Intensive pear production

Orchard Management

Intensive pear production systems use more than 1,000 trees/ha. They aim for early returns on capital and consistent high yields of good quality fruit from lower labour costs.

The classification of what constitutes a high density orchard varies between production regions. For the purpose of this site densities are defined as follows:

Low density = <1,000 trees/ha

Moderate density = 1,000-2,500 trees/ha

High density = 2,500-4,000 trees/ha

Very high density = 5,000-8,000 trees/ha

Ultra high density = > 8,000 trees/ha

Blush Pears

Intensive pear orchards can offer better production efficiency through:

Earlier bearing and therefore quicker returns on investment;
Improved fruit quality – up to variety-specific maximum densities where crop loads are managed;
Better labour efficiencies once established (e.g. more efficient harvest and pruning/training).

When thinking of establishing intensive pear orchard, growers need to consider:

Planning
Careful planning is needed to decide where to establish the new orchard:
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Choosing Rootstocks & Scions
Rootstocks play an integral role in influencing vigour, growth habit and cropping of the scion cultivar, resistance to pest and diseases and tolerance to unfavourable conditions in the growing environment.
- Rootstocks
Profitability of an intensive pear orchard is initially dependent on how quickly new trees can be induced to set flowers and fruit. To realise the economic advantage of planting intensively, early cropping is essential.
- Nursery trees
- Planting nursery trees
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Training systems

This is the integration of tree arrangement, planting density, support systems and training schemes. There is no one planting system to suit all situations. Factors such as soil, cultivar, rootstock, management regimes and socio-economic conditions will determine the optimal combination for each orchard.
Training systems
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Controlling vigour
Excessive tree vigour can have a major impact on the productivity of a pear orchard and pruning will be necessary.
- Pruning young trees
- Pruning established trees
Other methods for controlling vigour are also available:
Physical methods: Root pruning and notching
Chemical methods: Plant growth regulators
Deficit Irrigation: RDI
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Irrigation
Intensive pear systems require more efficient irrigation systems to maximise production with low water use. Decisions need to be made on the type of irrigation (e.g. drip vs. microspray) as well as whether the orchard uses Deficit Irrigation and when.
- Irrigation
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Nutrition
Like irrigation, tree nutrition in intensive systems must be tightly controlled to ensure maximum productivity.
- Nutrition
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Pest & Disease Management
The micro-environment of the tree canopy can change with different tree density and management systems and require suitable monitoring and control of pest and diseases.
- Pest & disease management
- Weed management
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Pollination
Harvest Maturity
Deciding when to harvest pear fruit is not always straightforward, and can have a critical impact on fruit quality, ripening and storage behaviour.
- Harvest maturity
- Postharvest handling
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Postharvest handling
Pear fruit may require a cool-storage period after harvest to induce complete ripening and flavour development. Fruit can also be cool-stored for weeks or months, depending on variety, in air or controlled atmospheres
- Postharvest handling
- 1-MCP
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Addition resources:

Nitrogen application in pear orchards. Fact sheet: discusses how to assess nitrogen status, calculate nitrogen requirements, fertiliser options and timing and method of applications.

Evaporative cooling in apple & pear orchards - used to prevent sun damage of the fruit by applying overhead watering and lowering fruit surface temperature.

Understanding mites in tree crops - presentation by David Williams (Principal Research Scientist - Invertebrate Sciences) at Agriculture Victoria, Tatura

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Video: Understanding mites in deciduous tree fruit orchards, lecture by David Williams (32 min, 43 sec)

Acknowledgements:

Lexie McClymont (DEDJTR), Angie Grills (DEDJTR), Mark Hankin (APAL), Jenny Treeby (DEDJTR), Sophie Clayton (APAL), Ian Goodwin (DEDEJTR) and Sue Richards (DEDJTR).

This resource was compiled as part of the Profitable Pears project, funded by Apple and Pear Association Limited (APAL), Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL) and Agriculture Victoria. First compiled in 2009, it was extended and updated in 2014. The information contained in this resource is for general reference only. Growers should seek local technical advice before deciding on changes to production and postharvest practices.

^{This project, AP12002 Profitable Pears: Maximising productivity and quality of new pear varieties, is funded by Agriculture Victoria with co-investment from Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited using the apple and pear levy and funds from the Australian Government}