A research initiative at Teagasc Oak Park is set to enhance apple production in Ireland, focusing on innovative training systems and rootstocks. This project aims to improve yield efficiency and fruit quality, providing strategies tailored to the Irish climate.
Teagasc's Efficient Orchard 2024 project targets the dessert apple sector in Ireland. Despite a domestic market valued at €131 million, most apples are imported, presenting an opportunity for local growers. Ireland's climate, modern apple varieties, advanced technologies, and consumer preference for locally grown foods contribute to this opportunity. Local apple production also offers environmental benefits like carbon sequestration.
Teagasc Research Officer Alberto Ramos Luz explains, "This initiative focuses on boosting production efficiency, improving fruit quality, and cutting labor costs by testing different training systems and rootstocks. The project's main goal is to identify the best combinations for high-yield efficiency and top-quality fruit, specifically tailored to the Irish climate."
The project, conducted at Oak Park Research Centre in Carlow from 2024 to 2029, is led by Alberto in collaboration with Syed Bilal Hussain of UCD's School of Agriculture and Food Science. It evaluates the agronomic performance of 48 apple genotypes, including Alpigala, Story Inored, Inobi, Gala Buckeye, Elstar Red Flame, Elstar Elshof, and Wilton's Star Red Jonaprince Select. These are grafted onto rootstocks like M9, M200, and the Geneva series, examined with training systems such as Tall Spindle, V-Trellis, and two-dimensional systems.
Alberto explains, "The study will closely monitor phenological development, vegetative growth such as the trunk cross-sectional area, reproductive performance – e.g. yield and yield efficiency – and fruit quality properties like size, weight, firmness, soluble solids, acidity, and color."
The project aims to generate insights guiding future research and orchard management strategies. Understanding the behavior of apple genotypes under various systems and rootstocks is essential for advancing production in Ireland.
This research supports Teagasc's strategic objectives by addressing economic, environmental, and social issues. Alberto points out, "By boosting the production of high-quality Irish apples, we can decrease reliance on imports, enhancing both sustainability and food security."
The research findings will enable growers to enhance profitability by adopting the most effective practices identified.
Source: Teagasc