HDP (High Density Planting) in Fruit Crops

HDP in Fruit Crops

• Fruit trees are planted at closer spacing to get higher production per unit area.

• High density orcharding was 1st established in Europe for apple during in 1960.

• Primary objective: Enhance the productivity.

• The principle: Best use of vertical and horizontal space per unit time.

• In India HDP mainly used in pineapple, banana, papaya, mango and citrus fruit crops.

Based on Plant Population HDP Are

1. Low HDP

• Less than 250 plants/ha.

2. Moderate HDP

• 250–500 trees/ha.

3. High HDP

• 500–1250 trees/ha.

4. Ultra HDP

• More than 1250 plants/ha.

5. Super HDP / Meadow Orcharding

• 20,000–70,000 plants/ha.

• Meadow orchard is developed by J.P. Hedson (1971) in apple but it is originated from Israel.

• For HDP purpose use of dwarf varieties, dwarfing rootstocks, suitable pruning techniques and growth regulating chemicals are adopted.

• Advantages: Enable the mechanization of fruit crop production and more efficient use of fertilizers, water, solar radiation, fungicides, weedicides and pesticides.

• Central leader system is suitable for HDP.

• Various growth retardant like CCC, Paclobutrazol, chloramquat etc. are used to restrict the vegetative growth of plants.

• In fruit crops especially in apple spur cultivars are more suitable for HDP.

• Apple: NAA is used to reduction root suckers.

• Mango: Cultivar Alphonso tree height should be reduction by application of paclobutrazol 10g/tree in August–September.

Use of Dwarfing Varieties

Use of Dwarfing Rootstock

Planting Spacing