Innovative cultivation systems

For sustainability and fruit quality

The requirements of modern commercial fruit growing go far beyond achieving high-quality fruits and range from the controlled use of plant protection products to the optimisation of machinery or labour. In order to meet these requirements, there is a continuous need to develop innovative ideas and researched alternative cultivation systems that contribute to a sustainable improvement in contemporary fruit growing.

The fruit trees at the Oberhofer Nursery are available as Spindel, Bibaum® and Guyot trees.

Spindel

The classic, proven conical shape in fruit cultivation – a central fruit axis with strong branches forming the basis of the Spindel and becoming shorter towards the top of the tree.

Characteristics:

  • Longevity
  • High-yield
  • Proven
  • Particularly suited to certain varieties

Depending on height above sea level, fertility of the acreage, type, as well as the growth behaviour of the tree:

  • Recommended row spacing of 2.8 - 3.4 m
  • Recommended plant distance in the row of between 0.6 - 1.0 m

BIBAUM®*

One trunk with two symmetrical fruit axes that are equally strong. This gives it an advantage when it comes to cultivation.

Characteristics:

  • Loose, fast-drying pericarp
  • Good growth regulation
  • Symmetrically coloured fruits
  • Ideal for mechanical cutting and thinning

Depending on height above sea level, fertility of the acreage, type, as well as the growth behaviour of the tree:

  • Recommended row spacing of 2.2 - 2.9 m
  • Recommended plant distance in the row of between 1.0 - 5.0 m

* Licence holder: Società Vivai Mazzoni and produced by Fruitplant

Guyot*

A horizontal fruit axis with lateral shoots on one side that become denser towards the end of the axis, similar to espalier planting in viticulture. The tree is supplied with the beginnings of fruit buds and can easily be trained horizontally.

Characteristics:

  • Narrow, fast-drying pericarp without the need for trellising
  • Symmetrically coloured fruits
  • Can be tended from the ground without the need for ladders or platforms
  • Cutting, thinning and harvesting activities can be carried out mechanically
  • Suitable for sensitive areas thanks to the reduced drift
  • Suitable for steep terrain

Depending on height above sea level, fertility of the acreage, type, as well as the growth behaviour of the tree:

  • Recommended row spacing of 1.5 - 2.2 m
  • Recommended plant distance in the row of between 1.0 - 1.3 m
  • Maximum tree height 2.2 m to 2.5 m

* Patent Feno