A demonstration of innovative and viable orchard systems that aim to increase the uniformity, efficiency, and profitability gains in the deciduous fruit industry to maintain our international competitiveness.
The objects of the programme are:
01
Focus on future needs
02
Drive innovation and change – explore new options
03
Create trial/demo blocks
04
Create field day sites and share results
05
Contribute to the relevance and focus of research
The Orchard of the Future
Phase One
Phase One is aimed at encouraging an industry shift towards higher density plantings of dwarfing and more yield efficient rootstocks that would allow the following:
- Greater mechanisation
- Greater operational efficiency
- Improved fruit production efficiency
- Reduced wastage (higher pack-out percentage)
- Showcase potential strategies and technologies that can decrease risks to fruit production
1. PAARDEKLOOF
| Year established | 2010 |
| Rootstock | MM.109 with M.9 EMLA interstem |
| Scion | Rosy Glow |
| Spacing | 3.5 x 1.25 metres |
| Training | Solaxe |
| Size | 1.05 hectare |
| Trees per hectare | 2286 |
| Nets | Fixed net over half the block (Part 20% white and part 40% natural). |
- Productivity of high-density MM.109/M.9 EMLA interstems Rosy Glow orchards
- Effect of shade net on fruit quality and production
- Effect of shade net on profitability
2. BOKVELDSKLOOF
| Year established | 2013 |
| Rootstock | M.7 and M.9 Nic29 |
| Scion | Fuji Kiku |
| Training | Spindle central leader |
| Size | 0.65 hectare |
| Nets | None |
Productivity of high and ultra-high-density M.7 and M.9 orchards apple orchards as pertaining to precocity, fruit quality, production costs, labour productivity and profitability
3. GRAYMEAD
| Year established | 2011 |
| Rootstock | M.9 Nic29 |
| Scion | Royal Gala Brookfield and Fuji Kiku |
| Spacing | 3.5 x 1.2 metres |
| Training | Spindle |
| Size | 0.91 hectare |
| Trees per hectare | 2381 |
| Nets | None |
Effect of M.9 Nic29 rootstocks on precocity, fruit quality, production costs and labour
4. OAK VALLEY
| Year established | 2012 |
| Rootstock | G.222 |
| Scion | Granny Smith |
| Cross-pollinator | Rosy Glow |
| Spacing | 3.5 x 1.2 metres |
| Training | Solaxe Sud-Tirol type |
| Size | 1 hectare |
| Trees per hectare | 2381 |
| Nets | 20% white fixed |
- Profitability of farming Granny Smith apples under shade nets
- Management of Granny Smith trees under nets
- Semi- dwarfing rootstock (G.222) under nets