Fruit trees, fruit tree pruning methods, and fruit production methods

Abstract

To provide fruit trees and pruning methods that can increase a fruit weight while maintaining work efficiency such as harvesting fruits.SOLUTION: A fruit tree has a fruiting branch having a first extension portion that extends in a curved manner from a main trunk, and a second extension portion that extends from the first extension portion in a direction that gradually moves away from a vertical plane passing through the first extension portion and in a direction that gradually tilts toward a horizontal plane within the vertical plane. The fruit tree is also configured so that at least one of the first and second branches extending from an origin of the main trunk extends in a direction that gradually moves away from a vertical plane passing through the origin and in a direction that gradually tilts toward the horizontal plane within the vertical plane. A method for pruning a fruit tree also includes steps corresponding to those described above.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to fruit trees such as pears or peaches and a method for pruning fruit trees. [Background technology]

[0002] As an example of the tree shape of a fruit tree, Patent Document 1 discloses a tree shape in which fruit-bearing branches are branched to improve the efficiency of work such as fruit harvesting. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-021902 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in Patent Document 1, depending on the branching direction of the fruit-bearing branches, a decrease in fruit weight may occur.

[0005] The present invention is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a fruit tree and a fruit tree pruning method that can increase fruit weight while maintaining work efficiency in fruit harvesting and other operations. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The fruit tree of the present invention comprises a main trunk extending upward from the ground and a fruiting branch extending from the main trunk, the fruiting branch having a first extension portion extending in a curved manner from the main trunk and a second extension portion extending from the first extension portion in a direction gradually moving away from a vertical plane passing through the first extension portion and gradually tilting toward the horizontal plane within the vertical plane.

[0007] Furthermore, the fruit tree of the present invention has a main trunk extending upward from the ground, a first branch and a second branch extending from the origin of the main trunk, and a fruit-bearing branch formed in a V shape, and at least one of the first branch and the second branch extends in a direction gradually moving away from a vertical plane passing through the origin, and extends in a direction gradually tilting toward the horizontal plane within the vertical plane.

[0008] In addition, the method for pruning a fruit tree of the present invention is a method for pruning a fruit tree having a main trunk extending upward from the ground, a first fruiting branch extending from the main trunk, and a second fruiting branch extending from the first fruiting branch, and includes the steps of bending and extending the first fruiting branch from the main trunk, and further extending the second fruiting branch in a direction gradually moving away from a vertical plane passing through the extended first fruiting branch and in a direction gradually tilting toward the horizontal plane within the vertical plane.

[0009] In addition, the method for pruning fruit trees of the present invention is a method for pruning fruit trees having a main trunk extending upward from the ground, a first branch and a second branch extending from the origin of the main trunk, and a fruit-bearing branch formed in a V shape, and includes the steps of extending at least one of the first branch and the second branch in a direction gradually moving away from a vertical plane passing through the origin, and extending at least one of the extended branches in a direction gradually inclined toward the horizontal plane within the vertical plane. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a fruit tree and a pruning method that can increase fruit weight while maintaining work efficiency in fruit harvesting and other operations. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a fruit tree according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a variation of the fruit tree in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is a variation of the fruit tree in Figure 2(a). [Figure 4] This is a variation of the fruit tree in Figure 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the fruit trees of FIG. 1 arranged in rows. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the fruit trees of FIG. 2 arranged in rows. [Figure 7] This is a variation of the rows of fruit trees shown in Figure 5. [Figure 8] This is a variation of the rows of fruit trees shown in Figure 6. [Figure 9] This is another variation of the fruit tree of FIG. 2(a). [Figure 10] 1 is a graph showing the results of comparing fruit weights of an untreated group and a tilted group in Japanese pears. [Figure 11] 1 is a graph showing the results of comparing the fruit weight of an untreated peach group with that of a tilted peach group. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a fruit tree 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 1(a) is a perspective view of the fruit tree 1. FIG. 1(b) is a front view of the fruit tree 1 viewed along an imaginary vertical plane V passing through the first extension portion 6. FIG. 1(c) is a front view of the fruit tree 1 viewed from a direction opposite to the vertical plane V. Note that the vertical plane V and horizontal plane H in the following drawings, including FIG. 1, are imaginary planes illustrated solely for the purpose of explaining the embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] The fruit tree 1 according to the embodiment is used for cultivating fruits such as, but not limited to, pears, peaches, grapes, apples, cherries, plums, apricots, persimmons, chestnuts, figs, or kiwis. The shape of the fruit tree 1 is formed by repeatedly pruning the planted seedlings as they grow. The overall dimensions of the fruit tree 1, such as the height of the fruit tree 1, can be set to any dimensions depending on the type of fruit tree 1, production policy, etc.

[0015] The fruit tree 1 has a main trunk 2 extending upward from the ground and a fruit-bearing branch 5 extending from the main trunk 2. The fruit-bearing branch 5 has a first extending portion 6 (first fruit-bearing branch) that extends and bends from the main trunk 2, and a second extending portion 7 (second fruit-bearing branch) that extends from the first extending portion 6.

[0016] The main trunk 2 and the first extension portion 6 form the framework of the fruit tree 1. The first extension portion 6 is a portion that supports the second extension portion 7, and can be any branch or trunk position depending on the type of fruit tree 1, production policy, etc. For example, the first extension portion 6 may be a main branch 3 extending from the main trunk 2, or a bent part of the main trunk 2. The extension direction of the first extension portion 6 can be selected arbitrarily depending on the type of fruit tree 1, production policy, etc. For example, the first extension portion 6 may be bent from the main trunk 2 so as to be approximately horizontal to the ground, or may be bent from the main trunk 2 in a direction that gradually moves away from the ground.

[0017] The second extension portion 7 is a branch portion extending from the first extension portion 6, with a plurality of positions on the first extension portion 6 as extension origins, and can be any branch portion depending on the type of fruit tree 1, production policy, etc. For example, if the first extension portion 6 is the main branch 3, the second extension portion 7 may be a lateral branch 4 directly connected to the main branch 3, or a sub-main branch (not shown) connecting the lateral branch 4 and the main branch 3. Furthermore, if the first extension portion 6 is part of the main trunk 2, the second extension portion 7 will be a branch portion directly connected to the main trunk 2, such as the main branch 3. In the fruit tree 1, flower buds and fruit bearing mainly occur on the lateral branches 4, but may also occur on branch portions other than the first extension portion 6 extending from the main branch 3, sub-main branch, or main trunk 2.

[0018] The second extending portion 7 extends from the first extending portion 6 in a direction gradually moving away from a vertical plane V passing through the first extending portion 6, starting from a plurality of positions on the first extending portion 6. The angle of the second extending portion 7 in the direction gradually moving away from the vertical plane V can be adjusted as desired depending on the type of fruit tree 1, production policy, etc. For example, although not limited thereto, the angle of the second extending portion 7 in the direction gradually moving away from the vertical plane V is preferably 10 to 40 degrees, and more preferably 20 to 30 degrees.

[0019] This configuration also makes it possible to lower the tree height, reducing the burden of manual work and enabling labor-saving, mechanization, or automation of work that requires the introduction of large machinery, thereby maintaining work efficiency in the production of fruit trees 1. Furthermore, because work efficiency in the production of fruit trees 1 can be maintained through labor-saving, mechanization, or automation, it is also possible to address the recent issue of a decline in the population producing fruit trees 1.

[0020] The number of second extension portions 7 extending from the same extension starting point of the first extension portion 6 can be any number depending on the type of fruit tree 1, production policy, etc. For example, the number of second extension portions 7 extending from the same position of the first extension portion 6 may be only one, or as shown in FIG. 1, may be two, or may be three or more. Furthermore, the shape of the second extension portion 7 is not limited to the two second extension portions 7 both extending linearly from the first extension portion 6 in a substantially V-shape as shown in FIG. 1, but can be any shape depending on the type of fruit tree 1, production policy, etc. For example, the shape of the second extension portions 7 may be such that both extend in a curved manner, or such that one of the two second extension portions 7 extends in a straight manner and the other of the two second extension portions 7 extends in a curved manner. Furthermore, when the fruit tree 1 has two second extension portions 7, the angle of one second extension portion 7 relative to the vertical direction may be the same as or different from the angle of the other second extension portion 7 relative to the vertical direction.

[0021] Furthermore, as the fruit tree 1 grows, the second extension portion 7 may extend in a direction different from the desired direction. Therefore, once the second extension portion 7 reaches a certain length, a training operation including pruning is performed uniformly. The training operation includes the artificial bending and fixing of the branches. By repeating the training operation, the shape of the fruit tree 1 is formed. The frequency of the training operation can be set at any frequency depending on the type of fruit tree 1, production policy, etc.

[0022] Figure 2 shows a modified example of the fruit tree 1 of Figure 1. Figure 2(a) is a perspective view of the fruit tree 1. Figure 2(b) is a front view of the fruit tree 1 viewed along a vertical plane V passing through the first extension portion 6. Figure 2(c) is a front view of the fruit tree 1 viewed from a direction opposite to the vertical plane V.

[0023] In FIG. 2 , the second extending portion 7 extends from the first extending portion 6 in a direction gradually moving away from a vertical plane V passing through the first extending portion 6 and in a direction gradually tilting toward a horizontal plane H within the vertical plane V. Any method for pruning the second extending portion 7 can be selected depending on the type of fruit tree 1, production policy, etc. For example, the second extending portion 7 may be extended in a direction gradually moving away from the vertical plane V passing through the first extending portion 6, and then extended from the first extending portion 6 in a direction gradually tilting toward the horizontal plane H within the vertical plane V. Furthermore, in parallel with extending in a direction gradually moving away from the vertical plane V passing through the first extending portion 6, the second extending portion 7 may be extended in a direction gradually tilting toward the horizontal plane H within the vertical plane V. The angle of the second extending portion 7 in the direction gradually moving away from the vertical plane V is preferably 10 to 40 degrees, and more preferably 20 to 30 degrees. Furthermore, within the vertical plane V, the angle of the second extension portion 7 in the direction gradually inclined toward the horizontal plane H from the vertical direction is preferably 15 to 60 degrees, and more preferably 15 to 45 degrees. The other configurations of the fruit tree 1 in Figure 2 are the same as those in Figure 1.

[0024] Here, plant hormones that promote the growth of plants such as fruit tree 1 include cytokinins, which promote reproductive growth such as the formation of flower buds, and auxins, which promote vegetative growth such as the growth of leaves or branches. In plants such as fruit tree 1 during the growing season, when the supply of auxin to leaves or branches is suppressed, the supply of cytokinin to flower buds, etc. is increased, and conversely, when the supply of auxin to leaves or branches is increased, the supply of cytokinin to flower buds, etc. is increased. Furthermore, auxins have the property of moving vertically within fruit tree 1.

[0025] Therefore, as the second extension portion 7 tilts toward the horizontal plane H within the vertical plane V, the amount of cytokinin supplied to flower buds and the like increases, promoting the reproductive growth of the fruit tree 1. On the other hand, the amount of auxin supplied to the leaves and branches decreases, suppressing the vegetative growth of the fruit tree 1. Therefore, if the second extension portion 7 tilts toward the horizontal plane within the vertical plane V, it will take time for the fruit tree 1 to reach the specified height, delaying the early maturation of the fruit tree 1, and there is a possibility that early fruit harvesting will not be ensured.

[0026] Furthermore, as the second extension portion 7 approaches the vertical direction within the vertical plane V, the amount of auxin supplied to the leaves or branches increases, promoting the vegetative growth of the fruit tree 1. On the other hand, the amount of cytokinin supplied to flower buds and the like decreases, suppressing the reproductive growth of the fruit tree 1. Therefore, if the second extension portion 7 is located close to the vertical direction within the vertical plane V, the amount of cytokinin decreases, and it is possible that the desired fruit quality, such as fruit weight, will not be ensured.

[0027] On the other hand, in this modification, the second extending portion 7 extends from the first extending portion 6 in a direction gradually moving away from the vertical plane V passing through the first extending portion 6 and in a direction gradually tilting toward the horizontal plane H within the vertical plane V, making it possible to adjust the angle of the second extending portion 7 in two directions. Therefore, the second extending portion 7 can be grown so as to extend in a direction that promotes both vegetative growth and reproductive growth of the fruit tree 1, thereby providing a fruit tree 1 that can ensure both early fruit harvesting and desired fruit quality, such as fruit weight.

[0028] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the second extension portion 7 extends in a direction gradually moving away from the vertical plane V passing through the first extension portion 6, making it possible to reduce the tree height. This reduces the burden of manual work and enables labor-saving, mechanization, or automation of work that requires the use of large machinery, thereby maintaining work efficiency in the production of fruit trees 1. Furthermore, because work efficiency in the production of fruit trees 1 can be maintained through labor-saving, mechanization, or automation, it is also possible to address the recent issue of a declining population producing fruit trees 1.

[0029] As described above, the configuration of this modified example makes it possible to provide a fruit tree and pruning method that can improve fruit weight while maintaining work efficiency in fruit harvesting and other operations.

[0030] In this modification, the second extending portion 7 has a first branch portion 8 and a second branch portion 9 extending from the first extending portion 6, but the number of second extending portions 7 extending from the same position is not limited to two. The number of second extending portions 7 can be any number depending on the type of fruit tree 1, production policy, etc. For example, the number of second extending portions 7 may be only one, or may be three or more. In this modification, the shape of the second extending portion 7 is approximately V-shaped, but this is not limited thereto and the second extending portion 7 can have any shape depending on the type of fruit tree 1, production policy, etc. For example, both the first branch portion 8 and the second branch portion 9 may be curved, or one of the first branch portion 8 and the second branch portion 9 may extend linearly and the other of the first branch portion 8 and the second branch portion 9 may be curved.

[0031] Furthermore, when fruit tree 1 has two second extensions 7, the angle of first branch 8 in the direction gradually moving away from vertical plane V may be the same as or different from the angle of second branch 9 in the direction gradually moving away from vertical plane V. Furthermore, within vertical plane V, the angle of first branch 8 in the direction gradually tilting toward horizontal plane H with respect to the vertical direction may be the same as or different from the angle of second branch 9 in the direction gradually tilting toward horizontal plane H with respect to the vertical direction.

[0032] Furthermore, the extending direction of the first branch 8 and the second branch 9 relative to the bending direction of the first extending portion 6 can be any direction depending on the type of fruit tree 1, production policy, etc. For example, both the first branch 8 and the second branch 9 may extend in a direction that forms an acute angle with the bending direction of the first extending portion 6, or may extend in a direction that forms an obtuse angle with the bending direction of the first extending portion 6. Furthermore, one of the first branch 8 and the second branch 9 may extend in a direction that forms an acute angle with the bending direction of the first extending portion 6, and the other of the first branch 8 and the second branch 9 may extend in a direction that forms an obtuse angle with the bending direction of the first extending portion 6.

[0033] FIG. 3 shows a variation of the fruit tree 1 shown in FIG. 2(a). The fruit tree 1 shown in FIG. 3 has two first extension portions 6. The rest of the configuration of the fruit tree 1 is the same as that shown in FIG. 2(a). The number of first extension portions 6 can be any number depending on the type of fruit tree 1, production policy, etc., and may be two as shown in FIG. 3, or three or more. The extension direction of each first extension portion 6 can be selected arbitrarily depending on the type of fruit tree 1, production policy, etc. For example, all of the multiple first extension portions 6 may be bent from the main trunk 2 approximately horizontally to the ground, or all of them may be bent from the main trunk 2 in a direction gradually moving away from the ground. Alternatively, some of the multiple first extension portions 6 may be bent from the main trunk 2 approximately horizontally to the ground, and the remaining some of the multiple first extension portions 6 may be bent from the main trunk 2 in a direction gradually moving away from the ground.

[0034] FIG. 4 shows a modified example of the fruit tree 1 of FIG. 3. The fruit tree 1 of FIG. 3 has ten paired second extension portions 7 arranged along a plurality of first extension portions 6, whereas the fruit tree 1 of FIG. 4 has fourteen paired second extension portions 7 arranged along a plurality of first extension portions 6. The rest of the configuration of the fruit tree 1 is the same as that of FIG. 3. As illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 4, the number of second extension portions 7 on the fruit tree 1 can be any number depending on the type of fruit tree 1, production policy, etc. Furthermore, the number of second extension portions 7 on the fruit tree 1 may be either an even number or an odd number.

[0035] Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of the fruit trees 1 of Fig. 1 arranged in a row. Fig. 5(a) is a perspective view of the arranged fruit trees 1. Fig. 5(b) is a front view of the arranged fruit trees 1 viewed along an imaginary vertical plane V passing through the first extension portion 6. Fig. 5(c) is a front view of the arranged fruit trees 1 viewed from a direction opposite to the vertical plane V.

[0036] 6 is a schematic diagram of the fruit trees 1 of FIG. 2 arranged in a row. Fig. 6(a) is a perspective view of the arranged fruit trees 1. Fig. 6(b) is a front view of the arranged fruit trees 1 viewed along an imaginary vertical plane V passing through the first extension portion 6. Fig. 6(c) is a front view of the arranged fruit trees 1 viewed from a direction opposite to the vertical plane V.

[0037] 5 and 6, the main trunks 2 of the fruit trees 1 are arranged in a row, and the first extensions 6 are arranged to extend along the direction in which the main trunks 2 are arranged. In addition, the first branches 8 and the second branches 9 are arranged to extend in a V-shape, splitting into left and right sides with respect to the direction in which the main trunks 2 are arranged in a row. The direction in which the main trunks 2 are arranged in a row can be selected arbitrarily depending on the type of fruit tree 1, production policy, etc. Preferably, the direction in which the main trunks 2 are arranged in a row is, for example, straight, curved, or L-shaped.

[0038] By arranging the main trunks 2 of the fruit trees 1 in rows, the fruit trees 1 can be planted densely, thereby ensuring high yields of the fruit trees 1. Furthermore, by arranging the first branches 8 and the second branches 9 so that they extend in a V-shape on either the left or right sides of the direction in which the main trunks 2 are arranged in rows, a surface is formed by the first branches 8 or the second branches 9 extending along the direction in which the main trunks 2 are arranged in rows. Because the fruit on the first branches 8 or the second branches 9 is borne along the surface formed by the first branches 8 or the second branches 9, high yields of the fruit trees 1 can be ensured by using large machinery for the work.

[0039] The direction in which the main trunks 2 are arranged can be set in any direction depending on the type of fruit tree 1, production policy, etc. For example, the main trunks 2 may be arranged in a north-south direction taking into account the influence of sunlight, or they may be arranged in another direction such as an east-west direction. The distance between the main trunks 2 of adjacent fruit trees 1 is set to any distance depending on the type of fruit tree 1, production policy, etc. The fruit trees 1 can be arranged in multiple rows, and the distance between adjacent rows is set to any distance depending on the type of fruit tree 1, production policy, etc.

[0040] Figure 7 shows a variation of the row of fruit trees 1 shown in Figure 5. Figure 7(a) is a perspective view of the row of fruit trees 1. Figure 7(b) is a front view of the row of fruit trees 1 viewed along an imaginary vertical plane V passing through the starting point 10. Figure 7(c) is a front view of the row of fruit trees 1 viewed from the direction opposite to the vertical plane V.

[0041] In the fruit tree 1 of this example, at least one of the first branch 8 and the second branch 9 can be configured to extend in a direction gradually separating from the vertical plane V passing through the starting point 10. In FIG. 7, the fruit tree 1 is configured so that both the first branch 8 and the second branch 9 extend in a direction gradually separating from the vertical plane V passing through the starting point 10.

[0042] The above-described configuration also makes it possible to lower the tree height, thereby reducing the burden of manual labor and enabling labor-saving, mechanization, or automation of work that requires the introduction of large machinery, thereby maintaining work efficiency in the production of fruit trees 1. Furthermore, because work efficiency in the production of fruit trees 1 can be maintained through labor-saving, mechanization, or automation, it is also possible to address the recent issue of a decline in the population that produces fruit trees 1.

[0043] Figure 8 shows a variation of the row of fruit trees 1 shown in Figure 6. Figure 8(a) is a perspective view of the row of fruit trees 1. Figure 8(b) is a front view of the row of fruit trees 1 as viewed along an imaginary vertical plane V passing through the starting point 10. Figure 8(c) is a front view of the row of fruit trees 1 as viewed from the direction opposite to the vertical plane V.

[0044] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing another modified example of the fruit tree 1 of Figure 2(a). The fruit tree 1 comprises a main trunk 2 extending upward from the ground, and a fruit-bearing branch 5 formed in a V-shape with a first branch 8 and a second branch 9 extending from a starting point 10 of the main trunk 2. The first branch 8 and the second branch 9, for example, comprise a main branch 3 both connected to the main trunk 2. The fruit tree 1 also comprises a lateral branch 4 connected to the main branch 3. The fruit tree 1 may also comprise a sub-main branch (not shown) connected between the main branch 3 and the lateral branch 4.

[0045] 8 and 9, at least one of the first branch 8 and the second branch 9 can be configured to extend in a direction gradually away from the vertical plane V passing through the starting point 10, and to extend in a direction gradually inclined toward the horizontal plane H within the vertical plane V. In addition, in FIGS. 8 and 9, both the first branch 8 and the second branch 9 are configured to extend in a direction gradually away from the vertical plane V passing through the starting point 10, and to extend in a direction gradually inclined toward the horizontal plane H within the vertical plane V.

[0046] The configuration of this modified example makes it possible to lower the tree height, thereby reducing the burden of manual work and enabling labor-saving, mechanization, or automation of work that requires the introduction of large machinery, thereby maintaining work efficiency in the production of fruit trees 1. Furthermore, because work efficiency in the production of fruit trees 1 can be maintained through labor-saving, mechanization, or automation, it is also possible to address the recent issue of a decline in the population producing fruit trees 1.

[0047] Furthermore, in this modification, at least one of the first branch 8 and the second branch 9 extends in a direction gradually moving away from a vertical plane V passing through the starting point 10, and extends in a direction gradually tilting toward a horizontal plane H within the vertical plane V. Therefore, the angle of at least one of the first branch 8 and the second branch 9 can be adjusted in two directions, and at least one of the first branch 8 and the second branch 9 can be grown so as to extend in a direction that promotes both vegetative growth and reproductive growth of the fruit tree 1. Therefore, according to this example, as with the modification of the above-described embodiment, it is possible to provide a fruit tree 1 that can ensure both early fruit harvesting and desired fruit quality, such as fruit weight.

[0048] The above-described embodiment will be described below by way of examples, but the present invention is not limited to the following description. [Example]

[0049] In an example corresponding to Figure 3, fruit weight of Japanese pears was confirmed. Fruit weight was obtained by harvesting ripe fruits and measuring their weight using a digital scale. The "untreated" group and the "inclined treatment" group in Example 1 have in common the fact that the second extension portion 7 extends from the first extension portion 6 in a direction gradually increasing away from the vertical plane V passing through the first extension portion 6. Meanwhile, unlike the example shown in Figure 3, the "untreated" group is an experimental group in which the second extension portion 7 extends from the first extension portion 6 in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane H within the vertical plane V, similar to the extension direction of the second extension portion 7 in Figure 1(a). Furthermore, the "inclined treatment" group is an experimental group in which the second extension portion 7 extends from the first extension portion 6 in a direction gradually inclined toward the horizontal plane H within the vertical plane V, as shown in the example shown in Figure 3. That is, the "inclined" group differs from the "untreated" group in that the second extending portion 7 extends from the first extending portion 6 in a direction that gradually inclines toward the horizontal plane H within the vertical plane V.

[0050] Figure 10 is a graph showing the results of comparing the fruit weight of the untreated Japanese pear tree with that of the tilted group. The fruit weight per fruit was 218 ± 59.0 g (mean ± standard deviation) for the untreated group and 242 ± 67.7 g (mean ± standard deviation) for the tilted group. Data were used in a t-test and considered significant at a risk level of 5%. The number of individuals (n) was 86 for the untreated group and 60 for the tilted group.

[0051] As a result, it was confirmed that the tilted treatment group of Example 1 had an increased fruit weight compared to the untreated group of Example 1. [Example]

[0052] In an example corresponding to FIG. 2, the fruit weight of peaches was confirmed. Fruit weight was obtained by harvesting ripe fruit and measuring their weight using a digital scale. The "untreated" group and the "inclined" group in Example 2 have in common the fact that the second extension portion 7 extends from the first extension portion 6 in a direction gradually increasing away from the vertical plane V passing through the first extension portion 6. On the other hand, the "untreated" group is an experimental group in which the second extension portion 7 extends from the first extension portion 6 in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane H within the vertical plane V, as shown in an example of FIG. 1. The "inclined" group is an experimental group in which the second extension portion 7 extends from the first extension portion 6 in a direction gradually increasing toward the horizontal plane H within the vertical plane V, as shown in an example of FIG. 2. That is, the "inclined" group differs from the "untreated" group in that the second extending portion 7 extends from the first extending portion 6 in a direction that gradually inclines toward the horizontal plane H within the vertical plane V.

[0053] FIG. 11 is a graph showing the results of a comparison between the fruit weight of an untreated peach tree and the fruit weight of a tilted peach tree. The weight of each fruit was 253g ± 36.2g (mean ± standard deviation) in the untreated group and 288g ± 38.6g (mean ± standard deviation) in the tilted group. Data were considered significant using a t-test at a risk level of 1%. The number of individuals (n) was 108 for the untreated group and 83 for the tilted group.

[0054] As a result, it was confirmed that the tilted treatment group of Example 2 had an increased fruit weight compared to the untreated group. [Explanation of symbols]

[0055] 1 Fruit tree, 2 Main trunk, 3 Main branch, 4 Lateral branch, 5 Fruiting branch, 6 First outgrowth, 7 Second outgrowth, 8 First branch, 9 Second branch, 10 Starting point, H Horizontal plane, V Vertical plane.

Claims

1. A main trunk that extends upward from the ground, a fruiting branch extending from the main trunk; Equipped with The fruiting branch is a first extending portion that extends in a bent manner from the main trunk; a second extending portion extending from the first extending portion in a direction gradually moving away from a vertical plane passing through the first extending portion and in a direction gradually tilting toward a horizontal plane within the vertical plane; have Fruit tree.

2. The angle of the second extension portion in the direction gradually moving away from the vertical plane is 10 degrees to 40 degrees, Within the vertical plane, the angle of the second extending portion in a direction gradually inclined toward the horizontal plane with respect to the vertical direction is 15 degrees to 60 degrees. The fruit tree of claim 1.

3. The fruiting branch has a first branch portion and a second branch portion extending from the first extension portion and is formed in a V-shape, and at least one of the first branch portion and the second branch portion constitutes the second extension portion.

3. The fruit tree according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The main trunks are arranged in a row, and the first branch portion and the second branch portion are arranged so as to extend separately to the left and right with respect to the row direction of the main trunks. The fruit tree of claim 3.

5. The direction of the main trunks is either linear, curved, or L-shaped. The fruit tree according to claim 4.

6. The first extending portion is a main branch, and the second extending portion is a side branch.

3. The fruit tree according to claim 1 or 2.

7. A main trunk that extends upward from the ground, a fruiting branch having a first branch and a second branch extending from the starting point of the main trunk and formed in a V-shape; Equipped with At least one of the first branch portion and the second branch portion is The structure is such that the extension gradually moves away from a vertical plane passing through the starting point, and the extension gradually tilts toward the horizontal plane within the vertical plane. Fruit tree.

8. A method for pruning a fruit tree having a main trunk extending upward from the ground, a first fruiting branch extending from the main trunk, and a second fruiting branch extending from the first fruiting branch, comprising: bending and extending the first fruiting branch from the main trunk; further extending the second fruiting branch in a direction gradually moving away from a vertical plane passing through the extended first fruiting branch and in a direction gradually tilting toward a horizontal plane within the vertical plane; Contains How to prune fruit trees.

9. A method for pruning a fruit tree having a main trunk extending upward from the ground and a fruit-bearing branch formed in a V-shape, the fruit-bearing branch having a first branch and a second branch extending from a starting point of the main trunk, comprising: extending at least one of the first branch portion and the second branch portion in a direction gradually moving away from a vertical plane passing through the starting point; extending at least one of the extended portions in a direction gradually inclined toward the horizontal plane within the vertical plane; Contains How to prune fruit trees.

Images