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New orchard performance is very dependant on how well the new planting grows in its first growing season. In the first growing season, much of the growth occurs during summer and autumn. Production over the next two or three years will be maximized if the full potential of this year's growth can be captured. For this reason, it is important not to forget about the new plantings once harvest begins on the producing trees.
Weed competition, water stress and foliage damaging pests and diseases all have the potential to reduce tree growth.
Recently planted trees have shallow restricted root systems so cannot compete with weed competition as well as more established trees.
Furthermore, they cannot tap subsoil water supply like mature trees are able to.
Before the harvest takes all your attention and available resources, check that new orchard plantings are weed free.
Keep the irrigation programme going on the young orchard.
Apple leaf curling midge, powdery mildew and black spot are all capable of devastating young actively growing foliage between now and the completion of growth. Maintain a good preventative spray programme until two weeks after growth ceases.
Rapidly growing young trees develop considerable sail area, so become rather vulnerable to autumn storm damage. Make sure that the tree support system is robust enough to hold the trees up during any autumn storms which may occur.
Phytophthora crown rot infection often occurs during the autumn in young apple orchards. Several preventative sprays of a phosphorus acid fungicide product between now and leaf fall will minimize the risk of tree losses from phytophthora crown rots.
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