Hello,
I am trying to understand a rough range of apple weight for a mature tree that is approximately 60-80% of standard size. It would also be helpful to understand how the apple yield ramps up to full yield before it reaches maturity.
There is surprisingly little information about estimating apple tree yield. I expect that the reason for this is that there is such a huge number of variables with the various cultivars and rootstocks.
Does anyone know of any sort of documentation on estimates for apple yield for various tree sizes? I am particularly interested in an average yield for a semi-drawf (60-80% of standard) rootstocks such at M-106 and M-111 with a average yielding cultivar (if there is such a thing).
Thanks!
Chris
Hey Chris -
Jacke & Toensmeier ("Edible Forest Gardens") state "...10—30 bu; Jeavons: semidwarf: 112—225 lb; standard: 800—1,600 lb."
Philips (The Apple Grower") doesn't state a per tree yield directly, but I've extrapolated a per tree yield by pulling together bits of data in his book. Here's how I did it:
1) "...MM111 rootstock on a 16*24-foot spacing works out to just over 110 trees per acre..." My M111 trees are at about 20-foot spacing which would work out to just under 110 trees per acre.
2) non-organic yields "...700-1400 bushels an acre." = 33600 - 67200 #s per acre, average 50400 #s per acre.
3) IPM yields "...500 - 800 bushels..." = 24000 - 38400 #s per acre, average 31200#s per acre.
4) organic yields "...350 - 600 bushels..." = 16800 - 28800 #s per acre, average 22800 #s per acre. ("...when you account for biennial tendencies in certain varieties and compact fruit size." I'd also guess that insect/disease pressures also reduce yields in organic v. non-organic). I use organic practices, so I use 22800#s per acre for the following...
5) 22800#s / 110 = just over 200 #s per tree, which falls within the semidwarf range stated by Jacke & Toensmeier.
Hope that helps.
Mitch
Yeah, that's great information thank you! It's amazing that a standard tree is doing 4-8 times more apples (in terms of weight) than a semi-dwarf tree! It almost seems like this is comparing organic vs non-organic here but I would expect Edible Forest Gardens to only discuss organic practices...
Since you raised the subject of spacing, I am planning on planting M111 at 10'x15' spacing; do you see any issues with that?
Finally do you have any information or experience regarding how the production of a tree ramps up over its early life; as a percentage of full yield, for example.
Thanks for your help!!!
Chris
Its a bit misleading when they talk about tree size percentages in terms of height. Height is one-dimensional (length). Fruit tree canopies are 3-dimensional (volume).
If one makes the simplifying assumption that the diameter of the canopy is proportional to the height of the tree, then a tree that is twice as tall as another has 8 times the canopy volume.
If one assumes that fruit production is roughly proportional to canopy volume - well, you can see how a tree that is twice as tall would have 8 times the production.
Obviously there are many other factors involved, but in simplified terms, it makes sense.
cjb802 said
Yeah, that's great information thank you! It's amazing that a standard tree is doing 4-8 times more apples (in terms of weight) than a semi-dwarf tree! It almost seems like this is comparing organic vs non-organic here but I would expect Edible Forest Gardens to only discuss organic practices...Since you raised the subject of spacing, I am planning on planting M111 at 10'x15' spacing; do you see any issues with that?
Finally do you have any information or experience regarding how the production of a tree ramps up over its early life; as a percentage of full yield, for example.
Thanks for your help!!!
Chris
Again from Phillips' "The Apple Grower", quoting Tim Smith from Washington State, p. 263:
"...dwarf-rooted, trellised blocks... Year two yields about 10-30 percent of full. Year three yields are 60-70 percent. Year four yields tend to drop after overcroipping in year three, but we'll say they are 70-80 percent. Year five usually brings about average full production." He then briefly discusses the difference in these numbers for differences in rootstock.
Part of the problem is that there are so many variables: varieties to pollinate, pollinators (bees, etc.), health of tree, health of soil, variety of apples to eat, tip bearing, etc.
Asian pears and quinces are much more productive per size, and yet I have many more apple trees than those together. It's the diversity and flavor.
JohN S
PDX OR
DanielW said
Jafar, sounds like an engineering calculation. If apples bear fewer fruits on the inside or bottom of the tree, would the calculation be more like the surface area of a 1/2 sphere?In that case, I wonder if it would approximate 2-dimensional. Sort of.
Yeah, I was intentionally vague with the "many other factors". Hopefully trees are pruned for light penetration weather small or large, but yes, the interior is going to be less fruitful in most cases.
Idyllwild
simplepress
jafar
Marsha H
Viron
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