potpourri of fruit tree questions answeredccag-eh.ucanr.edu/files/241482.pdf · topics to be...
TRANSCRIPT
Potpourri of Fruit Tree Questions Answered
Chuck Ingels
UC Cooperative Extension, Sacramento County
Master Gardener Monthly Meeting
Sacramento
Feb. 9, 2016
Topics to be Covered
• Chuck’s favorite fruits
• Pollination and fruitfulness
• Chilling requirement and climate change
• Fruit bearing habits
• Planting and pruning issues
• Water use and drought effects
• Pest issues and spraying needs
• Espalier considerations
Topics to be Covered
• Chuck’s favorite fruits
• Pollination and fruitfulness
• Chilling requirement and climate change
• Fruit bearing habits
• Planting and pruning issues
• Water use and drought effects
• Pest issues and spraying needs
• Espalier considerations
Chux Favorite Fruits?
• Too many to name
•Peach/nectarine, pear, pluot, fig
blueberry, cherry, persimmon, orange
• Easiest to grow
•Persimmon, blueberry, fig, pluot,
peach/ nectarine, citrus
•Most challenging in many years
•Cherry, apricot, apple, pear
• BMSB love all but plum/pluot
• Indian Free
» Leaf curl resistant
» Taste test winner
» Hairy, can be mealy
• Suncrest
» Large, outstanding flavor
» Mostly red skin
» Ripens late July-early Aug.
Peaches
• Arctic Supreme
» Cling; white flesh, red/cream skin
» Taste test winner
» Ripens late July-early Aug.
• O’Henry
» Large; superb flavor
» Fully red skin
» Ripens early-mid Aug.
Peaches
• Heavenly White
» Large, firm
» White flesh, red/cream skin
» Taste test winner
» Ripens late July-early Aug.
• Arctic Jay
» Firm, rich flavor
» White flesh, red/cream skin
» Ripens early-mid July
Nectarines
• (Flavorosa)
» Deep purple skin, red flesh
» Ripens late May
• Flavor Supreme
» Outstanding flavor
» Greenish maroon skin, red flesh
» Ripens in June
Pluots
• Splash
» Red-orange skin, orange flesh
» Ripens mid July
» Fruit look like ornaments in tree
• Dapple Dandy
» Yellowish skin, cream/red flesh
» Consistently large crops
» Taste test winner!
» Ripens Aug.
Pluots
• Flavor King
» Outstanding flavor; taste winner
» Reddish purple skin, red flesh
» Ripens mid Aug.
» Problems with fruit set
• Flavor Grenade
» Delicious fruit
» Honorable mention for name
Pluots
• Chuck likes them all
• Use several varieties - extended ripening, pollination
• “Chill Hour” requirements:
Most “low chill” Southern Highbush varieties: 150-800 hrs.
Most “high chill” northern Highbush varieties: 800-1,000 hrs.
Blueberries
Topics to be Covered
• Chuck’s favorite fruits
• Pollination and fruitfulness
• Chilling requirement and climate change
• Fruit bearing habits
• Planting and pruning issues
• Water use and drought effects
• Pest issues and spraying needs
• Espalier considerations
Pollination
• Polle(i)nize: To supply with pollen
• Pollinate: To convey pollen to a stigma and so
allow fertilization
• Polle(i)nizer: Another variety planted or
grafted nearby to provide pollen (and fruit)
• Pollinator: An insect that pollenizes
• Fertilization: The act of initiating biological
reproduction by pollination; union of male and
female gametes (cells) to form a zygote
Pollination and Fruitfulness
• Self-fruitful = The pollen from one flower will
pollinate the pistil of the same flower
» A nearby pollinizer may still enhance pollination
» Apricot, peach, nectarine, pomegranate
» Cherry: Lapins & Stella, Apple: several
• Partially self-fruitful = Will set some fruit, but set
far more with pollinizer
» Many pome fruit, plum, & plum hybrid varieties
• Self-unfruitful / Self-sterile: Use another variety
» Many pome fruit, cherry, plum (& hybrid) varieties
» The closer the better for pollinizer
» Bloom timing must overlap (they often don’t, so
more than one pollinizer variety is best)
» 50 ft. – Stark Bros., Chuck
» 75-100 ft. – The New Fruit Grower
» 100 ft. – UC Calif. Backyard Orchard, Amherst
Nurseries, sfgate.com, Lowes
» 100-200 ft. – Purdue Univ.
Pollination and Fruitfulness
What if You Have No Pollenizer Nearby? Plant, Graft, or:
Topics to be Covered
• Chuck’s favorite fruits
• Pollination and fruitfulness
• Chilling requirement and climate change
• Fruit bearing habits
• Planting and pruning issues
• Water use and drought effects
• Pest issues and spraying needs
• Espalier considerations
Chilling Requirement
The number of hours below 45°F required by a
fruit species or variety between November 1
and February 15
Lack of chilling causes:
Death of buds, extended bloom, and poor fruit set
Extended bloom increases time pathogens may
enter flowers
Almond 250-500
Apple* 500-1000
Apple (low chill) 400-600
Apricot* 300-800
Cherry, sweet 700-800
Fig 100
Peach/nectarine 500-800
Pear* 700-800
Pear (Asian) 350-450
Pecan 250
Persimmon 100-200
Pistachio 800
Plum, European 600-800
Plum, Japanese 700-800
Pomegranate 100-150
Walnut 500-700
Chilling Hour Requirements (Newer varieties may have lower requirements)
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1-N
ov
8-N
ov
15
-No
v
22
-No
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29
-No
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6-D
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-De
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20
-De
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27
-De
c
3-J
an
10
-Jan
17
-Jan
24
-Jan
31
-Jan
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
Cumulative Chill Hours CIMIS Station – Fair Oaks, 2011-15
Cumulative Chill Hours CIMIS Station – Fair Oaks, 2011-15
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1-N
ov
8-N
ov
15
-No
v
22
-No
v
29
-No
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6-D
ec
13
-De
c
20
-De
c
27
-De
c
3-J
an
10
-Jan
17
-Jan
24
-Jan
31
-Jan
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
1-O
ct
15
-Oct
29
-Oct
12
-No
v
26
-No
v
10
-De
c
24
-De
c
7-J
an
21
-Jan
4-F
eb
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
Cumulative Chill Portions CIMIS Station – Fair Oaks, 2011-15
Chill will be reduced in the future
Chill Portions Chill Hours
Luedeling et al., 2009 PLoSOne
33% reduction by 2050 16% reduction by 2050
Low chill winters occur periodically
1950-1951
1969-1970
1977-1978
1995-1996
2005-2006
1940 1960 1980 2000 2020
2013-2014
2014-2015
Yolo County Kings County
2000
Mid-Century
End-of-Century
2000
Mid-Century
End-of-Century
How Winters Could “Feel” With Continued Warming
***Chill as measured by Chill Portions
***Projections are based on average of different emissions scenarios and different climate models from
Luedeling et al (2011). So, this is neither most optimistic nor most pessimistic outlook. Middle of the road.
Topics to be Covered
• Chuck’s favorite fruits
• Pollination and fruitfulness
• Chilling requirement and climate change
• Fruit bearing habits
• Planting and pruning issues
• Water use and drought effects
• Pest issues and spraying needs
• Espalier considerations
Species
Location of fruiting buds
Bearing spur/ branch life Long branches Short branches or spurs
Apple + +++ 8–10+
Apricot ++ +++ 3
Cherry - ++++ 10–12
Fig +++ + On 1-yr & shoots
Peach/Nect. +++ + 1–2
Pear, Asian + ++++ 6–8
Pear, European + +++ 8–10
Persimmon +++ On new shoots
+ 1–2
Plum ++ +++ 6–8
Fruiting Structures and Buds
Species
Location of fruiting buds
Bearing spur/ branch life Long branches Short branches or spurs
Apple + +++ 8–10+
Apricot ++ +++ 3
Cherry - ++++ 10–12
Fig +++ On 1-yr & shoots
+ 1
Peach/Nect. +++ + 1–2
Pear, Asian + ++++ 6–8
Pear, European + +++ 8–10
Persimmon +++ Shoots – end buds
+ 1–2
Plum ++ +++ 6–8
Fruiting Structures and Buds
Peach Fruiting Branches
Flower
buds
Veg.
bud
Fig Growth & Bearing Habit
First crop
Second crop
Persimmon: Fruitful Shoots at Tips of 1-Year-Old Branches
Species
Location of fruiting buds
Bearing spur/ branch life Long branches Short branches or spurs
Apple + +++ 8–10+
Apricot ++ +++ 3
Cherry - ++++ 10–12
Fig +++ + On 1-yr & shoots
Peach/Nect. +++ + 1–2
Pear, Asian + ++++ 6–8
Pear, European + +++ 8–10
Persimmon +++ On new shoots
+ 1–2
Plum ++ +++ 6–8
Fruiting Structures and Buds
Spurs
Cherry
Asian pear
European pear
Apricot
Species
Location of fruiting buds
Bearing spur/ branch life Long branches Short branches or spurs
Apple + +++ 8–10+
Apricot ++ +++ 3
Cherry - ++++ 10–12
Fig +++ + On 1-yr & shoots
Peach/Nect. +++ + 1–2
Pear, Asian + ++++ 6–8
Pear, European + +++ 8–10
Persimmon +++ On new shoots
+ 1–2
Plum ++ +++ 6–8
Fruiting Structures and Buds
Rootstock Scion
Almond Apple Apricot Cherry Peach Pear Plum
Almond S I I I P I P
Apple I S I I I I I
Apricot I I S I P I P
Cherry I I I S I I I
Peach/Nect. S I P I S I P
Pear I U I I I S I
Plum I I P I I I S
Simplified Graft Compatibility Table (S=Satisfactory, P=Partial, I=Incompatible)
Topics to be Covered
• Chuck’s favorite fruits
• Pollination and fruitfulness
• Chilling requirement and climate change
• Fruit bearing habits
• Planting and pruning issues
• Water use and drought effects
• Pest issues and spraying needs
• Espalier considerations
Planting Fruit Trees
• Check roots, cut off dead or damaged
• Hole size: Wide, and deep if compacted
• Plant on mound to keep crown dry
• Plant high! – Reduces chances of crown
& root rot
Graft union well above soil
Previous soil line at or above soil level
Allow for soil settling
Planting a Bare Root Tree
Dig hole to fit roots
Lightly tamp soil
Emitters 1 ft. away
Undercutting the Trees
Trees in Pots Planted as Bare Root
• Roots cut further to fit in pot
• Soil will fall away
Trees & Grapes in Sleeves
Could be Root Bound
Planting a Containerized Tree
Pull out wound roots
Don’t cover soil in pot
Water in
Crown Gall A Major Problem
Crown Gall Best Control Method
Hole 1-2 ft. deep, 4-5’ wide
Soil from FOHC brought in
Clean tools!
Post-Planting Care
• Head tree at 18-24 in. (bare root only)
• Paint trunk white
Interior latex paint & water,
50:50 (75:25)
Entire trunk to 2 in. below soil
Prevents sunburn & borers
50:50
75:25
Paint Trunks White (Hot Climates, Afternoon Sun on Trunk)
To prevent this
Cutting Pluot Back Rejuvenation
2009 2016
Avoid Winter Pruning?
Cherries and apricots? Yes
Aprium? Yes
Pluot? No
Pluerry? No
Other fruit trees? Avoid large cuts at base
Apple Orchard – Walnut Grove Fungal canker – Large winter cut
Multi-Grafted Trees Uniform growth, adequate light
Topics to be Covered
• Chuck’s favorite fruits
• Pollination and fruitfulness
• Chilling requirement and climate change
• Fruit bearing habits
• Planting and pruning issues
• Water use and drought effects
• Pest issues and spraying needs
• Espalier considerations
Fruit Tree Water Use Based on Tree Size
020406080
100120140
Ga
llo
ns/
da
y
2 4 6 8 10 15 20 25
Canopy diameter (ft.)
Spring/Fall Summer
Water Use Based on Tree Size
Bigger tree
(Using more water)
Smaller tree – Espalier
(Using less water)
Bigger tree
(Using more water)
Smaller tree – Fruit bush
(Using less water)
Water Use Based on Tree Size
Drought Effects
• Drought probably reduced insects somewhat
» Fewer plants, dryer plants
» Somewhat fewer BMSB
• Many trees stunted, more sunburn, borers
• Fruit size likely smaller
• Root system effects
Late-Season Blooming
• Response to tree stress
» Lack of water
» Soil or root problems
» Insufficient winter chill
• Usually not serious – Only a few blooms
• Could be substantial – Reduced crop next
year
Soil Moisture Sensor Installation
Watermark
sensors
(Irrometer Co.)
Conduit, Wiring for Soil Moisture Sensor
In Ultra-WEL
Soil Moisture Sensor Wiring Trench to Blueberries
Soil Moisture Sensor Installing in Vineyard
Marking the Sensor Location
Topics to be Covered
• Chuck’s favorite fruits
• Pollination and fruitfulness
• Chilling requirement and climate change
• Fruit bearing habits
• Planting and pruning issues
• Water use and drought effects
• Pest issues and spraying needs
• Espalier considerations
Tree Oozing Usually a Problem, But Not Always
Large pruning cut likely made
between Sept. & March
Deer Protection Fencing, High Pruning
Bird & Squirrel Netting AviGuard (Plantra)
Available by the foot (17’ wide) from Valley Vineyard & Orchard Supply,
Lodi
Bird Damage to Buds
Deer Fencing
Don’t Water Around Trunk!
Don’t Water Around Trunk!
Nothing personal, Mike!
Dormant Spraying
• Peach leaf curl
» Never know if spring will be wet or dry
» Copper ammonium complex (e.g., Liqui-Cop)
» Copper soap / copper octanoate (e.g., Concern)
» Adding 1% spray oil improves efficacy
• Aphids, soft scale
» Delayed dormant oil smothers eggs & adults
» May require additional treatment in spring
» Spraying is often unnecessary
Eva’s Pride – Sprayed Jan. 20, 2016 All others sprayed Feb. 4 (copper)
Ripens
late May
In-Season Spraying
• Codling moth
» Multiple sprays, timed around generations and
peak flights
Aphids, scale
» If dormant spray was ineffective
Citrus leafminer
» Spinosad – Multiple sprays in spring
» Imidacloprid soil drench(??) – after bloom
Good coverage essential, difficult
Spraying Sources of Information
UC IPM
The Home Orchard book
EH Notes
UC crop production & pest
management manuals
BMSB Finds Sacramento County
Jan. 1, 2014 Jan. 1, 2015
BMSB Finds Sacramento County – Jan. 1, 2016
BMSB Damage 2014
Peach, 5/22
Nectarine, 6/3
Asian pear, 7/2 Plum – no damage
On Persimmons Sept. 2015
On Apples Sept. 2015
Trunk Feeding and Damage
Cherry
Sept. 2015
Trunk Feeding and Damage
Orange
Sept. 2015
Trunk Feeding and Damage
Shamel ash
Sept. 2015
Crape myrtle
Sept. 2015
Sunflower Most on tall sunflowers
June
2015
Sept. 2015
First BMSB Damage at Fair Oaks Horticulture Center
Asian pear, July 11
Topics to be Covered
• Chuck’s favorite fruits
• Pollination and fruitfulness
• Chilling requirement and climate change
• Fruit bearing habits
• Planting and pruning issues
• Water use and drought effects
• Pest issues and spraying needs
• Espalier considerations
Espalier
• Timeline for creating structure
Photo: KVDP
April June July
Peach Espalier 2013
Peach Espalier
March 2015
August 2015 (205 fruit)
Palmette Verrier (Menorah) Asian Pear: Planted Jan. 2001
Late April, 2002 Late May, 2002
Source:
EspalierService
s.com
Typical
Espalier
Patterns
Source:
EspalierService
s.com
Typical
Espalier
Patterns
¿Questions?