Apple Production Manual, Roots of Peace, Nov. 2008

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 4
2 Scientific Classification ................................................................................................................. 4
3 Morphology.................................................................................................................................... 5
3.1 Main Characteristics of Apples ............................................................................................... 5
3.1.1 Shape ................................................................................................................................ 5
3.1.2 Axis .................................................................................................................................. 5
3.1.3 Tube Stamens ................................................................................................................... 5
3.1.4 Tube ................................................................................................................................. 6
3.1.5 Carpals ............................................................................................................................. 6
3.1.6 Eye ................................................................................................................................... 6
4 Apple Classification Systems ........................................................................................................ 6
4.1 Dr. Diel’s first natural classification system (Germany, 1792) ............................................... 6
4.2 Diel-Dochnahl classification system (Germany, 1855) .......................................................... 7
4.3 Diel-Lucas classification system ............................................................................................. 7
4.4 Double classification system ................................................................................................... 8
4.5 John Warder American classification system (1867) .............................................................. 8
4.6 J. Thomas classification system (USA, 1849) ......................................................................... 9
4.7 English artificial classification system (1876) ........................................................................ 9
5 Soil Preparation .............................................................................................................................. 9
6 Planting Apple Trees .................................................................................................................... 10
7 Orchard Layout ............................................................................................................................ 10
8 Fertilizing Apple Trees ................................................................................................................ 11
8.1 Nitrogen status ....................................................................................................................... 11
8.2 Phosphorus status .................................................................................................................. 12
8.3 Potassium status .................................................................................................................... 13
9 Pest and Disease Management ..................................................................................................... 15
10 Irrigation ...................................................................................................................................... 18
11 Pruning Apple Trees .................................................................................................................... 18
11.1 Root stock .......................................................................................................................... 19
11.2 Principles of pruning apple tree ......................................................................................... 22
11.3 The growing habits of apple trees...................................................................................... 25
11.4 Pruning cuts ....................................................................................................................... 25
11.5 Pruning young apple trees ................................................................................................. 26
11.6 Training the apple tree ....................................................................................................... 26
11.6.1 Central leader system ..................................................................................................... 26
11.6.2 Open center system ........................................................................................................ 28
11.6.3 Slender, spindle-type system ......................................................................................... 28
11.6.4 Cordon type system........................................................................................................ 29
11.7 Pruning bearing trees ......................................................................................................... 30
12 Harvest ......................................................................................................................................... 32
13 Apple Varieties ............................................................................................................................ 33
14 References .................................................................................................................................... 41
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