370 



STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE 



and this equal heading of all branches is continued until the framework is com- 

 pleted. In other words, each of the scaffold branches is given equal promi- 

 nence, and any tendency of one to outgrow the others is suppressed. The 



center is kept sufficiently open to permit the 

 penetration of light throughout the tree. 

 The result is a spreading tree, sufficiently 

 open to permit good coloring of the fruit, 

 and low enough to allow economical hand- 

 ling. This type of tree is easily maintained 

 after it is once started. 



The open center tree is structurally weak, 

 due to the fact that, in general, the scaffold 

 branches issue from practically the same 

 point, thus formmg weak crotches. Fre- 

 quently one of the scaffold branches splits 

 off and the tree is practically ruined. Many 

 trees trained in accordance with this system, 

 have met this fate. Artificial supports must 

 be resorted to in many orchards with trees 

 trained in such mamier. In spite of these 

 defects, however, this system of training is 

 recommended and very generally adopted 

 for some kinds of fruits. 



The Modified Leader or Delayed Open 

 Center is the third type of tree. As the 

 terms indicate, it is a modification of the 

 leader tree or is intermediate between the 

 open center and leader types. It combines 

 the more important advantages and elimi- 

 nates some of the disadvantages of each. 

 The resulting tree is low headed, spreading, 

 and has from six to ten scaffold branches 

 distributed along and about a central axis, 

 thus forming a strong framework with well- 

 formed crotches. It is not possible to secure the several scaffold branches 

 from one season's growth of the main axis and have them properly 

 distributed; so the selection must extend over some three or four years, 

 starting two or three new scaffold branches each year. After the desired 

 number of well-distributed scaffold branches has been obtained, the tree 

 should be opened by discontinuing (removing) the leader. 



At this point, attention should be called to the fact that the system of 

 training employed during the first four or five years of the tree's life definitely 

 determines its form, and later attempts to change the form are very frequently 

 accompanied by disastrous results. An established leader should not be 

 removed, after the second or third year, with the idea of developing a strictly 

 open center tree, and, in like manner, attempts should not be made to change 

 an open center tree to a modified leader or leader type. Well trained trees 

 may be developed along any of the above lines and no one system is best for 

 all species, varieties and conditions. 



Since many fruit growers are not familiar with the modified leader type of 

 tree, and since it is recommended for most varieties of apples, pears, cherries 

 and European plums, a more detailed description and development of a 

 theoretically ideal tree may be in order. 



Figure 9. A weak crotch and one 

 that offers favorable conditions for 

 the entrance of heart rot organisms. 



