Importance of training system for machine pruning in intensive apple orchards (Malus domestica Borkh.)

Rez je eden izmed bolj zahtevnih tehnoloških ukrepov v nasadih jablan. Zlasti je zelo pomemben in neizogiben v intenzivnih sadovnjakih. Ustrezno usposobljeno delovno silo je vse težje dobiti, zato je treba iskati nove možnosti. Rez delimo na gojitveno in vzdrževalno, kjer pri prvi vzpostavimo želeno gojitveno obliko, drugo pa opravljamo v nasadih, ki so v polni rodnosti. Z rezjo uravnavamo razmerje med rastjo in rodnostjo. To obsega izrezovanje starega lesa, preveč bujnih poganjkov in tudi redčenje rodnih brstov, če jih je preveč–prvo redčenje. Delo nam olajša strojna rez, ki tudi izboljša kakovost pridelka. Današnje izvedbe strojev so težke in okorne, zato se moramo dobrim rezultatom približati z izbiro ustrezne gojitvene oblike, saj je tak način rezi neselektiven. Tako bo ročna korekcija manj potrebna, posledično bo manj stroškov. Primerna gojitvena oblika je taka, ki omogoča enostavno rez, dobro osvetlitev in odlično kakovost plodov. Sadovnjak naj bo čim bolj izenačen in strojem dostopen. Stroji niso samohodni, ampak se priključijo na traktor s prednjim vpenjanjem. Optimalna gojitvena oblika ima kratki rodni les, brez strukturnega lesa, drevo ima obliko trapeza, kar pomeni, da je zgoraj ožje, spodaj širše. Tem parametrom ustreza sodobno ozko vreteno.Pruning is among the most labor demanding technological measures in fruit growing - in this case of apple orchards where it is vital and inevitable. Sufficient trained labor is nowadays hard to get, therefore we need to seek other alternatives. After planting, we prune saplings to achieve the desired training system. As the trees are 4 years old we prune them in a way to maintain the right ratio between growth and yield. This includes complete removal of old shoots, shoots that are too vigorous and thinning of buds if too many – first thinning. The work is made easier with machine pruning, which also increases yield quality. Types of machines know today are heavy and clumsy so we need to form a correct training system in order to achieve good results as this is a non-selective method. The most suitable tree training system in the one that is easily pruned, has high light interception and is able to have an excellent fruit quality. The orchard should be as uniform and as easily accessible to machinery as possible. Pruning machines are not self-driving but are attached to tractors usually in the front. The most appropriate training system is the one that has short shoots, row have a shape of a cone. Upper part is narrower than lower. Tall spindle as we know it today meets these requirements