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Examination of possible treatments of mechanical pruning in organic apple production - especially with regard to pathogens and pests
Project
Project code: 2812OE031
Contract period: 01.02.2015
- 31.01.2018
Budget: 176,718 Euro
Purpose of research: Applied research
Aim of the project is to proof the effect of the mechanical pruning in organic apple orchards, also in combination with mechanical thinning.
At the moment these new technique is not used in organic growing despite the cost and time saving, because the expected undesirable side effects on the pest population, especially the woolly apple aphid (Eriosoma lanigerum), has not been research sufficiently.
Furthermore there is still no experience with the growth behaviour, the yield potential and the fruit quality in organic apple growing. During the project trials on mechanical pruning are carried out on the most important varieties in organic growing respectively on varieties that are especially vulnerable to pathogens and pests. Therefore the investigations are carried out on the following varieties:
- ’Topaz’ (green apple aphid Dysaphis plantaginea)
- ’Elstar’ (biannual bearing)
- ’Gala’ (apple scab Venturia inaequalis and nectria cancer Nectria galligena)
- ’Pinova’ (Gloeosporium-fruit rot und powdery mildew Podosphaera leucotricha)
- ’Jonagold’ (woolly apple aphid Eriosoma lanigerum)
- ’Natyra’ (new apple scab resistant variety in organic apple growing)
In the case of positive results a significant reduction of working time and personnel costs for pruning, thinning and harvest in organic managed orchards is expected. This could improve the profitability of organic apple production.
Section overview
Subjects
- Crop Protection
- Arboriculture
- Organic Farming
Framework programme
Federal Organic Farming Scheme and other forms of sustainable agriculture (BÖLN)
