apart. Relatively weak fruiting branches are developed on each leader.

Figure 4: 'Williams' on Quince Sydo (with a 'Buerre Hardy' interstem) in a Bibaum^® system in Italy. Plant spacing is 3.3m x 1.0m (3000 trees/ha)

See Gallery for more examples of double leader systems.

Palmette systems

The palmette system and its variations are generally limited to wide within row spaciings (>2.0-2.5m) and by a taller tree giving a medium planting density of 700-1500 trees/ha. There are a number of different kinds of palmette training but all generally comprise of a central leader with scaffolds in the plane of the row only.

Tiers of scaffolds are chosen as the leader grows each season and are tied to wires to reduce vigour and promote spurring.

The palmette is considered a traditional system, however it is still used widely in areas where the environment, species or the cultivar/rootstock combinations are conducive to vigorous growth (Corelli-Grappadelli 2000).

                                               Figure 5: 'Comice' on Quince BA29 in a palmette system in Spain. Plant spacing is 4m x 1.75m. 

See Gallery for more examples of palmette systems.

V Systems

There are various V or Y shaped orchard systems used in pear production.

Y shaped systems have trees with a vertical trunk and two opposing arms of the tree trained to either side of the trellis and are in single rows. V shaped systems have alternating trees leaned to one side of the trellis and can be double or single rows.

Two of the main systems used for pear production are the V Hedge and Open Tatura Trellis.

V Hedge

The V hedge system is widely used inthe Netherlands and Belgium and is a variation of a Y shaped system. It is a single row system with a planting distance is 3.5m x 1.25m equalling approximately 2000 trees/ha (Deckers and Schoofs 2004). These systems are planted using well feathered two year old nursery trees. Four feathers are kept as fruiting branches and considered as four central leaders on one stem. Tree height is maintained at 2m with an opening of the V of 1.4m. Often each 'leader' is supported by bamboo stakes.

                                              Figure 6: Young V Hedge orchard Belgium. 'Conference' on Quince Adams planted at 3.5m x 1m.

See Gallery for more examples of v hedge systems.

Open Tatura Trellis

The Open Tatura trellis  is a modification of the original Tatura Trellis developed in Australia. The Open Tatura Trellis consists of two rows of trees (separated by approximately 0.5m) that are  planted alternately in a V trellis. It is generally planted 4-4.5m x 0.5-1m to give a density of about 2000-5000 trees/ha. Trees can be trained in a number of different ways in this system. The most common are the

• Open Tatura with double leaders which involves training each tree with two leaders (approximately 1m apart).
• The Open Tatura with single leader which is similar to planting a  slender spindle system.  
• The Open Tatura with cordon which allows for a moderatly dense orchard of around 2000 trees/ha with approximately 8000 fruiting units growing up the wires (Van Den Ende 2005). Nursery trees (usually whips) are bent over at planting and trained to the horizontal. Fruiting units are encouraged at regular intervals along the trunk and can be renewed regularly.

               Figure 7: 'Williams' on Pyrus Calleryana D6 (D6) in Open Tatura. Trees are trained as single leaders and spaced at 4m x 0.50m (4444 trees/ha).

The performance of 'Williams' on D6 rootstock in an Open Tatura Trellis system was investigated in a trial in the Goulburn Valley, Victoria. Results of this trial can be downloaded here.

See Gallery for more examples of Open Tatura Trellis systems.

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Further Information

These sites may be useful for growers. However they are intended as an information source only. Any specific chemical or other control recommendations may be outdated or irrelevant for Australian conditions and growers should seek local advice.

Please note: By electing to visit sites linked from this page you are leaving the intensivepear.com website

International Resources

Intensive Pear Orchard System Development

• The Pear Production and Handling Manual has been produced by the University of California. It provides detailed information about various pear production systems with specific detail on the training and pruning requirements for each. You can purchase this book directly through this website (external link).  

References

Corelli-Grappadelli L. (2000). “The Palmette Training System.” Acta Horticulturae 513 : 329- 336.  

Deckers T., Schoofs, H. (2004). “Management of high density pear orchard.” Compact Fruit Tree 34 : 2001-2120. 

Elkins, R.B., DeJong, T.M., Klonksky, K., and DeMoura R. (2008). "Economic evaluation of high density versus standard orcahrd configurations; Case study using performance data for 'Golden Russet Bosc' pears". Acta Horticulturae 800: 739-746

Musacchi, S. (2008). “Bibaum®: A new training system for pear orchards.” Acta  Horticulturae  800: 763-768

Van Den Ende, B. (2005) "Open Tatura with cordon: A new way to grow fruit." Good Fruit Grower 56 (8): Retrieved from http://www.goodfruit.com/issues May 2007. 

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