ACHIEVEMENTS IN HIGH DENSITY CHERRY ORCHARD SYSTEMS

training, turning to bearing Abstract: High density central leader systems, the so called “spindle trees ” are spreading in intensive stone fruit orchards established for hand picking in Hungary. Results of Brunner (1972, 1990) and Zahn (1967, 1996) inspired the researchers to implement their theories into practice under our climate and special soil conditions. For sweet cherry it is essential to apply an orchard system appropriate for hand picking because of the European market requirements. In intensive sweet cherry orchards two new training and orchard systems are developed and adapted to environmental conditions in Hungary based on previous inventions. The first step of the development is represented by modified Brunner-spindle, which applies the delayed heading of the central leader and the sectorial-double-pruning system from Brunner, resulting semi-intensive orchard of 600-800 trees/ha density, planted on standard vigour rootstocks. Based upon tree size spacing of 5 m between row and 2.5- 3 m between trees is recommended, tree height is around 3.5-4 m. This training system is useful for hand-picking; 60-70 % of the crop can be harvested from ground. Modified Brunner-spindle is suitable for either standard or moderate vigorous rootstocks. The cherry spindle is an intensive orchard planted with 1250 – 2300 trees per hectare and it is recommended for sweet and sour cherries on semi dwarf to vigorous rootstocks, depending on soil fertility and quality. Trees ar