Development of a best practice guideline for the construction of dwarfing rootstock support structures

The aim of this project is to develop a best practice guideline for the construction of dwarfing rootstock support structures to assure that the benefits of this production methodology is not undermined by losses and damages caused by inferior tree support structures.

This is the final progress report since project inception.

Progress up to August 2022:

∙ Gather in field information through field visits to drive structural design analysis

∙ Meet with relevant role players to gather their inputs

∙ Compare compatibility of a support structure with what the tree can accommodate

∙ Identify areas where additional information is required

∙ Compile report

Visit areas where successes and failures with support structures have occurred. Conduct a desktop support structure design to prevent further failures. Compare these findings to the limitations of the tree and identify gaps that need to be addressed. Compile the findings into a report.

There is very little information available regarding tree and trellis compatibility. The amount of support required for each variation in rootstock combination need to be investigated in more detail

The final report submission date has surpassed. The reason for this was that a lot of information has been discovered at a late stage of the project which had to be verified.  The result of this was that additional research was required before a comprehensive best standard document can be compiled. This information has been obtained and the final report has been compiled.

Proper planning and design can ensure a viable structure which is able to resist the forces imposed to not cause damage to the trees.