Intensification of temperate species has improved Australian apple yields from 10 to 100 T/ha over a 30-year period.

Smaller trees have allowed increased efficiency of management (pruning, harvesting), and efficacy of spray applications; better utilisation of resources (land, fuel, water, labor and solar energy).

When combined, an integrated orchard system, financial break-even point is earlier in the crop cycle and with higher profitability.

FOR THE FULL STORY READ PAGE's 16 & 17 of the JUNE /JULY issue of Australian Tree Crop magazine