Effect of different training systems to catch greater light interception in apple cultivar Maxi Gala in temperate climate

Abstract

Apple is one of the most consumed fruits in the world. In Brazil, apple is the deciduous fruit of major importance. Its production is focused in the southern region of the country. To increase apple tree yield and to optimize fruit quality, it is important to choose a suitable training system to obtain greater light interception and photosynthetic radiation. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate vegetative and productive aspects of the cultivar Maxi Gala grafted on seven-year-old dwarf rootstock M.9, under three different training systems: Tall Spindle, Solaxe and Vertical Axis. The experimental orchard was implemented in August, 2010 in Vacaria city, Rio Grande do Sul province, Brazil. The experiment was conducted and evaluated in (2014-2017) seasons. The results showed that Tall Spindle, Solaxe and Vertical Axis driving systems had no effect on internode length, plant height, fruit diameter and quality parameters such as pulp firmness and soluble solids. Therefore, the Tall Spindle driving system was more efficient for accumulative production, being this the indicated combination for regions with the edaphoclimatic characteristics like those of the orchard under study.