Outcome 4 - Production of Top & Soft Fruit Flashcards
1
Q
What is meant by top fruit?
A
Top fruit is tree fruits such as:
- Pomes (apples and pears)
- Stone (plums, cherries, peaches, apricots).
2
Q
What is meant by soft fruit?
A
- Bush fruit such as currants, gooseberries and blueberries
- Cane fruit such as vines, raspberries, blackberries and hybrid berries
- Strawberries.
3
Q
What are the common classifications of fruit cultivars?
A
- PURPOSE: Culinary (cooking) or desert (eating) or dual
- HARVEST TIME: early, mid or late.
4
Q
What factors should be considered when deciding between cultivars?
A
- Resistance to pests, diseases, disorders
- Tolerance of soil, climate and aspect
- Flavour and use (dessert or culinary)
- Productivity and reliability of crop
- Storage ability for example can it be frozen, made into jam, or how long will it keep in a fridge
- Pollination requirements.
5
Q
Name four methods for ensuring effective pollination.
A
- Selecting a sheltered site or providing wind protection
- Ensuring compatible pollinator cultivars are close by
- Planting extra pollinator species such as crab apples, if appropriate
- Planting of hedges to encourage pollinating insects.
6
Q
List three unrestricted tree forms.
A
- Bush
- Standard
- Half standard.
7
Q
Name three restricted tree forms.
A
- Cordon
- Fan
- Espallier.
8
Q
Describe soil preparation for fruit trees.
A
- All perennial weeds should be eradicated
- Incorporate well-rotted organic matter, liberally digging it in (improve soil structure and nutrients, etc)
- Soil pH should be between 6 and 7.
9
Q
Which way should rows of bushes and canes be oriented?
A
North-south, so they cast as little shade as possible.
