1. CMREC, Upper Marlboro Evaluation of the Perpendicular–V Peach Orchard Training System Applicability Study for the Southern Maryland Region, 1999-2006 R. David Myers Presented by Anne DeMarsay

2. Peach Training System Study CMREC, Upper Marlboro Planted April 14, 1999 Monmouth Fine Sandy Loam Soil Fertilizer and Lime Applied in Tilled Strips Heading Cut to: 24” for Standard Open- Center, & 20” for Perpendicular-V System, Tall Fescue Drilled in Row Alleyways

3. Peach Training System Study CMREC, Upper Marlboro Arranged Complete Block, 3 REPS with 7 Peach Varieties: –Candor –Garnet Beauty –Red Haven –Flamin’Fury PF 15A –Bounty –Cresthaven –Fantasia (Nectarine) Training Systems: –Open Center 20’ X 16” –Perpendicular-V 20’ X 8” Note: V-Tree fruit trellis established in March of 2 nd Leaf.

4. March 2001 3 rd Leaf V-System

5. March 2001 3 rd Leaf Open Center

6. *Significant P =.0045 Lsd = 1.195

7. May 2001 3 rd leaf V-System

8. July 2001 3 rd leaf Open Center

9. Note: V-Tree spraying requires a modified sprayer.

11. Note: V-Tree Fruit was small do to unbalanced thinning.

12. July 2002 4 th Leaf V-System

13. *Non-Significant

14. Open Center: 136 trees/Acre X 45.9 lbs/tree = 6,202 lbs/Acre V-System: 272 trees/Acre X 42.1 lbs/tree =11,451 lbs/Acre

15. May 2004 6 th Leaf V-System

17. Open Center: 136 trees/Acre V-System: 272 trees/Acre

18. Peach Training System Study Conclusions Perpendicular-V Cons Pruning and Scaffold Development Laborious Harder to Size Control V-Trees – Not Recommended on Productive Ag Soils Fruit Thinning & Harvesting is More Difficult Higher Disease Pressure – Irregular Spray Coverage Perpendicular-V Pros Heavy Early Yields/Acre New Varieties are Quick to Market Compact Orchard with Twicethe Numberof Trees/Acre Lower Input Costs

19. Thank You! Any Questions? myersrd@umd.edu www.annearundel.umd.edu