Intensive apple orchard systems

In 2006–2008, the peak industry body Apple and Pear Australia Limited, conducted an educational workshop series for apple and pear orchardists called ‘Future Orchards 2012’. The aim of the two-year project was to provide growers with the knowledge, skills and confidence to plant new orchards to intensive systems. Technical content for the project was provided by the consultants AgFirst New Zealand and other invited Australian and international speakers.

This Primefact is a brief summary of some of the topics presented to orchardists as part of the orchard walk program in NSW. Contents include:

• What is an intensive system?
• What are the advantages?
• Disadvantages
• Getting started
• Selecting plant material
• Nursery tree quality
• Tree support structures
• Planning for pollination
• Pruning and training
• Further reading