Modified Central Leaders in Fruit Trees
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- čas přidán 1. 02. 2024
- In this video we will discuss how fruit trees grow in nature and why it's important to manipulate the shape and form of a fruit tree to simplify spray, harvest and other maintenance.
There are several fruit tree forms such as, open center, central leader, espalier, and modified central leader.
This video explains what a modified central leader is by describing a straight trunk 2-3 feet high with 3-5 good scaffold branches. Above the first layer is a space, and then another 3-5 scaffold branches. Modified leader can be two or three layers high, but at some point it is good to control the height by removing the leader.
I don’t know if it’s scientifically accurate but that was the best explanation of a modified central leader I’ve heard. I think some forms of the modified Central leader leaves a weak leader.
Thank you I'm glad it was helpful.
Very interesting presentation today. Thanks!
So glad you enjoyed it!
How do you get the scaffolds without removing central leader?
Young trees will grow lateral branches without removing the leader. You just have to pick the ones that you want to keep and develop as scaffold branches.
Nice presentation! Do you recommend a certain type of form for particular types of fruit (e.g. open vase for peaches) or can any form be used for any variety of fruit?
I like to prune most fruit trees to a modified central leader with a few exceptions. Peaches and nectarines do well with an open center, and pear trees do well with a central leader.