File:Apple growing in California (1951) (19738200612).jpg

Title: Apple growing in California
Identifier: applegrowinginca178alle (find matches)
Year: 1951 (1950s)
Authors: Allen, F. W. (Frank Wisdom), 1887-1982
Subjects: Fruit-culture; Apples
Publisher: [Berkeley : College of Agriculture, University of California]
Contributing Library: University of California, Davis Libraries
Digitizing Sponsor: University of California, Davis Libraries

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on which the fruit-bearing branches will grow. Young trees are usually trained to one of two systems: the open-center or vase- shaped tree; or the modified leader, some- times called delayed open-center type. With the open-center system of training, three branches are preferably chosen to form the framework or scaffold. These are all pruned to maintain an equal size as nearly as possible. Any tendency of a branch to outgrow the others and assume the lead is suppressed. The advantages at- tributed to this system of training are that it forms an open, spreading, low-headed tree, producing highly colored fruits. The principal objection or disadvantage is that the scaffold branches tend to issue from one point, and thus produce a tree structurally weak. The modified leader or delayed open- center tree results, as the name would in- dicate, from a system of training inter- mediate between the open-center and the central-leader type of tree grown in the eastern states. It is started by letting the topmost branch assume the lead for two to five years. Thus one obtains greater spac- ing of the scaffolds on the trunk, secures strong crotches, and at the same time keeps the tree relatively close to the ground. Starting the main branches. The height of the trunk is determined when the tree is first headed at planting time. The main stem should be left high enough so that approximately 6 inches will inter- vene between the main scaffolds and yet the lowest branch will not be too near the ground. A height of 24 to 30 inches is recommended. As a rule, only three main branches well distributed around the trunk as well as up and down are desired. Observations show that at 5 feet from the ground five to seven secondary stems are usually all that the bearing tree can carry without crowding (see photo). If young trees are already branched when planted, the side branches suitably located may be only shortened, rather than cut off. All superfluous branches, however, should be removed. The same tree shown on page 4, at the end of the second growing season, before and after prun- ing. Secondary branches on two of the primaries have been selected, and again headed back.
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