before
after
August 4, 2001
Soon after topping of the scion stem, lateral buds begin to sprout. Three to 5 shoots are then selected to form the scaffold branches, and additional sprouting removed as seen above. Tree basic structure is therefore defined, the stem developing into the trunk and the lateral shoots into the scaffold main branches which will sustain the canopy. The objective is to keep the interior of the canopy well ventilated avoiding congestion by an excessive number of branches. As a result, disease incidence of branches (Rubelose, Melanose) and fruit (Scab, Melanose) is minimized. Spraying and internal pruning of the plants are also facilitated by selected scaffold branch development.
