kanyi modi

Thinning machines

Apple varieties in South Tyrol

The nutrient element calcium

Fire blight tolerant apple rootstocks

Japanese plums

DCA-storage and SmartFresh

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In this edition:

And much more ...

European

Fruitgrowers Magazine

Thinning Machines • Hail nets • Varieties • Organic fruit growing • Fertilisation • Plums • Rootstocks • Cherries • DCA storage • Research

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Articles:

South Tyrol shows interest in Kanzi, Modi and Jazz .............................................. 10

Both opportunities and challenges for the organic grower ............................................... 12

The nutrient element calcium .............................. 14

Increasingly more known about the eff ect of thinning machines ......................... 18

Results with fi re blight-tolerant apple rootstocks ............................................................. 20

Japanese plums conquer South Europe ............................................... 24

Pear growers in Emilia Romagna plant cherry trees ........................................................... 27

Stressed trees suff er more brown spot ............................................................ 29

Practical experience with new storage technologies in Austria – Dynamic CA (DCA) storage and SmartFreshTM .....................30

Automatic bagging machine saves labour ........................................................................34

News/items:

EFM Today ................................................................................8

Production and market developments ........36

Growers tell growers .................................................... 37

News of the world ..........................................................38

Research news ...................................................................40

New products .................................................................... 42

Agenda .................................................................................... 43

contents list

COLOPHONWebsite:www.fruitmagazine.euPublisher: Agrosan LtdMickiewicza 47a/427-600 SandomierzPolandDesign / DTP:LeafMedia; Krzysztof Pilch, Mariusz BibikEdited by: FruitMedia B.V / Gerard PoldervaartRooimond 23 NL- 4197 BS BuurmalsenNederlandDesk Editor:Debora [email protected]

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no liability for damage of whatever nature, resulting from the actions taken by readers based on its content.

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Info

Gerard PoldervaartEditor in chief

The editorial board and the publisher of EFM are

pleased to present you with the Best of EFM. This

special edition of the European Fruit Magazine is

a compilation of reprints of articles from previ-

ous editions. The aim is to give you an impression

of what you can expect from the European Fruit

Magazine, the monthly magazine for the profes-

sional fruit grower.

EFM is diff erent to other magazines in that it crosses

borders presenting, as the European fruit magazine,

information from throughout Europe, written by

correspondents from various countries. The EFM

provides its readers with news, background infor-

mation, research results and information concern-

ing new products, varieties and cultivation tech-

niques. A unique aspect is that EFM is published in

three languages, English, German and Dutch.

EFM is a valuable and almost indispensable source

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oriented grower.

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is: +48 15 832 57 89, and the e-mail address:

offi [email protected].

Special edition of EFM

Target groupThe European Fruit Magazine (EFM) is the magazine for the professional and future-oriented fruit grower, the fi rst edi-tion was published in January 2009. EFM is intended for grow-ers of apples, pears, plums and cherries, and for companies, suppliers, consultants, researchers and any-one else who is active in the fruit sector. EFM is published monthly in three languages: English, German and Dutch.

EFM Today

Plant Research International (PRI), based

in Wageningen, the Netherlands, in-

tends to present a scab resistant Junami

during the World Horticultural Expo,

Floriade 2012. Scab resistance will be

introduced into Junami by incorporat-

ing genes that provide scab resistance

into the genetic material of this vari-

ety. PRI has already been able to iso-

late the Vf-gene, the resistance gene

derived from Malus fl oribunda, and is

currently working on isolating several

other genes that could provide scab

resistance. Incorporating various resist-

ance genes in a single variety creates a

more stable polygene resistance, that is

more diffi cult to erode than resistance

based solely on the Vf-gene. In virtually

all the scab resistant varieties currently

available on the market, the resistance

is based on that single Vf-gene.

The process by which genes can be ar-

tifi cially transferred between related

organisms that could also be bred con-

ventionally is referred to as cisgenesis.

With transgenesis, another form of ge-

netic modifi cation, genes from non-

related plants are transferred. Research

conducted by the University of Twente

in the Netherlands has revealed that

cisgenesis appears to be more socially

acceptable than transgenesis.

The Junami variety was selected as PRI

works in cooperation with Inova Fruit,

the European variety manager of Ju-

nami.

ELEVEN HECTARES OF ANTIHAIL NETS FOR THREEROW SPRAYER

Berend Jan van Westreenen, a fruit grower in the Dutch town of

Echteld, will be putting up anti-hail nets over 11 hectares of his

orchard this season. The structure will be fi tted such that he can

still drive a three-row sprayer under the nets. The plot concerned

has already been planted with 8 hectares of Kanzi, which will be

expanded by 3 hectares this winter.

“My company suff ered three incidents of severe hail damage in the

past four years,” says Van Westreenen. This explains why he decid-

ed to put up anti-hail nets. The concrete posts are not planted in

every row, as is customary for an anti-hail net structure, but there

is one post every three rows. This enables a machine which sprays

three rows at a time to be driven under the nets. Such sprayers are

supplied by both Munckhof and KWH.

As the rows are 3.25 metres apart, the centre-to-centre distance

between the posts is 9.75 metres instead of 3.00 to 3.50 metres as

is customary. To still give the anti-hail nets suffi cient support, the

posts in the rows have been placed at centre-to-centre distances

of 3.00 metres. Contrary to regular hail net structures, the net will

not be suspended from the steel wires, but will be above them.

The anti-hail net structure is supplied and constructed by Fruit

Security of Austria and by Van Nifterik of the Netherlands.The anti-hail net structure has a ridge height of 4.75 metres and

enables a three-row sprayer to be driven under it.

The Dutch PRI wants to present a scab resistant Junami at Floriade 2012.

Photos: EFM

SCAB RESISTANT JUNAMI IN 2012

8

EFM Today

IFO SEARCHING FOR THE NEW SUPER VARIETY

IFO, the French company, thinks that it will be able to launch

an apple onto the market in a few years time that is scab resist-

ant, has a sugar level above 15 Brix, a storage life of a year and

a shelf life of at least a month. At the start of February, IFO of-

fered a glimpse behind the scenes of its breeding programme.

Elsewhere in this edition you can fi nd an extensive article that

addresses IFO’s variety breeding and selection programme.

ONE THIRD OF THE APPLE HECTARAGE AROUND THE BODENSEE UNDER HAIL NETS

After several years of very heavy hail, since 2000, the hectarage

of hail nets on farms on the German side of the Bodensee

has increased markedly. Now an estimated one third of the

hectarage is protected by hail nets. When new orchards are

planted, long poles are erected as standard to allow hail nets

to be installed later.

MANY PROBLEMS RELATED TO PEAR DECLINE IN ITALY

Poor growth of pear trees due to Pear Decline is a major prob-

lem in the Italian fruit region of Emilia Romagna. Pear Decline is

caused by a mycoplasma, a virus-like organism. Aff ected trees

grow poorly, have lightly coloured leaves and small pears and

often colour red in the autumn. The mycoplasma is transmitted

by the pear psylla. Experts think that the origin and viral status

of the planting material also has an infl uence on the level of

infection. Abate Fétel, the most important variety grown in

Italy, has proved to be very susceptible to Pear Decline.

FEWER APPLES AND MORE PEARS IN THE EU

Across the 27 countries of the European Union, apple pro-

duction is forecast to be 7% down on last year, while 16%

more pears are expected to be picked. These fi gures were

announced on 7 August at the Prognosfruit 2009 confer-

ence in Maastricht.

Apple production across the 27 EU countries is expected to

be 10,743,000 tonnes this year. The pear harvest is estimated

at 2,521,000 tonnes.

The lower apple production in 2009 is the result of much lower

production in Poland and Hungary. After a poor harvest in

2007, there was a record harvest in these countries in 2008.

The harvest forecast for almost all apple varieties is lower this

year. Only production of the new varieties including Braeburn,

Fuji and Cripp’s Pink is set to increase.

Pear production, on the other hand, is likely to be higher

than 2008 for almost all varieties. Last year’s crop was below

average on account of poor setting caused by bad weather

during the fl owering season. Production for 2009 is expected

to be at the same level as in 2007 and previous years.

Blue plumsOn 13 August in Randwijk (the Netherlands) fruit growers could exam-

ine and taste Ras 1 (Variety 1) from the series of new blue plum varieties

from The Greenery. Ras 1 has the earliest ripening fruit from a series that

currently consists of three new varieties that will be marketed under the

brand name Lazoet. The intention is to off er plums that look and taste

the same for a period of eight to ten weeks. The fi rst variety from the se-

ries ripens later than Opal but earlier than Reine Victoria. The two other

varieties ripen after Reine Victoria.

9

Gerard [email protected]

As in every other fruit-growing region in

Europe, new varieties are also closely moni-

tored in South Tyrol. In this North Italian

region, Pink Lady has claimed a secure po-

sition and its hectarage is still increasing.

Other varieties, such as Fuji, Pinova and

Rubens, have proved to be less suitable for

the South Tyrol climate than originally en-

visaged. These varieties are now hardly ever

planted there.

North Italy is showing increasing interest in the new apple varieties Kanzi, Modi and Jazz. Re-searcher Walter Guerra from the Laimburg re-search station in Pfatten assesses Kanzi to be a suitable variety for South Tyrol. The variety is recommended for planting at sites at a somewhat higher altitude in this region. Since the spring of 2005, around 310,000 Kanzi trees have been planted here (see Table 1).Guerra has still too little experience of the new varieties Modi and Jazz to be able to provide ad-vice about them. But the growers in South Tyrol are very interested in these varieties. They have ordered a total of 133,000 Modi trees for planting in the spring of 2009. The interest in Jazz is even greater: they have already ordered 280,000 of these trees for planting in the spring of 2010.

The new varieties must compete with Golden Delicious, the main apple variety grown in South Tyrol. Golden gives high yields and still attracts a good price. Moreover, the production levels of the new varieties lag behind that of Golden (see Table 2).

Kanzi favourable

Nicoter, the variety behind the Kanzi brand, was created by cross breeding Gala and Braeburn in 1990. The production level of Nicoter in South Tyrol is 10% lower than that of Golden Delicious. According to Guerra, the fruit size does not pose a problem. However, the researcher does ques-tion Kanzi’s colouring. The apples colour poorly, in particular under hail nets, in regions where there is little diff erence between day and night temperatures and in the middle of the trees. Kanzi needs cold nights to colour. For this reason, the variety is only recommended for planting in or-chards where fruit colouring is good, for instance in the mountains. Kanzi is harvested at the same time as Golden Delicious.According to Guerra, in 2008, the total Kanzi hec-tarage in Europe was 750 ha. The variety own-er’s objective is to develop Kanzi into a basic

South Tyrol shows interest in Kanzi, Modi and Jazz

Walter Guerra, vari-ety researcher at the Laimburg research station in South Ty-rol.

Modi colours easily, also in warm regions.

Photos: AllroundFruit

Table 1. The number of Kanzi, Modi and Jazz trees planted in South Tyrol.

Year Kanzi Modi Jazz

2004 1.100 20 -

2005 4.300 450 9

2006 44.000 4 130

2007 126.000 4.500 2.000

2008 130.000 14.500 35.000

Total up to and including 2008 310.000 20.000 38.000

2009 (ordered) 76.000 133.000 -

2010 (ordered) - - 280.000

Source: Walter Guerra, Laimburg research station

10

European variety with an annual production of 100,000 tonnes.

Modi colours easily

Modi is a scab-resistant variety resulting from a cross between Gala and Liberty. The apple skin has an intense dark red colour. The variety does not require cold nights to colour and is therefore very suitable for growing in the lower altitude, fl at regions in South Tyrol and the Po Valley. In some cases, some russeting was found on the skin. According to Guerra, this mainly occurs in the northern European growing regions.Alessio Martinelli from CIV, an Italian company, reports that at the end of 2008 there were 512,000 Modi trees in Europe, which corresponds to 171 ha. CIV is a joint venture of three large Italian tree nurseries. In addition, it is the breeder and owner of the varieties Civni/Rubens and CIVG198/Modi. In 2008, the production of Modi was still limited at 424 tonnes, but if the variety owner has any say in the matter, this will grow to 6,846 tonnes in 2010 and to more than 17,000 tonnes in 2012.Following the 2008/2009 planting season, 1.2 million Modi trees will be growing in Europe, which corresponds to about 400 ha. The trees can mainly be found in the warm growing regions of Southern Europe: the Po Valley and South Tyrol (both in Italy) and Spain. In South Tyrol, Modi is harvested seven to ten days earlier than Golden Delicious.

Jazz smaller than Gala

In 1985, the New Zealand research institute Hort-Research selected the variety Scifresh from a cross

of Braeburn and Gala. Since 2002, this variety has been marketed under the brand name Jazz by the New Zealand sales organisation ENZA. According to Guerra, in 2008, Scifresh/Jazz had a worldwide hectarage of 2,300 ha. In Europe, this variety is grown in Great Britain, France, Switzerland and Italy (South Tyrol).In Guerra’s opinion, Jazz is a very tasty apple with good fruit properties. A point of attention is the fruit size. In part due to poor pollination, the ap-ples often have a long shape and are smaller than Gala apples (see Table 3). Scifresh/Jazz needs cold nights to allow the fruit to colour and therefore it is unsuitable for grow-ing in the lower altitude regions of South Tyrol. You often see apples in a cluster that lag behind in size and colour with respect to the other fruit. Jazz ripens fi ve to seven days before Braeburn.

Sensory profi le

Sensory profi les show that Kanzi and Jazz score better than Braeburn with respect to fi rmness, crispness and juiciness. When compared to Brae-burn, Kanzi has a lower sugar content, and Jazz a higher one. For Jazz in particular the high score for aroma stands out. During storage, Modi looses a relatively large amount of acid and as a result has a rather sweet fl avour. This variety is mainly seen as a competi-tor to the frequently grown (in South Tyrol) Red Delicious. The advantage of Modi is that the ap-ples become mealy slower than Red Delicious apples.

IFTA ConferenceFrom 1 to 3 Febru-ary, the International Fruit Tree Association, a fruit growers’ asso-ciation with approxi-mately 1100 mainly American members, held its annual confer-ence in Potsdam, near Berlin. For two and a half days, the attend-ants could listen to lectures about prod-uct developments, growing techniques, new varieties, cherry cultivation and or-ganic fruit growing. In this article, you will fi nd the most strik-ing news about the lectures on new apple varieties in South-Tyrol.

In South Tyrol, Kanzi is recommended for mountain

areas.

Jazz has a particularly good aroma.

Table 2. The total production in 2006 through 2008 (in kilos per

tree) of Golden Delicious, Kanzi, Modi and Jazz on the trial site in

Latsch (Vinschgau). The trees were planted in the spring of 2005;

the planting distance is 330 by 90 cm.

Variety Production 2006-2008

Golden Delicious 40

Kanzi 37

Modi 32

Jazz 27

Table 3. The average percentage of Gala, Kanzi, Modi and Jazz ap-

ples larger than 70 mm on the Laimburg research station, in the

years 2006 through 2008.

Variety Apples >70 mm (%)

Gala (Brookfi eld) 81

Kanzi 91

Modi 89

Jazz 61

11


In one region, the development of the

organic fruit-growing sector has almost

come to a standstill while in another the

hectarage is steadily growing. During

the conference of the International Fruit

Tree Association (IFTA) in Potsdam, at-

tention was also given to the latest de-

velopments in the organic sector. This

article describes some of the striking new

developments.

Bio-Topaz

In a period of ten years, Topaz has, as the only scab-

resistant variety, managed to fi nd its place in the

product range of organically grown apple varieties.

In the European organic sector, Jonagold is the

largest variety with respect to produced volume,

followed by Golden and Gala. These three main

varieties are followed by Topaz, and then Elstar.

The eff orts of the Austrian organic growers have

certainly contributed here. With the introduction

of the Bio-Topaz brand, the organic growers have

managed in ten years to acquire a permanent po-

sition on the supermarket shelves. Nowadays, ac-

cording to Fritz Prem, fruit grower and chairman

of the European Bio-Fruit Forum, 70% of all apples

grown organically in Austria are Bio-Topaz.

Supporter 2 instead of M9

It is certainly not easy to grow fruit organically. The

grower must try and realise an acceptable produc-

tion level of a good quality by using a great deal of

inventiveness. Not all problems that a grower en-

counters can be solved, as shown by the introduc-

tion of Franco Weibel, head of FiBL, the research

and advisory institute for the organic fruit sector

in Frick, Switzerland.

Organic growers often plant the trees somewhat

further apart than conventional growers, so that

the leaves dry faster to give fungal infections less

opportunity to strike. When growing organically,

it is diffi cult to keep the strips under the trees free

of grass and weeds. This is not appreciated by

trees on the M9 rootstock. According to Weibel,

the Supporter 2 rootstock can cope better with

the competition from weeds and grass. Weibel

says that trees on Supporter 2 exhibit somewhat

stronger growth and demonstrate good pro-

ductivity.

More phenols

It is diffi cult to get suffi cient nutrients into trees

grown organically. This is because artifi cial ferti-

lisers are not allowed and leaf nutrients are only

allowed to a limited degree. During the growing

season, there are very few opportunities to cor-

rect shortages, with the result that there is a loss

of production and quality. When using compost,

the ratio between potassium and calcium often

becomes unfavourable, with the result that more

apples suff er from bitter pit. A positive aspect is

IFTA ConferenceFrom 1 to 3 Febru-

ary, the International Fruit Tree Association,

a fruit growers’ asso-ciation with approxi-

mately 1100 mainly American members,

held its annual confer-ence in Potsdam, near

Berlin. For two and a half days, the attend-

ants could listen to lectures about prod-

uct developments, growing techniques, new varieties, cherry

cultivation and or-ganic fruit growing.

In this article, you will fi nd the most striking

news about the lec-tures on organic fruit

production.

Info

Michael Weber; co-organiser of the IFTA Conference and

variety manager for among others Fruit Select’s Opal.

Photo: AllroundFruit

Both opportunities and challenges for the organic grower

12

that because artifi cial fertiliser is not used, there

is no adverse infl uence on soil life.

Crop protection demands a completely diff erent

approach when growing organically when com-

pared to growing conventionally. Because hardly

any chemical products are allowed, no residues

are found on organic fruit. Therefore, the discus-

sions regarding MRLs in recent months do not

play a role in organic crop production.

When growing organically, the defence mecha-

nisms of the plant against diseases and pests is

activated. Phenols play an important role in the

plants’ defence against diseases and pests. Organi-

cally grown apples contain 10 to 20% more phe-

nols, which are benefi cial to human health, than

conventionally grown fruit, according to Weibel.

Hot water to combat Gloeosporium

“By using hot water, we can limit the loss due to

Gloeosporium fruit rot by up to 3-5 %”, said Mar-

git Holland to her colleague peer growers during

the IFTA congress, at the beginning of February

in Potsdam. Margit Holland, together with her fa-

ther Eberhard Holland, has a 42-hectare organic

fruit farm in Ravensburg in the Bodensee region

of South Germany (www.bonhausen.de). The ma-

jority of the 21 hectares of apples they grow are

Topaz.

“Until we started using hot water treatments in

1999, we had major problems with Gloeosporium.

Losses of up to 15 to 30% were not an exception”,

says Holland. It is very important that the water

in which the apples are submerged is at the cor-

rect temperature. Elstar, Jonagold and Topaz are

treated for two minutes at 52 ºC. For varieties that

have a thin skin, such as Golden Delicious, this

temperature is too high and it damages the skin.

Therefore a water temperature of 50ºC is used

for these apples.

Costs € 0.10 per kilo

“Organic growers cannot use fungicides to pre-

vent fruit rot as conventional growers do. The use

of SmartFresh (1-MCP) is not allowed either. A hot

water treatment immediately after harvesting is

currently one of the only methods the growers

have to combat fruit rot. Dynamic CA storage

(DCA) also off ers possibilities when storing organic

fruit”, says Franco Weibel.

According to Weibel, an installation that can be

used to submerge apples in hot water costs be-

tween €40,000 and €50,000. Energy consumption

is high, which makes the cost of treating apples ap-

proximately €0.10 per kilo, according to Weibel.

Topaz and Pinova are well-known in the organic

sector for their susceptibility to Gloeosporium.

However, to an increasing degree Gala is also start-

ing to experience losses due to Gloeosporium rot,

says Weibel.

Fruit Select introduces Opal

In his breeding programme, Jaroslav Tupy tries

to combine the good properties of Topaz that he

bred himself, with other varieties. The varieties of

apples that are being marketed under the Golden

Sunshine Line name are currently receiving con-

siderable attention. The Golden Sunshine Line is a

brand for the organic fruit sector and is made up

of the varieties Opal, Luna, Sirius and Orion.

In addition to the Golden Sunshine Line, the Fruit

Select company has been established to test and

introduce the Opal variety for the conventional

sector. In the spring of 2008, Fruit Select planted

small pilot plots at a large number of locations

throughout Europe. With the data obtained from

these pilot plantings, Fruit Select will identify the

regions in which Opal can best be grown. Fruit

Select sees opportunities to grow Opal in par-

ticular in the warmer regions of Europe, where

Golden Delicious can also be grown eff ectively.

Fruit Select is a joint venture with an internation-

al group of shareholders: the French companies

SNC Elaris (tree nurseries Davodeau-Ligonniere)

and Starfruits, the Austrian nursery Deimel, the

Czech nursery Vorácek and Vermeerderingstu-

inen Nederland.

TemperatureThe correct tempera-ture is very important when using hot water as a treatment against fruit rot. A tempera-ture of 50 to 52ºC can eff ectively kill fruit rot fungi such as Gloe-osporium, without damaging the apples. If the temperature of the water drops too far, it is possible for it to promote fungal growth.

OpalOpal originated from a cross between Gol-den Delicious and To-paz that was created in 1992. The variety is scab resistant and is somewhat similar to Golden Delicious, but with an orange blush. It is harvested just after Golden. Ac-cording to the Swiss variety researcher Simon Egger, during harvest, the apples have a fi rmness of 8 to 9 kg/cm2 and a sugar content of 12-14 ºBrix. The fl avour is rated as good.

Margit Holland: With a hot water treatment, we man-age to limit the loss due to fruit rot to 3 to 5%.

Opal is scab resistant and is somewhat similar to

Golden Delicious. Photo: AllroundFruit

13

Calcium is a vital element for fruit qual-

ity and to prevent disorders during stor-

age. In addition, calcium in the soil has

diff erent ways of infl uencing the ab-

sorption of other nutrients. This article

outlines the backgrounds of the vari-

ous processes in which calcium plays

a role.

Calcium (lime) serves various functions in the soil. Firstly, in the form of calcium hydroxide (slaked lime, CaOH

2) or calcium bicarbonate it

neutralises the acids in the soil (H+). In this way, calcium regulates the pH of the soil and has a major infl uence on nutrient availability. Calcium also prevents heavy metals leaching to the sub-soil layer and into ground water.Another function of calcium is that it encour-ages biological activity in the soil. The major-ity of soil organisms thrive best under slightly acidic soil conditions.

In addition calcium creates calcium bridges-between the soil colloids, which is benefi cial to the crumbliness of the soil. This improves the structure, the pore volume and permeabil-ity of soil.Depletion of calcium is caused by acidifi ca-

tion of the soil, leaching and uptake into the fruit. Depletion caused by

leaching per hectare per year is approximately 80 to 100 kg CaO

with 600 to 900 mm precipita-tion. Depletion caused by soil acidifi cation and uptake by the fruit is 170 kg CaO. So, on an annual basis a total of 300 to 400 kg CaO per hectare is lost, which has to be replenished via maintenance fertilization.

Availability in the soil

The total amount of freely available calcium in the soil does not always correspond to the soil pH, but is infl uenced by:• the rocks that originally formed the soil and

the type of soil (fraction of clay minerals);• the calcium saturation of soil colloids. Lime is

primarily a fertilizer. Only when the clay-humus complex has become saturated, will there be enough free Ca2+ present in the soil moisture and therefore available for the plant;

• the presence of antagonists. The presence of other cations in particular such as ammonium, potassium, magnesium and sodium infl uence the calcium absorption;

• the extent of acidifi cation of the soil. With increasing acidity, extra competition occurs between calcium and ions of aluminium (Al3+), hydrogen (H+) and manganese (Mn2+).

Calcium uptake

Calcium uptake takes places passively in the form of Ca2+ions via the root tips. The uptake depends on the root growth, soil temperature, soil mois-ture content and soil texture. Some 80 to 90% of the amount of calcium required in that year is taken by the tree from the soil and only 10 to 20% originates from the reserves in the wood. The calcium content in the leaves rises continually until the end of October. The fruits on the other hand are mainly supplied with calcium during the cell division phase, in other words during the fi rst six weeks after blossoming. During the cell expansion phase the calcium concentra-tion in the fruit is diluted as a result of fruit and shoot growth (see fi gure 1). Calcium uptake is stimulated by a moist soil and by suffi ciently high transpiration and is negatively infl uenced by a dry, cold soil.

The nutrient element calcium

AuthorsGerhard Baab

DLR Rheinpfalz, Kompetenzzentrum

GartenbauWalporzheimer

Straße 4853474 Bad Neuenahr-

Ahrweiler, Germany

PD Dr. Michaela Schmitz-EibergerINRES - Universiteit

van BonnAuf dem Hügel 6

53121 Bonn, Germany

Bitter pit in Braeburn.

Photos: Gerhard Baab

Info

Gerhard BaabDLR Rheinpfalz

PD Dr. Michaela Schmitz-Eiberger INRES - University of Bonn

ption of the

into thleach

appwtiaf

v

14

Distribution in the tree

The transport of calcium over large distances in the tree mainly takes place via the xylem ves-sels that is to say in the transpiration fl ow. As their transpiration rate is much higher (ratio 1:10), leaves are supplied far better with calcium than the fruits. To transport calcium to the fruits, the inner bark (phloem) is important. Due to the poor mobility of calcium in the phloem vessels no calcium travels from the leaves to the fruits. Transport over short distances from cell to cell is driven by a so-called ‘auxin pump’ mechanism. The auxin producing tissues in the plant have a hormonal sink eff ect and therefore have priority in the supply of nutrients and water. This mainly concerns young leaves found in the shoot tips and close to the fruits (rosette leaves), and the fl owers and seeds in young fruits. Trees that blos-som well and exhibit a good fruit set and healthy, well developing leaves therefore absorb more calcium in total than trees that fl ower badly, have low production and poor leaf quality.To a certain extent shoot growth is useful in supplying the entire plant, and so the fruits, too, with calcium via the transpiration fl ow. In the summer the young leaves, especially, compete directly with the fruit close to the shoots for the supply of calcium If growth is too strong and too prolonged this may cause calcium to be diverted from the fruits in favour of the shoot tips. Even and balanced growth and production and halting growth at an early stage are the most important aspects in creating a good distribution of calcium throughout the tree.

In the plant

The presence of calcium in the plant has several functions.• Calcium is an important building block of the

protopectin, a sticky substance that plays an essential role as the ‘ cement’ that holds the cells together and creates stability in the cell structure (see fi gure 3).

• Calcium binds phospholipids in the cell mem-branes and therefore pays an important con-tribution to the stability and functioning of the cell membranes, including transporting substances and the gas exchange between the cells.

• Calcium is part of a large number of enzymes that play a role in the ripening process. In this role calcium reduces the respiratory activity and ethylene production in the fruit. This re-tards the respiratory processes and ethylene induced ripening process that occurs post har-vest, or following the shelf life period (mealy apples).

• Calcium plays an important part in preventing environmental stress (heat, cold, wind, UV-B).

Stress causes the formation of free acid radicals at cellular level (see fi gure 2). Calcium binds with the protein calmodulin, which boosts the plant’s natural resistance. Using various sub-stances –for example vitamin (α-Tocopherol) or antioxidative enzymes (catalase, superoxide-dismutasis) –the plant’s own immune system neutralises free radicals (O

2-) and converts them

into harmless oxygen molecules (O2). In this

process the calcium bound in the cell walls or in the cell membranes plays a more important role than the free calcium in the cell plasma.

Cox is susceptible to calcium defi ciency.

Sufficiently high content in small fruits

Dilution of the Ca-content

in large fruits

Blossoming

Ca

lcium

content in

the

fruit

HarvestJuly

O2

-

O2

Ca

Ca-calmodulin

complex

Figure 1. Progress of calcium absorption from blossoming to harvest and

dilution of the Ca-content of the fruits as the fruits increase in size (J. Streif, KOB Bavendorf)

Figure 2. Stress resistance at cell level: neutralisation of free radicals by the

calcium calmodulin complex (M. Schmitz-Eiberger, INRES - University of Bonn)

15

Calcium defi ciency

Calcium defi ciency basically occurs in all varieties

of fruit and principally in those parts of the plant

that show little transpiration, i.e. mainly the fruits.

Apples are particularly susceptible to calcium

defi ciency. On the one hand due to the genetic

make up of the apple, but on the other hand as

apples, because of commercial considerations,

are forced to grow larger than the normal fruit

size for a specifi c variety.

Visible defi ciency symptoms in the leaf are

mainly seen in poorly bearing trees. From the

early summer, pale - later chlorotic - patches ap-

pear at the tip of the leaves, ranging from small

patches to entirely chlorotic leaf tips.

Defi ciency symptoms in fruits can occur with

all types of fruit. Fruits with calcium defi ciency

ripen earlier, the decomposition of chlorophyll in

the skin is encouraged (yellow discoloration) and

the fruits have a low acidity and lack fi rmness.

In addition, fruits with a calcium defi ciency age

quicker (senescence) and the fl esh becomes soft

sooner, mainly after a period of display at room

temperature. The fruits also have a greater sus-

ceptibility to rotting; with apples infected by

gloeosporium, with berries lower resistance to

Botrytis and with stone fruit sensitivity to fruit rot.

On trees with a calcium defi ciency any fruits dam-

aged by hail, for example, will heal more slowly

than those on trees with an adequate calcium

level. With apples a calcium defi ciency exagger-

ates all kinds of physiological disorders such as

fl esh browning, scald, Jonathan-spot,Elise-

spot, lenticel blotch and bitter pit.

Bitter pit is caused, in brief, by the following.

With optimal calcium supplies, the protopectin

(strands of pectin plus calcium) create calcium

bridges which impart stability to the middle la-

mella (see fi gure 3). With low supplies of calcium,

or displacement of Ca2+by Mg2+or K+ the mutu-

al links between the cells are destabilised. The

place of calcium is occupied by magnesium. As

magnesium and potassium, contrary to calcium,

lack the ability to bind cells, the cell structures

collapse and turn brown. Magnesium binds to

the sulphates and epsom salt is formed (magne-

sium sulphate). This gives the fl esh a bitter fl avour

where the patches are visible (bitter pit).

Risk of disorders

A serious threat of disorders caused by calcium

defi ciency is present in:

• orchards with too low calcium availability in

the soil (low pH, little free calcium);

• trees with rosette leaves damaged by frost or

night frost or rosette leaves with poor nutrient

level (‘Ca-pump’);

• sensitive varieties (for example Kanzi, Braeburn,

Cox’s, Boskoop, Elise and Junami >75 mm);

• apples harvested too early (bitter pit) or too

late (brownish fl esh, gloeosporium);

• fruits too large for the variety concerned;

• newly planted trees with strong growth and

trees with low production (unfavourable cal-

cium distribution);

• trees with a too high nitrogen, potassium or

magnesium content.

Relevant in the fi rst place are low calcium, po-

tassium, nitrogen and magnesium contents in

the fl esh. The mutual ratios in particular –espe-

cially the K/Ca and N/Ca ratio –are important

indicators of the potential risk of physiological

disorders in the fruits (see table 1). A few of these

also partially occur while the fruit is still on the

tree (bitter pit, lenticel blotch), others only after

a period of storage (brown fl esh, scald, storage

pit, gloeosporium).

Table 1. Risk categorisation of Cox’s, Braeburn, Kanzi and Jonagold for physiological

disorders based on the Ca, K and N content in the fl esh

Ca- content in fruits (in mg/100 g fresh weight)

K/Ca-ratio

N/Ca-ratio

Optimal > 5,5 < 20 < 10

Normal 4,5 - 5,5 20 - 30 10 - 20

Critical < 4,5 30 - 40 > 30

Very critical < 3,5 > 40

Gloeosporium in Pinova.

cell with cell wall

pectinstrands

stage 1 stage 2

intactmiddle lamella

starting Ca-deficiency

collapse of mutual cell connections

Figure 3. Occurrence of bitter pit through gradual instability of the middle

lamella

The Auxin pumpTransport over short

distances from cell to cell is driven by a so-

called ‘auxin pump’ mechanism. The auxin

producing tissues in the plant have a hor-

monal sink eff ect and therefore have prior-

ity in the supply of nutrients and water

in Pinova.

16

Pink was never

so beautiful

Strong properties:

• Good flavour

• Variety with large fruit

• Extraordinary pink colour

• Storage properties similar to Jonagold

• Not a club variety

• Healthy tree

INFO: Jabema B.V. Telephone +31 (0)613161060


Info In recent years, intensive experiments

have been held with mechanical thin-

ning in almost all research stations. This

subject was extensively addressed dur-

ing the open days organised by vari-

ous research orchards and stations this

summer. This article examines several

recent experiences from research and

the fi eld.

There are two types of thinning machine on the

market that must be mounted on a tractor: the

Tree Darwin and the ‘type Bonn’. The Tree Dar-

win is the oldest of the two. The plastic thinning

strings of this machine are mounted on a verti-

cal shaft. The angle that the shaft makes with

respect to the tree can be hydraulically adjusted

vertically.

The Bonn thinning machine consists of three arms

with plastic strings that are mounted one above

the other. The angle of the arms with respect to

the tree can be adjusted both horizontally and

vertically. The speed of rotation of the shaft(s) of

both machines can also be adjusted.

A thinning technique that is still being researched

is to shake the trees. Here machines that are nor-

mally used to shake olives or cider apples from

the trees are now used to mechanically thin stone

fruit and apples.

Reduced labour

When used on Golden Delicious, in 2008, the ‘type

Bonn’ machine reduced the number of hours re-

quired for manual thinning by a little more than

50%. This was shown by research carried out by

PCFruit’s research orchard for hard fruit and stone

fruit (PCFruit-PPS) in Sint-Truiden, Belgium. Dur-

ing the open day that the research orchard held

on 21 August, researcher Hans Goossens showed

that in 2009, comparable results were achieved

for Braeburn. The position and rotational speed

of the thinning arms only had a limited eff ect on

the thinning result (see Table 1).

During the Apfeltag in the research orchard in

Klein-Altendorf near Bonn (Germany), consultant

Ralf Nörthemann showed the results of a thinning

trial for Golden Delicious. Using the Tree Darwin,

an eff ect was achieved that was comparable to

manual thinning (see Table 2).

Tree shape infl uences thinning

In Das Alte Land in North Germany, eight or

nine Tree Darwin thinning machines are now in

use. Helmut Bröhan is one of the growers who

used the machine this year. During the ‘Vorern-

teführung’ at the end of August – a day organ-

ised by researchers and consultants in Jork – the

result could be seen at his farm. The unthinned

Increasingly more known about the eff ect of thinning machines

At the farm of fruit grower Helmut Bröhan, thinning Elstar using the Tree Darwin was very

successful this year. Photos: EFM

Time A couple of things

have become clear with respect to the use

of thinning machines. For instance, the time

of thinning appears to be more important than initially thought. The optimum period is from the moment that the main fl ower is open until the tree is in full bloom. If the

trees are thinned ear-lier, there is a risk of

entire fl ower clusters being knocked from

the tree. Thinning later results in more leaf

damage.

The Tree Darwin thinning machine.

18

six-year old Red Elswout trees had too many ap-

ples, too many of which were smaller than 70

mm. The trees that were thinned using the Tree

Darwin (driving speed 8 km per hour and rotat-

ing speed 240 revs per minute), were fi ne. The

size of the apples was visibly better than those

on unthinned trees. Moreover, the apples were

nicely distributed over the tree.

“The grower should not be afraid when operat-

ing the thinning machine”, warned consultant

Maike Steff ens. “Dare to pass close to the tree, as

passing further away results in more thinning on

the outside.” Furthermore, the shape of the tree

is also important. “A slender tree is the best. For

trees that have thick, strong branches, the ma-

chine sometimes knocks off all the fl owers, while

the fl owers on hanging branches are thinned a

lot less eff ectively.”

No stimulus for bud development

Researcher Michaël Clever had some critical re-

marks about the thinning machine. A reduction

was found in the number of fruit on organically

grown Elstar in the research orchard in Jork, but

no improvement was found in the number of

fl ower buds the next year. According to Clever,

the stronger growth that can be seen after me-

chanical thinning could cause fewer buds to de-

velop. Moreover, the damage to the leaves that

is often visible after mechanical thinning could

have the same eff ect.

Table 2. Results of a thinning trial for Golden Delicious

Thinning method Date Number of fruits per tree

Control without manual thinning - - 78

Control with manual thinning - - 43

ATS - two-year branches in full bloom 15 litres/hectare 24 April 60

ATS - three days after two-year branches being in full bloom 15 litres/hectare 27 April 62

Tree Darwin - 3 of 5 fl owers opened 8 km/hour and 200 revs/minute 22 April 38

Tree Darwin - 3 of 5 fl owers opened 8 km/hour and 220 revs/minute 22 April 39

Source: DLR Rheinpfalz

The Bonn thinning machine.

Table 1. Infl uence of mechanical thinning on the time to thin manually for

the Braeburn strains Schneider and Hillwell in 2009

Number of hours required for manual thinning per hectare

Schneider

Control (manual thinning) 34

Mechanical thinning 16

Hillwell

Control (manual thinning) 35

Mechanical thinning 24

Source: PCFruit-PPS

After mechanical thinning, the apples were nicely distributed over the tree (on the right).

19

In 2007 and 2008, two years with a high

fi re blight pressure in central and east-

ern Switzerland, it turned out that not

only many scion varieties in Swiss apple

orchards were extremely susceptible to

fi re blight but also the standard root-

stock M9. Fire blight-tolerant rootstocks

such as B9, G.11 and G.41 which have

been tested at the ACW Research Station

proved to be possible alternatives.

In autumn 2002, fi ve fi re blight-tolerant Cornell

Geneva rootstocks (typically referred to as CG. or

G. + number), as well as Budogovski9 (B9) and fur-

ther agronomically interesting rootstocks were

planted with the Gala and Topaz varieties at the

Agroscope Changins-Wädenswil Research Station

(ACW) at the site of Wädenswil (near Zürich). The

target was to fi nd fi re blight-tolerant rootstocks

with roughly the same vigour as M9, good pro-

ductivity, satisfactory propagation properties in

rootstock nurseries and a broad suitability for

cultivation in diff erent locations.

Vigour, root suckers and grafting union

The rootstocks G.16, G.202 and G.7 induced the

strongest growth with the Gala variety, represent-

ed in the picture as the cross-section area in cm².

Slightly weaker growth was shown by G.11 and

G.41. The growth of the B9 corresponded roughly

to the M9T337. The rootstocks B9, M9T337, G.16

and G.202 formed little to a few root suckers.

There were hardly any root suckers noted in G.7,

G.41 and G.11. For fi re blight infections, routes of

entry such as burr knots, cracks in the bark as well

as root suckers play quite a signifi cant role. All

the tested CG rootstocks, as well as B9 had very

Results with fi re blight-tolerant apple rootstocks

Gala on M9-T337 Photo: ACW

Martin Kockerols, Simon Egger, Philippe Monney, Brion Duff yAgroscope Changins-Wädenswil Research Station (ACW)

20

0

5

10

G.16

G.202

G.7G.4

1G.1

1

Supporter4

M9T337 B9

P16P59

15

20

25cm2

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7kg/cm2

P59P16

M8

G.11

M9 T

337 B9G.4

1G.7

Supporter4

G.16

P60

G.202

clean grafting unions and have been positively

assessed in this regard.

Yield

Accumulated yield of Gala apples per tree for the

individual rootstocks from 2004 to 2008 varied

extremely between more vigorous rootstocks

with a high total yield and less vigorous root-

stocks with a weaker total yield. The G.11 with

roughly 65kg per tree achieved considerably

more than the M9T337 and B9 with about 45 kg

per tree. With respect to the relative yield how-

ever, which is the yield in relation to tree volume

(represented by the cross-section area), a very

diff erent picture is presented (fi g. 2). The highest

relative yields were produced on the rootstocks

P16 and P59. G.11 produced slightly better than

M9T337, B9 and G.41. The vigorous rootstocks

G.16, P60 and G.202 showed the lowest relative

yealds. With regard to average fruit weight and

share of 1st class fruits, in 2007 and 2008 there

were no signifi cant diff erences registered be-

tween the M9T337 and the fi re blight-tolerant

rootstocks.

Fire blight tolerance

Susceptibility of rootstocks (non-grafted) to fi re

blight was tested by artifi cial infection in a quar-

antine greenhouse at the ACW Research Station

Propagation Propagation of root-stock B9 in the stool bed is satisfactory (similar to the M9 standard). Some of the CG rootstocks showing a worse propagation ability might - depending on the individual root-stock - not be able to establish themselves in practice. G.41 is not easy to propagate in stoolbed and shows thorny liners, whereas G.11 can be propagat-ed much better but is so far only being propagated in small numbers in France and Holland.

Info

B.9 Photo: ACW

Fig. 1: Rootstock vigour (cross-section area 2008, in cm²).

Fig. 2: Relative yield as yield from 2004 to 2008 per cm² trunk cross-section area 2008, in kg/cm².

21

in 2006. M9T337 showed an average lesion length of about 65% of the shoots, while the CG root-stocks were only visibly infested by not more than 5 to 10% of the shoots in average. Rootstocks B9 and P16 were not included in this test. According to information from foreign sources, they showed susceptibility to fi re blight in artifi cial infection tests. Though, fi re blight fi eld tests in the USA with the Gala and McIntosh varieties indicated that besides the CG rootstocks G.16, G.41, G.11, also the B9 shows fi eld-tolerance to fi re blight. In commercial orchards in the USA, these results appeared to be confi rmed; it was stated that the the amount of rootstock blight via the scion variety was signifi cantly lower on B9 rootstock. That is why B9 is recommended in the USA as a replacement for M9 in fi re blight areas.

Discussion

In comparison with other European trial results, the CG rootstocks are more vigorous in the ACW trials. Vigor of the weakest CG rootstocks, G.41 and G.11 in Wädenswil was comparable to the growth of M9Pajam2, which is the most vigorous M9 type, while in other trials the growth of the G.41 and G.11 lay, with a few deviations, between the M9T337 and M9 Pajam2. With regard to over-all yield, the G.41 and G.11 performed better in all the trials than the M9 standard. The relative yield of the named rootstocks is comparable. Growth and relative yields of the rootstocks B9 and M9T337 were at the same level. For many years, the B9 has been upheld in Europe as an alternative to the M9, with growth between the M9Fleuren56 and the M9T337.

Conclusion and outlook

The rootstocks B9, G.11 and G.41 showed the best agronomical production characteristics in the tri-als together with the fi re blight susceptible stand-ard M9T337. If the fi eld tolerance observed in the USA with regard to fi re blight will be confi rmed in future tests carried out by ACW in Swiss com-mercial orchards, B9 would be a suitable alterna-tive for M9. G.11 should be pursued due to its fi re blight tolerance and its interesting production characteristics. Unfortunately, G.41 cannot be propagated well and is therefore not very likely to establish itself in practice. Larger numbers of trees with the Braeburn, Gala, Milwa (Diwa®) and La Flamboyante (Mairac®) apple varieties on the rootstocks B9 and G.11 will be planted in spring 2009 in commercial orchard trials in east-ern Switzerland. Currently, we only recommend these rootstocks for further experimentation on commercial orchard level. More experience with regard to their potential for reduction of fi re blight pressure has to be gathered.

G.11 Photo: ACW

22

Proudly Yours,the Kanzi® people Europe

Info

Hans Scholtenconsultant in France

[email protected]

Until now cultivation of plums in Europe

was virtually confi ned to the European

plum varieties (Prunus domestica L.). This

situation is about to change fast. In large

parts of South Europe the only trees now

being planted are the Japanese plum (Pru-

nus trifl ora or Prunus salicina).

North European plum growers can refl ect with

satisfaction on a harvest of Victoria, Opal or

Jubileum if they were able to pick 25 tons of

plums per hectare, with an average fruit weight

of 55 grams. This would be considered a poor

harvest by South European growers. Thanks to

the introduction of the Japanese varieties, pro-

duction in those regions is at a far higher level,

with fruits of 75 grams or more.

Shifting pattern

Plum growing in Europe is becoming increasingly

more professional. Through the introduction of

new rootstocks, such as VVA-1, it has become

possible to achieve larger and earlier production,

and a tree shape can be created that requires lit-

tle labour. This has given plum growing a new

impulse, without introducing new varieties.

In certain parts of South Europe growers haven’t

turned to using a diff erent rootstock to introduce

change, but have made a radical switch from

European varieties in favour of Japanese varie-

ties. Japanese plums are very probably better

suited to the warm South European growing

regions than to the cooler northern climate. In

the past, certain countries in the north, includ-

ing the Netherlands, did grow Japanese varie-

ties under glass, but this type of cultivation has

virtually all but vanished.

A lot of progress has been made, particularly in

the United States, in the development of new

plum varieties. Today, there is a wide range of

Japanese cultivars on the market. The fi rst Jap-

anese varieties were planted in South Europe

some thirty years ago. At the time those were

often the large fruited varieties with only mod-

erate taste properties, such as Friar and Black

Amber. These varieties never really gained any

Japanese plums conquer South Europe

Many growers cultivate plums under hail nets.

Photos: Hans Scholten

Japanese plumThe name Japanese

plum is actually incor-rect. The varieties this

name covers are in fact hybrids of Ameri-

can and Chinese plum cultivars. The fi rst

hybrids were created at the end of the 19th century in California, USA. The Chinese va-

rieties initially used then were imported

from Japan. Hence the name - Japanese

plum.

24

great popularity, as consumers had little interest

in fi ne looking, but fl avourless fruit. Things have

changed since then.

Thanks to progressive growers, advisors and nurs-

erymen a shift is evident in the plum assortment

in certain growing regions in South Europe. Spain,

Italy and France are the countries experiencing

the fastest developments, but Serbia, Hungary

and Turkey are also showing interest in the Japa-

nese varieties. In France for example, Japanese

cultivars occupy a share of 5,000 tons in the total

plum volume of 70,000 tons. The trend favours

the Japanese varieties more each year, to the

detriment of the traditional varieties.

TC Sun

One of the most widely grown Japanese varieties

is TC Sun. This variety was introduced to France

ten years ago. The extremely good properties of

this cultivar account for the huge interest shown

in this Japanese plum. TC Sun is a plum with mass-

es of fl avour, a yellowy orange skin and fruits that

weigh a good 75 grams (55 mm diameter).

The tree grows gradually and is highly fertile.

Some growers even plant TC Sun without a pol-

linator, as they would otherwise have to thin too

many fruits. If optimally pollinated, the hours de-

voted to thinning can reach as many as 200 per

hectare. Japanese and European plums cannot

pollinate each other. In Spain TC Sun starts to

fl ower in early February and in South West France

in early March.

Big yielders

At planting distances of 4.00 x 1.50 or 4.00 x 1.25

metres (2,000 trees per hectare) TC Sun trees

are easy to manage. Production of 20 kilos per

tree in the third year of growth and 30 kilos per

tree from the fourth year of growth are possible.

This translates to 60 tons per hectare, of which

about 50 to 55 tons is marketable. The fruits in

the remaining 5 to 10 tons are either too small

or too large, or damaged. This high production

does have a negative impact on the

fl avour. Many growers stick

to a yield of 45 tons per

hectare, of which

nearly everything

can be sold.

TC Sun is not

susceptible to

biennial bear-

ing. The fruits

are juicy with

fi rm, yellow fl esh, and have a sugar content of

more than 16°Brix. They look fabulous and have

a shelf life superior to most European plums. The

fruits can be stored for six weeks in ordinary cold

storage and for eight weeks if ethylene scrubbing

is used. In the South of France the picking dates

are around the end of August, early September.

In Spain, this is two weeks earlier. The optimal

picking time must be observed; otherwise the

quality will irrevocably deteriorate. Fruit drop is

not a problem with TC Sun however: even if the

plums are ripe, they stay on the tree.

Good prices

The prices achieved by growers in the South of

France for TC Sun are between–depending on

the year and the quality – € 0.75 and € 1.50 per

kilo. These are the net payout prices. Linked to the

high yields this results in extremely good operat-

ing results. On many farms TC Sun is grown under

hail nets, and if possible, suffi cient night frost

protection is installed. Considering the

excellent yields it’s worthwhile in-

vesting in measures to protect

the harvest. A growers’ as-

sociation

TC Sun is a variety with large fruits.

Ruby Crunch has red fl esh.

ts in

ing 5 to 10 tons are either too small

ge, or damaged. This high production

a negative impact on the

any growers stick

f 45 tons per

f which

ything

.

not

to

r-

ts

h

Considering the

excellent yields it’s worthwhile in-

vesting in measures to protect

the harvest. A growers’ as-

sociation

sh.

25

was founded recently to market TC Sun under

the name Estiva.

New varieties needed

In recent years many growers in the South of

France have planted TC Sun. This variety is also

cultivated in the southern hemisphere, so it is

available during several periods of the year. South

Africa and Chile are major producers. Spain is busy

catching up. The production vol-

ume is expanding fast.

In France

alone this amounts to 3,000 tons. That is more

than half the country’s total production from

Japanese plum varieties.

The time seems to be ripe to look for suitable,

new Japanese plum varieties. Not only to pre-

vent market overkill with TC Sun, but also to

help achieve more spread in the harvest period

and to attract new consumer interest for a (blue

skinned) variety with a diff erent taste and ap-

pearance.

Promising newcomers

There is an abundance of new Japanese plum va-

rieties. The question is, however, which of these

new varieties is good enough to develop into

the main variety.

Ruby Crunch, also known as Florence (picking

date mid August), is a promising cultivar, but

on the downside it is a very strong grower. Re-

search is required to see if Ruby Crunch grafted

onto a weak rootstock, for example VVA-1, shows

weaker growth and can be brought into produc-

tion earlier.

Catalina and Sapphire, which both ripen at the

end of July, are dark, almost black skinned.70%

of Catalina fruits have a diameter of 50 to 60 mm.

These varieties are starting to be planted here

and there.

Some of the many new Japanese cultivars being

trialled are Sun Kiss, Ruby Red and Early Queen.

Of these a number will most likely be introduced

as a club variety. Expectations are high in the

short term.

DiseasesThe diseases and pests that attack

Japanese plums are roughly the same as

those European plums have to cope with.

Cydia moths demand a concerted approach,

also because the disease pressure of

this moth is higher in South Europe than

in the North regions. ESFY, the European stone fruit yellows phytoplasma also plays a signifi cant

role. This phytoplasm is very probably

transmitted by the psyllid vector

Cacopsylla pruni. This problem does not

occur in Spain, as the climate is too warm for this insect. Trees

aff ected with EFSY die.

The leaves of tees aff ected by ESFY become increasin-

gly chlorotic and the trees usually die within a year.

Jubileum (blue), Ruby Crunch (red) and TC Sun (yellow/orange)

In recent years many growers in the South of

France have planted TC Sun. This variety is also

cultivated in the southern hemisphere, so it is

available during several periods of the year. South

Africa and Chile are major producers. Spain is busy

catching up. The production vol-

ume is expanding fast.

In France

JuJuJubiiibibilleleleumumum (( (bbblue), Ruby Crunch (red) and TC Sun (yellow/orange)

26


The region around Vignola is known

as ‘Italy’s cherry region’. However, in

recent years, increasingly more cherry

trees are being planted in areas where

pears were traditionally grown. Due to

the declining prices for pears and to the

problems related to fi re blight and pear

decline, pear growers started to look for

other crops. Some of them moved over

to cherry growing.

In Italy, cherries are grown on approximately

30,000 hectares. The region around Vignola – ap-

proximately 25 km to the southeast of Modena

in the province of Emilia Romagna – is the best

known but certainly not the largest cherry region

in Italy. Puglia, in the far south of the country, has

about 16,000 hectares of cherry, while in Emilia

Romagna this is ‘only’ 2,000 hectares. It appears

that the hectarage will increase in the coming

years. From other regions in Emilia Romagna,

there is an increasing interest in cherry growing,

in particular from pear growers near Ferrara.

Abate Fetel, the main pear variety grown in Italy,

is currently facing major problems: pear decline

is the cause of poor growth and the loss of trees.

Moreover, it has become less fi nancially inter-

esting to grow pears in recent years. Stefano

Musacchi, researcher and assistant professor at

the University of Bologna: “To be able to earn a

living from growing pears nowadays, a grower

must have around 20 hectares of pear. For cherry,

a couple of hectares is suffi cient.”

A seven-year Grace Star planted on a Colt rootstock at a planting spacing of 5.0 x 5.0 metres. In Italian, the

shape of the trees, planted at an angle of 45º, is called Bandiera. This tree shape can best be compared to the

French Drapeau Marchand. Photos: AllroundFruit

Pear growers in Emilia Romagna plant cherry trees

SymposiumOn the initiative of Stefano Musacchi from the University of Bologna, on 5 June a symposium was held concerning intensifi -cation in cherry grow-ing. This was held in the Ferrara congress centre. More than four hundred Italian cherry growers heard the introductions to the subject and visited two farms that grow cherries intensively.

27

Productive varieties

Dwarfi ng rootstocks such as Gisela 3, 5 and 6

are still rarely used. Approximately 90% of the

new cherry orchards are planted on Colt or Max-

ma 60. Maybe this also explains why fertile and

highly productive varieties are mainly planted

and that varieties that are less productive on a

more vigorous rootstock are hardly ever grown.

This is because a fertile variety such as Lapins will

do better on a Colt rootstock than, for instance,

Kordia or Regina. The French Maxma 14 is not

used, because when grown on this rootstock,

the fruit remains smaller than when grown on

other rootstocks. For very fertile soil, Gisela 6 is

chosen. Gisela 5 is actually only being used at

several trial sites.

In Vignola, Lapins is the main variety, followed

by Ferrovia (Schneiders), Giorgia and Burlat. In

the past, Celeste was also planted, but due to

its susceptibility to cracking and Monilia this is

no longer the case. In addition, due to the high

chance of cracking, Sweetheart is no longer in

the picture. Grace Star, a new variety from the

Stefano Lugli breeding programme at the Univer-

sity of Bologna, is an interesting new variety that

is increasingly being planted. Grace Star ripens

at approximately the same time as Samba and

three to four days before Giorgia.

High production levels and good prices

Many cherry orchards are protected by hail nets

from the heavy hail that regularly sweeps the re-

gion. In a number of cases, the growers choose

to use fi lm instead of nets to prevent cracking

after rain.

Trees grown on vigorous rootstocks take a couple

of years to become fully productive, but when

they are about 6 to 7 years old, production lev-

els of 20 tonnes per hectare, with peaks of 25 to

30 tonnes are achieved, with a good fruit size.

When Italian cherry growers talk about ‘a good

size’, they mean a fruit diameter of 28 mm and

greater. They get high prices for these cherries.

At the beginning of June, the cherries larger than

28 mm sold for € 4.80 per kilo when supplied to

the cooperative. For cherries with a diameter

greater than 32 mm this was € 5.60. At the time,

the greengrocers in Ferrara, were selling the

cherries from Vignola for € 8 to € 10 per kilo.

Fruit grower Nino Quartieri (left) and Stefano Lugli from the University of Bologna proudly

show the good production levels of the 7-year old Grace Star trees.

The greengrocers in Ferrara will sell the cherries for € 8 to € 10 per kilo.

The region around Vignola is known for

its cherries.

28


InfoBrown spot (Stemphylium vesicarium) is

a disease which has been widespread in

Italy for many years and causes problems

during the pear harvest every year. Since

2000 there have been various examples of

attacks of this fungus of varying severity

in the Netherlands and Belgium. Recent

research by the Belgian research station

PCFruit has shown that there are diff erent

strains of the brown spot fungus and that

environmental factors have an impact on

pear trees’ susceptibility to brown spot.

Brown spot attacks can diff er greatly in severity from one year to the next, from one orchard to the next, or even within the same orchard. Re-searchers at the PCFruit Pome and Stone Fruit research station in Sint-Truiden, Belgium, have set out to pinpoint the causes of the apparently inexplicable diff erences in the attacks.

Sap fl ow

A survey conducted by PCFruit among pear grow-ers has revealed that brown spot is much more common on soils with poor natural drainage and on wet plots. Researchers also noticed that attacks of brown spot sometimes diff er greatly within one plot. The sap fl ow in the trunks of pear trees was measured on well-drained and poorly drained parts of a plot. It was observed that when the plot was waterlogged, after rain for example, the sap fl ow of trees in poorly drained parts slows down much earlier and for much longer than in trees on well-drained parts of the plot. Trees whose leaves turn yellow early in the autumn are more susceptible to Stemphylium, the observations in Belgium revealed. It was also observed that brown spots mainly appear on the sun side of the fruit. Exposure to UV light also makes the fruit more susceptible to brown spot.

Stress

With apple scab (Venturia inaequalis), for example, it is mainly factors such as temperature, humid-ity and the presence of spores that determine whether an infection will occur. These and other observations lead to the conclusion not only that brown spot infection is contingent on the pres-ence of spores and infection conditions, but also that the susceptibility of the fruit plays a major role. Stress caused by poor growth or exposure to ozone or UV light makes the fruit more susceptible to brown spot, the researchers concluded.

Two groups of Stemphylium

The researchers also discovered that there are two groups of populations of the Stemphylium vesicar-ium fungus in Belgium. The fi rst group is closely linked to the strains that cause brown spot in Italy. The second group is closely related to Alternaria and, researcher Piet Creemers believes, possibly a hybrid of Stemphylium and Alternaria.

The brown spot fungus has been widespread in It-aly since 1975 and in Spain since 1988. The disease only arrived in the Netherlands and Belgium later on, between 1997 and 2001. A possible explana-tion for this could be climate change. The increase in temperature is giving rise to pathogens that were previously only found in hot, southern Euro-pean growing areas. Brown spot could well have another cause, however. According to the latest fi ndings, climate change could have caused the brown spot fungus to mutate from a saprophytic fungus which lives on dead matter to a parasitic fungus which can also aff ect living tissue.

Either way, there is still a great deal to learn about brown spot, although the research carried out in recent years has considerably expanded our knowledge of this fungus.

Stressed trees suff er more brown spot

Temperature 2ºC higherTemperature meas-urements at PCFruit reveal that the aver-age annual tempera-ture rose by 2ºC be-tween 1950 and 2008. The average tem-perature today is 11ºC compared with 9ºC in 1950. The change in temperature is thought to be partly responsible for the spread of brown spot in the Netherlands and Belgium.

InterperaAt the Interpera Conference at Sint-Truiden, Belgium, at the end of May, re-searcher Piet Creem-ers delivered an ad-dress on the various diseases and infesta-tions threatening pear cultivation. He also presented the latest fi ndings of research into brown spot in Belgium.

Stress plays a major role in Stemphylium attacks.

Photos: EFM

29

Following the introduction of Controlled Atmos-

phere (CA) storage in the nineteen fi fties, the in-

troduction of DCA storage and the acceptance of

1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) represented a new

giant step in the storage of fruit. By dynamically

adapting the storage conditions to the physiologi-

cal status and the activities of the apples, a further

improvement in fruit quality can be achieved with-

out supplementary post-harvest treatments.

The active ingredient 1-MCP (registered under the

trade name ́ SmartFresh´) eff ectively prevents the

formation of ethylene, which in turn delays the

ripening and aging of the fruit.

The use of SmartFresh is extremely interesting in

particular due to the improvement in internal fruit

quality after storage (shelf life) and in the preven-

tion of physiological storage problems.

What is DCA storage?

When Dynamic Controlled Atmosphere (DCA)

storage is used, the oxygen level in the cold store

is lowered in steps down to near the lowest level

tolerated by the fruit, the so-called anaerobic com-

pensation point. During storage, the atmosphere

is continually adjusted to the physiological condi-

tion of the fruit. This critical oxygen level is not a

fi xed value, but varies, dependent on variety, ripe-

ness and length of time the fruit has been stored,

from between 0.3 and 0.6% O2. By measuring the

Chlorophyll fl uorescence, this critical oxygen con-

Info

Figure 2: Graph showing the fl uorescence signal during the entire storage period (end of October 2007 to mid

March 2008)

Dr. Gottfried [email protected]

DCA or DCSDynamic Controlled

Atmosphere (DCA) and Dynamic Control

System (DCS) are both systems that reduce

the oxygen content in the store atmosphere to just above the level

at which alcohol is formed. When DCS technology is used,

during the fi rst weeks of being stored vari-

ous apple samples are checked for the fi rst signs of alcohol for-mation. If this is not

found, the oxygen in the air in the store can

be carefully lowered. When signs of alcohol are found, the oxygen level is raised, to even-

tually reach a stable level, just above the al-cohol formation level.

Practical experience with new storage technologies in Austria – Dynamic CA (DCA) storage and SmartFreshTM

Figure 1: When DCA is used, the fl uorescence of the

chlorophyll in the skin of the fruit is measured by a

FIRMTM Sensor that monitors a sample of six apples.

(Photos: Gottfried Lafer)

30

CA 2

CA 1

DCA 2

DCA 1

0 10

12

6

6 6 24

30

2 40

6 52

20 30 40 50 60 70 [%]

9,0

10

9,5

9

8,5

8

7,5

7

6,5

6

8,78,9

8,9

8,38,2

7,3

7,8

8,6

8,4

8,6

kg

/cm

2

15.02.2007 26.06.2007 06.07.2007

centration can be determined very rapidly (in real time and online) and very accurately.The method is based on measuring the fl uores-cence of the chlorophyll in the skin of the fruit by using a FIRMTM Sensor (Fluorescence Interactive Response Monitor) to monitor a sample of six apples (Figure 1). If light of a certain wavelength comes in contact with the chlorophyll of the ap-ple, the chlorophyll returns the light at a diff er-ent wavelength (fl uorescence). Below a certain oxygen level that is specifi c for the fruit, there is a clear rise in the fl uorescence signal. Using this information, it is possible to dynamically adjust the atmosphere in the store to the ripeness, the annual diff erences and the diff erences in origin of the apples to be stored. The oxygen concentra-tion in the atmosphere is reduced to just above the safe level.DCA storage has been successfully introduced in the North Italian fruit region of South Tyrol, by Dr Angelo Zanella from the Laimburg research station. After several years of scientifi c research, followed by four years of large-scale practical trials at several cooperatives, DCA storage was used during the 2006/2007 storage season in a total of 81 stores and during the 2007/2008 sea-son in 120 stores.DCA storage has proved its value in South Tyrol, in particular for varieties that are susceptible to scald

(including Granny Smith, Red Delicious, etc.).The shelf life after DCA storage is also clearly bet-ter, in particular with respect to the internal qual-ity (fi rmness and titratable acid) of the fruit and fruit rot. DCA technology can be very interesting for organic farmers for the storage of Topaz as it off ers an alternative to the chemical post-harvest treatment that they cannot use.

DCA storage trials for Braeburn and Topaz in Austria

The positive experiences with DCA technology in South Tyrol have resulted in many research stations in Europe including the use of DCA technology in

their research programmes. Since 2006, the Haid-egg research station (Steiermark, Austria) has also been working on DCA storage, and has purchased six fl uorescence sensors for this purpose. In the 2006/2007 season, the research concentrated on Braeburn, which, as is commonly known, is very diffi cult to store in normal ULO stores due to its susceptibility to internal browning (core and fl esh browning, cavities) (Figure 3). In the 2007/2008 season, the apple variety Topaz and the pear va-riety Uta, both grown by the organic sector, were included in the research programme. In addition, practical experience could be gained from a large practical trial of DCA storage at a fruit trading company.

In summary, the most important results of the

DCA Braeburn trials

• Reduction of core and fl esh browning by ap-proximately 30 to 50%, depending on the mo-ment of harvesting (Figure 4)

• If the DCA conditions are incorrectly controlled alcohol damage can occur

• SmartFresh exacerbates internal browning, also in combination with DCA

Info

DCA Storage trial Braeburn - Internal browning 2007/08

DCA Storagetrial Braeburn 2006/07 - fi rmness

date of analysis

core browning cavities fl esh browning

Figure 4: The infl uence of various storage techniques and harvesting times on the occur-

rence of internal browning in Braeburn

Figure 5: Graph showing the fi rmness of Braeburn apples kept diff erently during the

2006/2007 storage season

DCADCA has the same ob-jective as DCS storage, which is to keep the oxygen level in the at-mosphere in the store to just above the al-cohol formation level. DCA uses a number of sample apples and a sensor to continually monitor the chloro-phyll fl uorescence (see text in article). Chloro-phyll fl uorescence is related to the alcohol content in the fruit.

Figure 3: Due to its susceptibility to internal

browning, Braeburn is diffi cult to keep under ULO

conditions.

31

CA

DCA

31,1

10,0 1,0 28,0

3,2 72,3

0 20 40 60 80 100 120

• Better internal quality through to the end of the storage period.

• No infl uence on the sugar content (°Brix)• Limited infl uence on acidity• Increased fi rmness of the fruit, also during the

shelf life (Figure 5)• Signifi cant better assessment of the fl avour

in the DCA and MCP objects

In addition to Braeburn, DCA storage trials have also been carried out on Topaz – the main variety grown organically in Austria. Due to its suscepti-bility to Gloeosporium fruit rot, organically grown Topaz is problematic in long-term storage. More-over, fl esh browning increases with the storage time. The objective of the trials was to reduce the occurrence of Gloeosporium and fl esh browning

and so to improve the storage quality of Topaz. The fi rst trials gave the following results:• Reduction of core and fl esh browning by ap-

proximately 70% (Figure 6)• Reduction of storage loss due to Gloeosporium

by approximately 20% (Figure 7 a+b)• Better internal quality during storage • Improved fi rmness of the fruit, also during the shelf life

• There is no infl uence on sugar content• Minor eff ect on acidityThe fi rst trials with DCA storage of Braeburn and organically grown Topaz were very promising,

both in small containers in the Haidegg research station and in large stores at cooparatives. For this reason, the owners of cold stores are showing great interest in this new storage technology. It is expected that the number of stores where DCA storage is used will increase considerably. More so because for Braeburn, due to the infl uence on internal browning, and for Topaz, due to the legal situation, it is not possible to use SmartFresh to improve storage and fruit quality.

Experiences with SmartFresh in Austria

SmartFresh has been successfully used in Austria since 2004, in particular for the apple varieties Elstar, Gala, Golden Delicious and Jonagold. A

clear increase in the treated volumes can be seen. In 2007, SmartFresh was used for approximately 25% of the apples stored in Austria.

Infl uence on fruit quality

In all of the trials and in practice the use of Smart-Fresh resulted in a signifi cant improvement in the fi rmness of the apples. This positive eff ect is already noticeable immediately following stor-age, but the eff ect is greatest after the fruit has been on the shelf for 8 days at 20°C (Figure 8). SmartFresh improved the fi rmness by on average 15-20%, with a clear relationship being seen be-tween variety, ripeness and storage duration. In addition to the infl uence on fi rmness, SmartFresh also slowed down the reduction in acid content. Apples treated with SmartFresh had a titratable acid content that was 10-15% higher than that found in untreated apples. Furthermore, Smart-Fresh clearly slowed down the transition of the background colour from green to yellow. How-ever, the sugar content did not improve when SmartFresh was used.

In the majority of cases, all of these positive infl u-ences also led to a higher valuation in the fl avour tests (Table 1). Exceptions to this were Fuji (no

Storage trial Topaz 2007/08

core browning fl esh browning cavities

storage losses in %

Figure 6: Results of storage trials for Topaz 2007/08

Figure 7a: Topaz after ULO storage Figure 7b: Topaz after DCA storage

32

6,8

7,2

6,3

6,2

4,6

4,5

6,2

4,5

4,9

5,5

6,5

5,8

5,7

6,1

8,5

8,0

7,5

7,0

6,5

6,0

5,5

5,0

4,5

4,0

3,5

kg

/cm

2

Einlagerung 38057 38155 38169

CA 23.09.2003

CA 07.10.03

MCP 23.09.2003

MCP 07.10.03

signifi cant diff erence when compared to untreat-ed) and Golden Delicious that had been picked too early, which due to the lack of aroma were clearly rated lower in the fl avour test than the untreated fruits.

Infl uence on physiological damage and storage disorders

While most varieties including Gala, Elstar, Jona-gold and Golden Delicious clearly reacted well to SmartFresh, the treatment was not a success for Braeburn, in particular, due to its promotion of fl esh and core browning. Extremely positive eff ects are also seen against scald. For instance, in Granny Smith, a variety known for its extreme susceptibility to scald, the occurrence of scald could be completely prevented even when the fruit was stored until June. Due to the delay in aging of the fruits after SmartFresh treatment, they retain their natural resistance to the fungi that cause fruit rot for longer. Therefore, by using SmartFresh it is possible to reduce the occurrence of Gloeosporium and other types of fruit rot, in particular in sensitive varieties including Elstar, Rubens and Topaz (unfortunately SmartFresh is not allowed for organically grown produce). A negative aspect of SmartFresh is the slight pro-motion of skin spots in sensitive batches of Elstar. After extended storage to July-August, skin dam-age could sometimes also be found in Golden De-licious. Based on the experience gained in recent years, Golden Delicious treated with SmartFresh seems to be more sensitive to high concentra-tions of CO

2. This is particularly the case when the

stores are fi lled very rapidly (within 1-3 days), the as yet not completely cooled fruits are treated with SmartFresh and the store is immediately brought to ULO conditions. After extended storage up to July-August, skin damage was visible 4-5 days af-ter opening the cell. Gradual cooling and bringing the store down to ULO conditions slower has led to less damage in trials and in practice.

Summary

The introduction of the new storage technolo-gies can reliably improve storage and fruit qual-ity when compared to the normal CA and ULO storage.However, both approaches place higher demands on the fruit growers and cold store managers, in particular due to the necessity to accurately de-termine the optimum harvesting moment, the homogeneity of the stored batches and the rapid fi lling of the cold stores. In addition, DCA storage is associated with con-siderably higher costs due to the installation of higher-capacity scrubbers, the supplementary supply of nitrogen and the careful monitoring and control of the storage conditions.

At approximately two euro cents per kilogram, the costs of SmartFresh treatment are not cheap. In spite of these higher costs, both technologies have already been widely used, because the costs are clearly outweighed by the advantages in stor-age and fruit quality.

Storage trial Golden Del. Reinders - fi rmness

date of analysis

Literature

Streif J., McCormick R., Neuwald D., 2008. Halt-

barkeit und Fruchtqualität durch Fortschritte in

der Lagertechnik verbessern: ULO pur, DCA oder

MCP. Teil 1: Besseres Obst 8, 9 − 11. Teil 2: Besseres

Obst 9, 10 − 12.

Lafer G., 2008. Die Fruchtqualität erhalten durch dy-

namische CA-Lagerung. Besseres Obst 9, 17 − 20.

Gasser F., Höhn E., 2007. Dynamische CA-Lagerung

− Versuchsresultate und Vergleich mit MCP. Vortrag

im Rahmen des Interreg IIIA Projektes in Ravens-

burg am 16.08.2007.

Zanella, A., Cazanelli, P., Panarese, A., Coser, M.,

Cecchinel, M. and Rossi, O. 2005. Fruit fl uorescen-

ce response to low oxygen stress: Modern storage

technologies compared to 1-MCP treatment of ap-

ple. Acta Hort. 682: 1535−1542.

Zanella A., 2004. Dynamische CA-Lagerung und

Anwendung von 1-MCP. Besseres Obst 9, 11 − 13

Dr. Gottfried LaferVersuchsstation für Obst-

und Weinbau Haidegg

A-8047 Graz

E-Mail:

[email protected]

Author:

Figure 8: Infl uence of SmartFresh on the fi rmness of Golden Delicious.

Table 1: Flavour assessment of various apple varieties with and without SmartFresh (storage

duration depending on variety 240 − 270 Days, ULO).

VarietyHarvesting

momentFlavour (1 – 10)

Without 1-MCP With 1-MCP

Elstar 26.08.2002 6.1 a 6.1 a

Gala 26.08.2002 2.2 a 3.9 b

Rubens 10.09.2002 2.6 a 4.6 b

Golden Klon B 12.09.2002 4.8 b 1.7 a

Golden Reinders 12.09.2002 2.5 a 5.1 b

Fuji Kiku 8 16.10.2002 4.6 a 4.4 a

Numbers followed by the same letter do not diff er signifi cantly from each other. The signifi cance

calculations were only performed within the variety (assessment 1=very poor, 10 = very good)

33


The English supermarkets sell lots of ap-

ples in bags of 1 or 1.5 kilos. The large

packing stations use fully automatic

bagging machines to count and weigh

the apples. However, such machines are

mostly too expensive for smaller pack-

ing stations. During the National Fruit

Show, a fruit exhibition in Kent, UK, va-

rious suppliers presented bagging ma-

chines that can be of interest to smaller

packing stations.

The large packing stations use fully automatic machines to bag the apples. These machines count and weigh the fruit and can be adjusted to ensure that almost exactly the same weight of fruit ends up in each bag. The machine also closes the bags and attaches a label. Hardly any human intervention is required. Due to the price, approximately €200,000 each, these machines are often unprofi table for the smaller packing stations. Suppliers of grading and packing equip-ment saw that the smaller packing stations need-ed smaller bagging machines. Maf Roda, Greefa

and Burg’s Machinefabriek presented such ma-chines at the show.

Blow the bag open

All three bagging machines do not weigh the apples, but count the number of apples using a photocell. The desired number of fruits per bag can be set in advance. To ensure as little weight loss as possible, the apples must therefore be very accurately graded.With the Greefa and Maf Roda machines, a jet of air blows the new bag open, after which two steel brackets keep it open. The full bags must be manually removed from the machine, closed and labelled. The apples roll into the bags, which could cause some bruising. Both machines can be connected to the output of the existing grad-ing lines.

Careful placement

The bagging machine from Burg’s Machinefa-briek does not roll, but as it were ‘places’ the ap-ples into the bags. Another diff erence is that the machine also closes the bags, labels them and deposits the full bags in a bin or box. Obviously, the Burg machine requires fewer personnel than the Greefa and Maf Roda machines, which is also refl ected in the price.

Costs

The Burg machine costs around €55,000 exclud-ing vat. Greefa’s machine around €7,000. The Maf Roda sales rep declined to give a price.Using the Greefa machine, one person can fi ll seven to eight bags per minute, explained the company representative. A person fi lling the bags by hand would fi ll approximately three bags per minute. The fully automatic machines used in large packing stations fi ll twenty bags per minute.

Automatic bagging machine saves labour

The Burg’s Machinefabriek machine closes and labels the bags.

Photos: EFM

Using the Greefa machine, one person can fi ll seven to

eight bags per minute.

34

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Production and market developments

POLAND:NOT MUCH FRUIT SOLD THROUGH SUPERMARKETS

Relatively little fruit is currently sold in

supermarkets in Poland. Professor Eber-

hard Makosz estimates that around a

quarter of all apples are sold through this

channel. The supermarkets have an even

smaller segment of the market for other

fruit types like pears, cherries, strawber-

ries and raspberries. Makosz has noted

a trend towards more fruit being sold in

supermarkets, at the expense of weekly

markets and green grocers.

NEW ZEALAND:STRONG INCREASE IN JAZZ ACREAGE

Jazz is getting close to becoming the

main variety grown in New Zealand after

Breaburn and Gala. The acreage planted

with Jazz rapidly rose to 577 hectares in

2007. The target acreage is 1100 hectares,

in other words, 12% of the total New Zea-

land apple acreage. At the moment, Jazz

is the fourth apple variety, with slightly

less acreage than Fuji, but more than

Pacifi c Rose and Cripp’s Pink.

Jazz is popular with New Zealand grow-

ers due to the high prices it attracts. For

the fruit harvested in 2007, the growers

received a net price of 0.66 dollars per

kilo. This compared favourably to the

prices received for Braeburn and Gala,

which were respectively 0.19 and 0.25

dollars. The high price makes growing

Jazz attractive, despite the lower level

of production and smaller fruit size. The

production level in New Zealand is 30 to

35% lower than for Braeburn and 20%

lower than for Gala. The fruit is smaller

than or in the most favourable case the

same size as Gala. Even in the warm New

Zealand climate, many fruits are less than

70 mm. Jazz is harvested 7 to 10 days

before Braeburn.

Table: Hectarage and hectarage development of new varieties in the

Netherlands

Ras 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Junami 0 26 101 259 363

Kanzi 8 51 192 306 381

Rubens 0 31 72 145 190

Total 8 108 365 710 934

of which newly planted 8 100 257 345 224

Source: CBS

In the North German fruit region das Altes

Land, the Jonagold strain Red Jonaprince

is very popular, reports consultant Wouter

van Teeff elen of WTE-Fruitadvies in his elec-

tronic newsletter. According to a spokesper-

son of the sales organisation Elbe-Obst, this

planting season, growers are planting lots

of Jonagold and more than 90 percent of

these are the dark strain Red Jonaprince.

For the grower, Red Jonaprince combines

the advantages of a high percentage of

top quality fruit with an easy harvest. The

situation for Braeburn is comparable. In

comparison to the Netherlands and Bel-

gium, Braeburn is planted a lot and a large

proportion of the planted trees are the dark

strain Maririred.

Red Jonaprince is frequently planted in Das Alte Land. Photo: EFM

NETHERLANDS:FEWER NEW VARIETIES

Dutch fruit growers planted fewer new varieties in 2008

than in the previous year. This is shown by the fi gures

published several weeks ago by the Dutch Central Sta-

tistical Offi ce. In the 2007/2008 winter, 224 hectares of

the three new varieties Kanzi, Junami and Rubens were

planted. The year before, the fi gure was 345 hectares. In

total, in 2008, there were 934 hectares of Kanzi, Junami

and Rubens in the Netherlands (see Table)

GERMANY:RED JONAPRINCE POPULAR IN NORTH GERMANY

36

Growers tell growers

The van de Water brothers’ trees were cut on one side using an angled

knife in early March. Photos: EFM

Roland Schmitz-Hübsch from Bornheim-Merten has two

hectares of cherry trees that are now in their fourth leaf. The

orchard contains 13 varieties varying in ripening time from

early (Earlise) to late (Sweetheart). The orchard is laid out in

such a way that there is a maximum of two rows next to each

other of every variety, and every variety borders two diff erent

pollination varieties. The Gisela 5 rootstock is used for dwarf-

ing varieties such as Earlise, Samba, Skeena and Sweetheart.

The more vigorous varieties such as Burlat, Bellise, Kordia and

Regina grow on Gisela 3 rootstock. On the very good soil (100

soil points*) around the village of Merten, even the trees on

Gisela 3 still grow too vigorously. Therefore, in March this year,

Schmitz-Hübsch pruned the roots of all of the trees with an

inclined knife. What struck the grower was that the trees on

Gisela 5 had much thicker roots at the location where the

knife passed than those on Gisela 3, where only thin roots

were found. “The trees on Gisela 5 shook as the knife passed.

When passing trees on Gisela 3 nothing was seen or felt.”

Brothers Wimco and Maurits van de

Water from the company Van de Water

Fruit bv from the villages of Beesd and

Rhenoy, near Geldermalsen (NL) bought

an 10 hectare plot of land in 2007 and

planted it completely with Sweet Sen-

sation in 2008.

The well-branched one year old trees

were cultivated in Italy and are spaced

at a distance of 300 x 0.50 cm at the van

de Water Fruit company. The trees are

planted on ridges and are provided with

fertigation. The fi rst year of growth has

mainly seen growth in the top of the

trees. Each tree now has 5 to 10 one year

old side shoots. Van de Water plans to

leave these shoots as much as possible

and let them produce buds.

Early in March, the trees were root

pruned on one side using an angled

knife. “Because we planted well-

branched trees at 50 cm, they don’t

need to grow much more. We hope

the root pruning will lead to the trees

both producing buds and growing a

little more,” Maurits van de Water ex-

plains their decision to root prune the

trees already in their second year of

growth.

ROOT PRUNING IN THE SECOND YEAR

21 BEE HIVES ON TWO HECTARES

37

News of the world

SOUTH TYROL:HIGH PRICES IN 2007

Fruit growers in South Tyrol in Northern Italy received on average 47.8 cents per kilo from the cooperative for the 2007 crop of apples. This is reported by the Raiff aisenverband South Tyrol. The price paid was 26% higher than the price the growers received for the 2006 crop. This is the net price, the costs for storage, grading and sales do not need to be deducted anymore. The price has been calculated for all of the apples supplied to the cooperative, therefore including the Class 2 apples. Cripp’s Pink (Pink Lady) attracted by far the best prices. The diff erence between this variety and Golden Delicious and Fuji was more than 20 cents per kilo.The apple hectarage and the produc-tion volumes in South Tyrol are still in-creasing, while in various other grow-ing regions in Europe, the hectarage is reducing. In 2007, more than 900,000 tonnes of fruit were sold through the coopera-tives. This is 6.6% more than in the pre-vious year.

GERMANY:FEWER AND LARGER FARMS

The number of fruit farms in the main fruit growing region of Germany, das Alte Land in the north, has halved in fi fteen years. According to the fi ve-year-ly inventory of the hectarage, in 1992 there were 1500 fruit farms in das Alte Land. In 2007, only 769 remained. The area covered by fruit in the same pe-riod declined by ‘just’ 734 hectares. In 2007, the fruit region had in total 9,491 hectares of apple, pear, cherry, plum and damson. As in various other fruit growing regions, the fruit farms remain-ing in das Alte Land are becoming ever larger. In 1997, the average size of a fruit farm was 8.15 hectares. Ten years later, this had grown to 12.15 hectares per farm. Apple is by far the most important fruit crop, accounting for 88.1% of the hectarage, followed by sweet cherry at 5.7%. Few pears are grown, they ac-count for just 3.4% of the hectarage. Plums and damsons account for 2.6% and sour cherries 0.2%.

The most important apple varieties are Jonagold and its strains that account for 32.6% of the hectarage, followed by El-star at 29.5%. It is striking that Braeburn has developed into a variety with a 5% share of the total apple hectarage.

GERMANY:WORKFORCE NUMBERS

In the German agricultural and horti-cultural sectors the number of seasonal workers from Romania and Bulgaria is increasing, while the number of Poles, Croats and Slovaks is falling. Accord-ing to the latest statistics from the Ger-man Federal Employment Agency, there were about 71,000 Romanians working in agriculture up to the end of July 2009. This is 30% of the total foreign season-al workforce, and 14,700 more than in 2008. At 61% of the total, Polish work-ers still form the largest group. In 2008 67% of foreign seasonal workers came from Poland and 25% from Romania. The number of workers from Bulgaria - 2,000 - is not yet very high, but this number is rising rapidly.

In the south of France, numerous experiments

are underway into the total protection of or-

chards from insects using nets. In addition to

the existing hail nets, both apple and plum

orchards are being wrapped in insect nets at

the sides and ends. This prevents insects such

as the codling moth and the oriental fruit moth

(Cydia Molesta) from fl ying in. The latter moth

is also occurring more frequently in apples.

Both organic and conventional growers are

wrapping up their orchards.

When new hail nets are erected, the headland

at the end of the row is also wrapped in, so that

the net does not have to be lifted at the end

of every row when spraying or mowing. For

existing hail nets, several growers have made

a structure that allows the net to be rolled up

over the entire width of the plot.

(Hans Scholten, consultant in France; hans-

[email protected]) Orchard in the south of France with nets to protect apples from insects.

Photo: Hans Scholten

FRANCE:NETS AGAINST INSECTS

38

News of the world

GERMANY:CROSS BETWEEN PEAR AND NASHI

When fruits are crossed to develop new varieties, this is usually done within the same species. All over

the world, large numbers of breeding programmes are being undertaken within the European pear

species (Pyrus communis) or within the nashi species (Pyrus pyrifolia) to develop new varieties. But

technically it is also perfectly possible to cross the European pear with the nashi. In this way, the typical

properties of both species could be combined in one variety.

During his time as a breeder at the Geisenheim Research Centre in Germany, Professor Jacob did just

that. One of the progeny from a cross between the Harrow Sweet pear and the Niiseiki nashi pear is

currently being evaluated for suitability for commercial growing. The cross has the number BN 49-30

and has the appearance of a normal pear.

GERMANY:NEW PEAR VARIETIES FROM GEISENHEIM

Germany is not particularly well known as a country that grows a lot of pears. However, over the past few years there have been several breeding programmes in which new pear varieties have been bred. One of these programmes was set up by Professor Helmut Jacob of the Geisenheim Research Centre. Breeding has since ceased, but the last crossings to be carried out may well result in an interesting new pear variety.Professor Jacob is mainly known for his work as a breeder of damson varieties. A large number of new varieties has been introduced and planted on fruit farms over the past few years. All dam-son varieties starting with Top, such as Topper, Tophit plus, Topstar plus and Topgigant, originate from the Geisen-heim breeding programme. Besides plums, Jacob has also bred mirabelles, sour cherries, apples, walnuts and, as mentioned, pears.Three of the pear varieties bred by Jacob are currently being tested in greater depth and evaluated for suitability. The fi rst selection, a cross between Williams and Conference, has been named Jaco. Jaco will ripen at the end of September in central Germany, and is said to be a good keeper and very fl avoursome. The second variety, Bronzet, is a cross between Williams and Tongern. As the name suggests, the fruit has a golden-brown appearance. Bronzet ripens at the same time as Jaco, at the end of September, and also keeps well. The fruits are bigger than those of Jaco, so no thinning is needed. The third variety is called Schöne Helene and is a cross between Conference and Bonne Louise. This variety ripens a month earlier than Jaco and Bronzet.During a visit to the Geisenheim Re-search Centre at the end of July, the three varieties gave a good impression in terms of growth, fruit size and pro-ductivity. It was obviously not possi-ble to evaluate fl avour and shelf life at that point.

Schöne Helene is one of the varieties from Professor Jacob’s breeding programme in Geisenheim.

Photos: EFM

39

Research News

MODEL TO PREDICT EARLY DROP

Researcher Duane W. Greene from the

University of Massachusetts has de-

veloped a method to predict apple

June drop when the fruit are just 10

to 12 millimetres. The Fachhochschule

Weihenstephan magazine reports that

the method is being trialled this year by

the Schlachters research garden near

the Bodensee in South Germany. The

idea behind Greene’s model is that fruits

that fail to grow as fast as the average

fruit will drop during the June drop.

To be able to determine the June drop,

six to eight fl ower clusters on four trees

are marked and the fruits numbered.

Shortly after blossoming, when the

fruits are four to seven millimetres, the

size of every separate fruit is measured.

This is repeated one week later. Accord-

ing to Greene, fruits that show less than

half of the average growth will drop.

Therefore, if the average growth of fruits

is 6 millimetres in the week, all fruits

that have grown 3 millimetres or less

will drop.

CRACKING IN CHERRY TUNNEL

A rain cover or plastic tunnel prevents

cherries from cracking due to rain. How-

ever, this does not mean that cherries

will not crack at all. At a trial orchard of

cherry specialist Greg Lang from the

Michigan State University in the United

States, even in a plastic tunnel a large

proportion of the cherries cracked.

After a week in which in total 100 mm

of rain fell, 91% of the Lapins and

89% of the Rainier fruit grown with-

out a rain cover had cracked. How-

ever, even in a tunnel the percent-

age of cracked cherries was high:

32% of Lapins and 60% of Rainier.

Lang explains this by the fact that

the water that fl owed off the tun-

nel reached the roots and was then

absorbed by the trees. In the days fol-

lowing the rain, which saw high tem-

peratures and a high air humidity, the

leaves were unable to evaporate the

water, as a result of which it was ab-

sorbed by the fruit.

CHERRIES IN TUNNELS

The return made on cherries grown in a

tunnel or greenhouse depends largely

on the yield that can be achieved. In

an experimental tunnel greenhouse of

Greg Lang from the Michigan State Uni-

versity in the United States, two sprin-

klers were installed above the trees that

could also be used to apply crop pro-

tection products. This approach means

that you do not need any tracks in the

tunnel to be able to spray using a tractor

with a sprayer. The relatively expensive

space in the tunnel is therefore used

more eff ectively and higher production

levels are possible.

SKIN SPOT AND GA 4/7

In the past storage season, Elstar growers were once more confronted with seri-

ous skin spot damage. Unfortunately, the exact cause of the problem has not yet

been found. However, what is clear is that as with russeting, cracks in the skin play

a role. Cracks that occur in the period up to 6 to 8 weeks after blossoming can lat-

er be seen as russeting. Cracks that occur in July and August are probably visible

later as skin spots. On the initiative of the Dutch fruit grower organisation (Neder-

landse Fruittelers Organisatie - NFO), paid for by the Product Board for Horticulture

(Productschap Tuinbouw - PT) and carried out by the research department of the

Dutch AFSG, an investigation was carried out to determine whether using GA 4/7

or Platina (Plato) can prevent cracks in the skin and the associated skin spot. With

one treatment of 1 litre GA 4/7 on 27 August or with three treatments of 0.5 litre

GA 4/7 on 9, 16 and 27 August, the amount of skin spots could be reduced by ap-

proximately 16%. Platina had no eff ect on skin spots.

Skin spot on Elstar.

Photo: EFMents

How-

rries

rd of

the

nited

arge

d.

m

d

-

t

-

en

ol-

Skin spot on Elstar.

Photo: EFM

40

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New Products

Tanalith is a relatively new preservative for impregnating

wooden posts. During the recent apple day at Klein-Alten-

dorf, researcher Achim Kunz demonstrated this product to

visitors. The use of fl uoride-containing salts for impregnating

wooden posts was banned in Germany last year. Expecta-

tions are that preservatives containing chromium salts or

creosote oil will also be banned there within a few years.

Posts preserved with Tanalith have been on sale in Germany

for the past two years. They have been available much longer

in the UK. Tanalith is made of copper salts, triazoles (fungi-

cide) and water-repellent additives. Tanalised posts (posts

impregnated with Tanalith) are claimed to last much longer

than those impregnated with the preservatives used in the

past. Two German suppliers even provide a 25-year warranty

on tanalised posts. PWO Robert Lindner GmbH provides a

staggered warranty on tanalised posts made of German pine.

From the 11th to the 25th year, the amount the company

will pay for posts covered by the warranty drops from 100

to 15%. Brändlin uses Scandinavian pine posts preserved

with Tanalith in its anti-hail net structures. According to this

company, these posts will last for at least 30 years. Brändlin

provides a full 25-year warranty on the posts.

PINK LADY OF THE NORTH

The Pink Lady of the north: an alternative name for the new apple variety Maribelle. Some twenty years ago, the late Piet de Sonnaville, a private plant breeder, crossed the Meiprinses and Gloster apple varieties. He then crossed the resulting apple variety with Elstar. One of the progeny of that cross is now marketed under the name of Maribelle by his son Ben de Sonnaville, working together with Jan van Ingen of the Boomkwekerij van Rijn tree nursery and Mathieu Gremmen. Due to its pinkish-red blush, Maribelle looks a bit like a Pink Lady apple.Maribelle is a ‘fruit grower-friendly’ apple. The variety has a high yield, a good fruit size, easy colouring, high pack-out and low susceptibility to diseases. “Maribelle has a fresh taste, a good sweet and sour balance, a sugar content of approx. 14ºBrix and a fi rmness of 7 to 8 kg/cm2 and has a crisp bite as well,” says Gremmen, summarising the qualities of Maribelle. The apples are picked in the same period as Golden Delicious and Jonagold and keep for a long time.Unlike most other new apple varieties, Maribelle will not be marketed under a tightly managed ‘club’ concept, but as a variety which can be grown and sold freely. However, the parties that took the initiative to develop and introduce Mar-ibelle, want to support and coordinate the sales eff orts. And

since Maribelle is not a club variety, lots of trading companies have already expressed an interest in the variety. Maribelle is still only produced on a small scale. De Sonnaville himself has 1 hectare which is in its third year of growth. A total of 7,000 trees were planted at other companies in 2009 and another 58,000 trees will follow in the 2009/2010 season. “It depends on the demand for these apples how many trees will be planted in the future,” says nurseryman Van Ingen. In addition to being grown by fruit growers, Maribelle can also be found in a large number of trial gardens in Europe.

PWO Robert Lindner and Brändlin guarantee posts impregnated with

Tanalith.

Maribelle has a pinkish-red blush. Photos: EFM

25YEAR WARRANTY ON WOODEN POSTS

42

Agenda und Aktivitäten / Agenda en activiteiten / Agenda and activities

Gleisdorfer Bioobstbautage 2009Land: ÖsterreichSprache: DeutschDatum: 15. und 16. Dezember 2009Lokation/ Ort: Fachschule für OBST-Wirtschaft und EDV Technik

in GleisdorfInfo: www.fachschule-gleisdorf.at Anmeldung: bis 30. November 2009

bei [email protected]: € 60,-

KernobstseminarLand: ÖsterreichSprache: DeutschDatum: 17. Dezember 2009Lokation/ Ort: Fachschule für OBST-Wirtschaft und EDV Technik

in GleisdorfInfo: www.lfi .at Anmeldung: zentrale@lfi -steiermark.atKosten: € 35,-

Fructura Vakbeurs voor hard- en zachtfruitLand: BelgiëDatum: 18 - 20 december 2009Locatie: Belgische Fruitveiling (BFV) Montenakenweg 82, 3800 Sint-TruidenOrganisator: Fruittelers Zuid-Limburg vzw en Groene Kring

Fruittelers Zuid-LimburgInfo: www.fructura.be

Bundesseminar KernobstLand: DeutschlandSprache: DeutschDatum: 05-01-2010 bis 07-01-2010Lokation/ Ort: Andrea Hermes Akademie In der Wehrhecke 1 53126 Bonn-RöttgenInfo www.dlr-rheinpfalz.rlp.deAnmeldung: DLR Rheinpfalz / KoGa E-Mail: [email protected]

Agrosimex 2010Country: PolandLanguage: PolishDate: 6 and 7 January 2010Location: EXPO-center XXI, ul. Pradzynskiego 12/14 Warschau.Info www.agrosimex.pl

Steirische ObstbautagLand: ÖsterreichSprache: DeutschDatum: 13. Januar 2010Lokation/ Ort: LVZ Haidegg

SIVAL AngersCountry: FranceDate: 12 – 14 january 2010Location: Parc des Expositions, route de Paris, AngersProgram: Trade fair for equipment and techniques in viti-

culture, horticulture, arboriculture and vegetable crops

Info: www.sival-angers.com

International Fair of Fruit AgrotechnologyCountry: PolandLanguage: PolishDate: 15 and 16 January 2010Location: WarsawInfo http://www.mtas.pl/index.php?sLang=en

Sandomierz 2010Country: PolandLanguage: PolishDate: 26 and 27 January 2010Location: Sandomierz (PL)Info www.spotkaniesadownicze.pl

Fruit Logistica 2010Land: DeutschlandDatum: 3. bis 5. Februar 2010Zeit: Alle Tagen 09.00 – 18.00 UhrOrt: Messe Berlin, Messedamm 22, 14055 BerlinProgramm: unter www.fruitlogistica.deVeranstalter: Messe BerlinInfo www.fruitlogistica.de

Norddeutschen Obstbautagen 2010Land: DeutschlandDatum: 10. und 11. Februar 2010Ort: Schützenhofstraβe in JorkProgramm: Fachausstellung von Maschinen und Geräten für

den ObstbauVeranstalter: OVR Altes Landes, OVB Jork, LNK StadeInfo: www.ovb-jork.de

Fruchtwelt Bodensee 2010Land: DeutschlandDatum: 19. - 21. Februar 2010Ort: Messe FriedrichshafenInfo: www.fruchtwelt-bodensee.de

Intervitis-Interfructa 2010Land: DeutschlandDatum: 24. bis 27. März 2010Ort: Messe StuttgartProgramm: Technologiemesse für Wein, Obst, Fruchtsaft und

SpirituosenInfo: www.intervitis-interfructa.de

Fruchtwelt Bodensee (D)

43

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Our recommendations for your next

cherry planting

Samba® sumste– Origin Canada Summerland– 3. Cherry week– Early blooming, S1S3– Productive– Large fruit size – very shiny– Sensitive to pseudomonas

after springfrost

protected variety

Korvikpvrprotected variety

Grace Starpvrprotected variety

– Origin CZ Holovousy– 4. Cherry Week– Middle early blooming, S2S6– Look alike to Kordia– Fruit setting better than Kordia– High crack resistance– Large picking window

– Origin Italy Bologna– 4. Cherry week– Middle early blooming,

self-fertile– Very good productivity– Good pollinator for Korvik

Trees available as from November 2010. Place your order in time!

Lindestraat 22, B-3570 AlkenTel +32 (0)11 31 21 25, Fax +32 (0)1131 65 26

Samba® sumste pvr (UE1650) edited by Darnaud (F)Korvik pvr (file n° 2008/1161) edited by GEEFA, Alken (B)Grace Star pvr (EU 20804) edited by GEEFA, Alken (B)Al deze variëteiten zijn beschermde variëteiten en mogen onder geen beding vermeerderd worden zonder uitdrukkelijketoestemming van de uitgever.

We kindly invite to attend and par-ticipate in the largest all-Poland

conference for Fruit growers

AGROSIMEX 2010 III Edition January 6-7

2010 EXPO XXI WARSAW-Poland

PR�DZY�SKIEGO 12/14 STR.

The CONFERENCE program:

The lectures and presentations concerning the possible solu-tions to solve current problems in fruit growing industry will

be given by Polish and international experts Exhibition of Ma-chinery & Equipment for fruit growing industry will amount

to 4500 square meters of space Exhibition of companies which supply pesticides and fertilizers

AGROSIMEX sp. z o.o.

Goliany 43, 05-620 Błędów, Poland

tel. (+48 48) 668 04 71

[email protected], www.agrosimex.pl

Advanced fertilizer technology for agriculture

Chelated micronutrients for fruit crops

ADOB Sp. z o.o. Sp. k. ul. Warszawska 4361-028 Poznań, Poland

phone +48 61 650 31 66fax +48 61 650 31 67

e-mail: offi [email protected] www.adob.com.pl

IDHAunique biodegradable chelates:

Fe IDHAZn IDHAMn IDHACu IDHAblends/compounds

EDTAstandardchelates:

Fe EDTAZn EDTAMn EDTACu EDTAblends/compounds

HBEDnew formula stablewithin wide pH range:

Fe HBED

High nutrient concentration. Fully water soluble. Easy plant available.Unique microgranule formula. Free from dust and caking.

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