Converting older apple trees into younger ones for quality fruits

摘要

An old and senile apple orchard becomes unproductive and bears poor quality fruits in terms of size, shape, infestation with diseases etc. Thus, every effort should be made to rejuvenate old and senile plants in order to restore their productive potential. Rejuvenation produces best results on trees which are not very old, but are unproductive because of defects in pruning and cultural operations etc. In such orchards, proper pruning and thinning of crowded branches for proper air circulation, improved photosynthetic efficiency, adequate pollinizer proportion, assured use of pollinators, application of balanced doses of nutrients and following integrated pest and diseases management practices at proper time are necessary. Generally, apple orchards require rejuvenation after 20-25 years of age, if they are not being looked after properly.