TECHNICAL
2-D growing systems prove their worth Fourteen years since the first commercial 2-D orchards were planted, AgFirst director, Craig Hornblow, says they can provide long-term growing benefits. By Rose Mannering There is not one iteration of a 2-D system, it is a constantly moving target, Craig says. However, he believes a simple, narrow row produces the greatest accessibility and is the most productive. Due to the high capital expenditure, with a development cost of $200,000 a hectare, it is important to consider the longevity of the block. Investment analysis has been carried out for 15 years but most orchards at a reasonable row spacing and in good condition, can be grafted to another variety, or even worked over three or four times. “A development cost of $200,000 a hectare can stretch to a 30-year horizon,” Craig says. Careful thought needs to go into the structure and risk. 66
The ORCHARDIST : DECEMBER 2021
Hail insurance has got to the point where it is almost unaffordable, and Craig believes hail netting will be a big part of the future. Ground conditions become an important consideration, with more frequent machinery passes and high technology equipment for picking or scanning the canopy. Longevity of rootstock is also critical. There are now two or three rootstocks soon to be available that will offer a whole range of benefits going into the future. “Be wary of ones that grow strongly early but then stall and behave much worse than M9 – the current industry standard,” Craig says. Disease and pest resistant qualities will also be important for future orchard developments.
