device. The extended eyebolt allows 18 inches of Vertical Trellis 

 tension adjustment to account for expansion and 



contraction from winter to summer. The spring ten- A Previous Fruit Notes article [53(l):4-7] sug- 



sioning device automatically performs an immediate S ested that a Mclntosh/M.9 tree trained to a vertical 



adjustment to short-term temperature changes. trelhs was significantly more productive and gave 



Wire was passed through 1/2-inch holes drilled in better returns than one trained as a small central 



the intermediate posts. leader supported by a post. Hence, a vertical trellis 



Trees were approximately 6 feet tall after plant- was included in this trial. Much more support is 



rm. ji.i.i_LLii i given to a tree on a trellis than one on a post, since 



mg. They were tied to the bamboo stakes in two ° n , u ^ „_4.„j Tr> tU; „ „, £ t „ 



locations. Because most lateral branches on these 



trees originated above 40 inches, 8 buds were 



notched on each tree between 24 and 30 inches above In this trial a 4-wire trellis was used, with wires 



the soil to encourage a low tier of branches. Any a t 24, 44, 64, and 74 inches above the soil surface. 



laterals which were very strongly upright at plant- The support structure was established similarly to 



ing were removed. that described for the vertical axis, except all posts 



were shorter (12-foot end posts and 10-foot interme- 



all branches are supported. In this planting, trees 

 were spaced 8 feet in the rows and 14 feet between 



rows. 



Fruit Notes, Fall, 1990 



