THE CATS STORY

The Meaning of the Columnar Apple Tree System (CATS) for the Market in Future
Helmut B. Jacob

The Geisenheim Research Institute, Department of Pomology D-65366 Geisenheim, Germany ph.: +49-(0)6722 - 502 561 Fax.: +49-(0)6722 - 502 560 Email: Obstbau@fa-gm.de www.geisenheimer-obstbau.de

-1-

Contents

THE CATS STORY

3
4

What is the meaning of CATS ?.............................................................. Origin and Genetic Background ............................................................ Why CATS ? Capabilities and Possibilities Tree and Bloom ....................................................................................... Relations between fruit bearing wood, yield and quality of CATS .... Formation of fruit wood of CATS-varieties ........................................... Yield Potentials Optimal fruit set of CATS ........................................................................ Yield Increase with CATS - Single Tree Yields ...................................... First Developments of CATS Varieties (2nd, 3rd and 4th year) .......... Yield Increase with CATS - Area Yield ................................................... Planting Systems for CATS Varieties -Single Row .............................. Planting Systems for CATS Varieties -Double Row ............................ Planting Systems for CATS Varieties -Double Row, V-System .......... Advantages in Plant Physiology of CATS ........................................... Advantages in Crop Production of CATS ............................................. Climatic Features of CATS ..................................................................... Phytopathological Aspects of CATS .................................................... CATS-Breeding Worldwide ..................................................................... Inheritance of the factor Columnar Growth ...................................... CATS - The Look into the Future ........................................................... Special Applications for CATS - as Interstem ..................................... Special Applications for CATS - as Wind Protection/Pollinator ........ Propagation of CATS in the Nursery ..................................................... Previous Varieties from Geisenheim ..................................................... Summary .................................................................................................

5 6 7 8 9 10 13 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 23 24 25 26 29 30 31 33

-2-

What is the meaning of CATS ?

DIE CATS STORY

CATS means Columnar Apple Tree System with an ecological and economically desirable combination of high-density-planting and the columnar growth form. After developing and proving dwarfing rootstocks in fruit science, the detection and breeding advancement of columnar tree habit is the second epoch making jump in orchard efficiency. With the introduction of the M9-rootstock the intensification potential increased yields from about 30 tons per hectare to 60 tons per hectare. The column apple varieties (CATS) will allow a yield leap up to 150 tons per hectare. The breeding activities worldwide are using the positive starting-points of CATS for yield efficiency, productivity management as well as for frostand drought-resistance. In Central-Europe about 50 ha dessert apples and 50 ha cider apples will be planted as pilot and model orchards over the period 2005 to 2010. The varieties will come predominantly from the pomological breedings and developments of Geisenheim.

back

contents

-3-

THE CATS STORY

Origin
Random mutation of the applevariety McIntosh in 1960 in British Columbia, Canada. Discoverer: Mr. Wijcik. This variety is known as McIntosh Wijcik and formed the genetic background for all following breeding work.

Genetic Background
The dominant gene CO for columnar growth causes changes and interaction of the plant hormones: + Cytokinin + Auxin Gibberellic acid (Abscisic acid ?)

back

contents

-4-

Why CATS ? Capabilities and Possibilities

THE CATS STORY

Tree and bloom

columnar growth maximum growth height 5-7 m >depending on the rootstock spurs and short shoots from the second year axial diameter maximum 30 cm high flower density from the 1st year, mid to late, good pollinators, diploid long shoots always have to be re-moved as they can produce competing lateral leaders fruit regulation - thinning obligatory, otherwise biennial bearing suitable for all rootstocks, tested so far without any problems: M 9, B 9, Supporter 4, M 26, MM 106, MM 111, M 4, M 7, A 2, Bittenfelder seedling. Underlined rootstocks have enough stability; no stakes necessary

back

contents

-5-

THE CATS STORY

Relations between fruit bearing wood, yield and quality of CATS
ideal super spindle without manipulative pruning effort bloom diploid, late and for a long time, thereby safe and high fruit set formation of short shoots and spurs, thus high flower density (thinning as early as possible preferable with pruning, thinning machine or chemically) axial fruit development, thus good uniformity in fruit size almost no shaded areas, thereby good fruit colouration formation of short shoots completed at the end of May, thus good nutrient and carbohydrate supply of fruits and flowers setting

back

contents

-6-

Formation of Fruit Wood of CATS Varieties

THE CATS STORY

fruit bearing wood

lateral leader
formation of a lateral leader = competitor to the main leader >> always has to be removed !

back

contents

-7-

Yield Potential Optimal Fruit Set of CATS-Single Tree

3m

THE CATS STORY

maximum theoretical fruit load 100 % space utilization

shell of 0.30 m
(2 r h)

220 fruits= 46 kg / 3 m 73 fruits= 15 kg / 1 m

= 2.826 m2
2m
0,30 m

fruits have different distribution in deepness:

optimal practical fruit load 40 % space utilization 76 fruits= 15 kg / 3 m 25 fruits= 5 kg / 1 m

- 50 % = 1.4 m2

1m
80 mm 210 g

optimal relationship between leaf space and fruit space 60 : 40

back

contents

-8-

THE CATS STORY

Yield Increase with CATS

3m

2m
0,30 m

Single Tree Yields

1m

planting year: 1st yield: 2nd yield: 3rd yield: 4th yield:

fruit removed in year of establishment 1.00 m yielding zone = 2.50 kg apples / tree 1.75 m yielding zone = 5.75 kg apples / tree 2.50 m yielding zone 3.00 m yielding zone (reached end height) (full capacity) = 10.50 kg apples / tree = 15.00 kg apples / tree = 15.00 kg apples / tree

5th to 20th yield: 3.00 m yielding zone

back

contents

-9-

First Developments of CATS Varieties

2nd year

THE CATS STORY

axis length about 1.25 m rootstock MM 106 optimum yield about 2.5 kg per tree
contents

back

- 10 -

First Developments of CATS Varieties

3rd year

THE CATS STORY

axis length about 2.00 m rootstock MM 106 optimum yield about 5.75 kg per tree

back

contents

- 11 -

First Developments of CATS Varieties

4th year

THE CATS STORY

axis length about 3.00 m rootstock MM 106 optimum yield about 10.5 kg per tree

back

contents

- 12 -

THE CATS STORY

Yield Increase with CATS

3m

2m
0,30 m

Area Yield

1m

Single-Row- Plantings
(planting pattern 0.40 x 3.00 m)

Double-Row-Plantings
(planting pattern 0.50 x 0.50 x 3.00 m)

maximum possible 8,333 trees / ha net 7,500 trees / ha (-10 %) tree height maximum 3.50 m fruiting zone 3.00 m 7500 trees x 3 m x 5 kg apples = 112.5 tons / ha

maximum possible 11,430 trees / ha net 10,285 trees / ha (-10%) tree height 3.50 m fruiting zone 3.00 m 10285 trees x 3 m x 5 kg = 155 tons / ha

back

contents

- 13 -

THE CATS STORY

Yield Increase with CATS

3m

2m
0,30 m

1m

The simple, but real calculation 5 kg apples per meter yielding zone allows many modified possibilities. The light and radiation critical mountainous area of central and Northern Europe will have about 30,000 meters yielding zone (axis meter). This means a real doubling to quadrupling of potential yields compared to previous intensive production systems. Yields of more than 150 tons are possible.

back

contents

- 14 -

Planting Systems for CATS Varieties

Single Row

THE CATS STORY

planting pattern: 3.00 x 0.50 m = 6,000 trees/0.9 ha rootstock BU 9, 2nd year full bearing prognosis 90 tons / year

back

contents

- 15 -

Planting Systems for CATS Varieties

Double Row

THE CATS STORY

planting pattern: 3.00 + 1.00 x 0.50 m = 9,000 trees/0.9 ha rootstock MM 106, 2nd year full bearing prognosis 135 tons / year

back

contents

- 16 -

Planting Systems for CATS Varieties

THE CATS STORY

Double Row, V-System

planting pattern: 3.00 + 1.50 x 0.50 m = 8,000 trees/0.9 ha rootstock MM 106, 2nd year full bearing prognosis 120 tons / year

back

contents

- 17 -

THE CATS STORY

Advantages in Plant Physiology of CATS

(nearly) no formation of long shoots no useless shoot-branch-production = improved energy balance for fruits, flower formation, reserve potential the leaves show more assimilative activity (clone specific and because of a better light exposure) early termination of short shoots thus no alternate bearing (if CATS are regulated) high winter frost hardiness high flower robustness high flower disposition high fruit uniformity less susceptible to climatic interferences (p. ex. sunburn) and nutcontents rition physiology troubles (p. ex. bitter pit)

back

- 18 -

THE CATS STORY

Advantages in Crop Production of CATS

good standability on rootstocks like B 9, Supporter 4, MM 106, M 4, M 25, MM 111, A 2 - thereby saving costs of a support system (about 5,000 to 8,000 Euro per ha) lower water requirements, from the 4th year full greening in areas with more than 600 mm rainfall per year possible less pruning, about 10 man-hour per year; cost saving: 800 Euro per year no investments for pruning; cost saving: 1,000 to 1,500 Euro per year and ha working very efficient on the tree (summer pruning, thinning by hand, harvest) contents

back

- 19 -

THE CATS STORY

Climatic Features of CATS

High frost hardiness: Winterhardy to -40C conditional on special wood and bark structures and physiology. Breeding activities in continental winterhardy areas like the Baltic, Scandinavia, Ukraine, Russia, North China

Previous

varieties with high coldness demand (more than 1400 degree hours below 7C) at the source variety McIntosh-Weijcik; thereby late bud break, late flowering and suitability for late areas.

High drought tolerance: During the growing season the water requirements are only half that of conventional apple trees.

Less susceptibility to sunburn.

Avoid too much shade with CATS >> it works bloom reducting. Adjust tree height or row width to the empirical formula: Optimal row width = 1/2 aimed tree height + 1 m if planted in N-S-direction. (This applies only for regions in the northern hemisphere with less radiation.)

back

contents

- 20 -

THE CATS STORY

Phytopathological Aspects of CATS

Varieties of the first CATS-generation (Ballerina -varieties) are susceptible to apple scab (Venturia inaequalis) and mildew (Podosphaera leucotricha), partial or high susceptible to canker (Nectria galligena) and apple proliferation (phytoplasma disease). Varieties of the second CATS-generation are partly resistant to apple scab and mildew (Red River, Arbat, Pompink, Pomforyou, Pidi, Macexel). Varieties of the third CATS-generation will be resistant to all main fungal diseases. Since spring 2003 infection trials with fire blight (Erwinia amylovora) confirm the total resistance of all tested CATS-clones. Although there were heavy flower infections, but the bacteria could not penetrate the stem and damage the tree. In Geisenheim we are trying to clear up the resistance principle.

Lower

susceptibility to pests, especial aphids and psyllids.

back

contents

- 21 -

THE CATS STORY

Phytopathological Aspects of CATS
Testing of fire blight resistance

Experimental flower infection, variety Pomgold 20.06.2003

Defense reaction - barrier creation, variety Pomgold 20.06.2003

back

contents

- 22 -

THE CATS STORY

CATS-Breeding Worldwide
continent, country Europe, GB breeder, Institution Watkins and Tobutt, East Malling - 1990 programme finished Delbard-Pepinieres breeder ? Uni Loewen, Koelemans Bronius, Babtai breeding target varieties for home gardening varieties Ballerinas : Bolero, Polka, Waltz, Charlotte, Flamenco, Maypole Red River, Golden Gate clones

Europe, F

fungal resistance, quality Europe, B quality, resistance Europe, LT frost hardiness, Arbat, clones quality, fungal resistance Europe, G Jacob, quality, Pompink, PomforGeisenheim resistance you, Pomredrobust, Pomgold, clones Europe, CZ Blazek, Holovousy quality, Kordona, Pidi, cloresistance nes Tupy, Prag clones Europe - Asia, different frost hardiness, clones Russia Institutes resistance, Ukraine quality, maturity America, CN Khanizadeh, frost hardiness, Macexel Summerland resistance, quality Asia, China Fu Run Min, frost hardiness, clones contents back Shaanxi resistance, quality there are other 15 to 20 breeding stations and private breeders worldwide

- 23 -

THE CATS STORY

Inheritance of the factor Columnar Growth 1)

parental constitution CO x NOR ~ 2 % total columnar ~ 5 % partly columnar > 90 % normal growth

CO x

NOR

~ 15 % total columnar ~ 10 % partly columnar ~ 75 % normal growth

CO x

CO

~ 40 % total columnar ~ 15 % partly columnar ~ 45 % normal growth

CO = COLUMNAR NOR = NORMAL GROWTH

1)

result out of 20 crossing lines with about 40,000 progenies in Geisenheim, no emasculation, only hand pollination at flowering

back

contents

- 24 -

THE CATS STORY

CATS - The Look into the Future
Trials and breeding activities over ten years, and observations in Germany and overseas affirm that CATS from the 2nd and 3rd generation out of worldwide breeding in dessert apples and in processing apples, as well as for some special uses like - CATS for interstem trees and - CATS as wind protection and pollinators show new possibilities and prospects. A range of varieties is already in development and require methodical evaluation for particular areas. The argument that CATS will bring much more apples to the market and intensify the already difficult marketing situation - can not be accepted. The controlled-integrated or organic producing company who delivers to the market or is doing self-marketing has to feel: I produce quality with high consumer acceptance. My production protects environment and the resources. My production system is ecologically and economically efficient, effective and quality-focused. I have more fun in producing and selling apples and everybody can see it.

There is a good opportunity to satisfy these intentions with the 2nd and 3rd CATS-generation.

back

contents

- 25 -

Special Applications for CATS

CATS as Interstem
At present there are trials in Geisenheim in search of a well-anchored, (no support needed) but efficient tree with CATS as interstock in combination with MM 106 and Pinova as the yielding variety. The combinated trees are now in the fourth year. The best performing combination is rootstock: MM 106, planted deep interstem: CATS clone AK 9-58-93 (Geisenheim clone 7, resistant to apple scab and mildew); length of the interstem: 1 m variety: Pinova When compared with a conventional Pinova/M9 combination: The trees are well-anchored. The growth starts about 20 to 30 % more vigorous The first productivity increased about 40 % (1st to 3rd yielding year). There is the same good colouring of the fruits. The internal fruit quality improves (fruit firmness, sugar content). There is a better nutrient availability (especial Mg + Ca) There is the same good fruit size.
back

THE CATS STORY

contents

- 26 -

Special Applications for CATS

CATS as Interstem

THE CATS STORY

The total tree-health improves. The plants and fruits tolerate heat and drought stress much better. There exist a less tendency for producing second flowering. All criteria favour CATS-interstem-combinations compare with conventional M9-trees.

initial development (spurs and leaves have to keep at the interstem)

top grafting 2000 variety: Pinova Interstem 1 m: CATS-clone AK 9-58-93 rootstock: MM106, planted deep contents back planting pattern: 3.50 x 1 m

- 27 -

Special Applications for CATS

CATS as Interstem

THE CATS STORY

Pinova: first yields and proportion of the fruit size 75-85 mm of interstem- and M9-combinations 2001 4.6 kg 64 % 12.7 kg 70 % 16.3 kg 65 % 2.3 kg 72 % 6.8 kg 76 % 12.4 kg 69 %

2002

2003

grafting year 2000 equivalent to the planting year Pinova / M9, planting pattern 3.50 x 1.0 m M9 trees chemical regulated interstem trees not regulated

back

contents

- 28 -

Special Applications for CATS

CATS as Wind Protection and Pollinator

DIE CATS STORY

In 4 to 6 years CATS with vigorous rootstocks (like A 2, seedling, MM 111, M 25) and distances of 0.5 m in rows form columns 6-7 m height with a nearly closed wall of leaves. They are absolutely wind-resistant on these mentioned rootstocks. Planted in a double or triple row they have very good wind-breaking and wind-lifting effect. Provided with robust and disease-resistant varieties as possible, they have pollinator properties and can supply the processing industry (for juice, pulp or drying) and even table apples if necessary.

back

contents

- 29 -

Propagation of CATS in the Nursery

THE CATS STORY

compatible with all current apple rootstocks the tendency to form side shoots on yielding trees increases with increasing vigour grafting method: spring and summer chip-budding, spring grafting or winter hand grafting; no stakes necessary; length of the annual shoot about 1 m (budded maidens)

budded rootstocks 2003

1 year old maidens 2003 on the rootstock MM 106

back

contents

- 30 -

THE CATS STORY

Previous varieties from Geisenheim

POMPINK - GINOVER * POMFORYOU - LANZELOT POMFIT

P
P
TM

TM

POMFITAL

more varieties from 2005 the Professional-line * managed from ARTUS-Group

click on the names to get a brief description of the varieties

back

contents

- 31 -

THE CATS STORY

red apple juice - naturally cloudy from Pomfital the apple juice with high bio-vitality-factor fruity- refreshing- revitalizing contents

back

- 32 -

THE CATS STORY

Summary
After developing and proving dwarfing rootstocks in fruit science the detection and breeding advancement of columnar tree habits is the second epoch making jump in orchard efficiency. With introducing the M9-rootstock the intensification potential shows yields from about 30 to 60 tons per hectare, the columnar apple varieties (CATS) will allow a yield leap up to 150 tons per hectare. With reduced labour input, low relative orchard costs, a double to triple increase in cropping productivity and improved ecological compatibility, the CATS system emerges as a forward looking system. The breeding activities worldwide are using the positive starting-points of CATS for yield efficiency, productivity management as well as for frost- and drought-resistance. Apple varieties with disease resistance properties and very good market quality will be available shortly. Cropping cultivars for high, moderate and low chilling requirements are in progress and will develop new geographic areas for apple cultivation. It is only a question of time to transfer the CATS concept to other tree fruits.

back

contents

- 33 -

Research Institute Geisenheim

'Pompink' P
AK 49-191-95 'Obelisk-Flamenco' x 'Topaz'
columnar growth, steeply upright, short internodes blossom mid-late, rich in blooming, very robust high fertility and precocity also on mid-vigorous to vigorous growing rootstocks very high, regular and early yield.

Columnar apple

25 mm
75 mm

fruit medium to big sized, flat to mid-high, mid-bellied, somewhat ribbed, stem mid-long primary color green-yellow, covered up to 60-80% plane and linguiform bright red to magenta, no russetting, firm and dry skin; very firm, juicy, fine sourly and aromatic cream-colored fruit flesh maturity end of September, storable in cold store till March, low storage loss consistent maturity and coloration very good, acid accentuated dessert and processing apple. very low susceptibility to apple scab, mildew, cancer, fruit rots and aphids total plant is vital and climatic robust.

86 mm

fruit weight 240 g 14,5 % Brix 14 total acid flavour: 4,5 * (* 5 points possible)

'Pomforyou' P
AK 52-38-95 'Maypole' x 'Red Elstar'
Research Institute Geisenheim

Columnar apple

columnar growth, steeply upright, short internodes, slight compactly blossom mid-late, rich in blooming, very robust, diploid, good pollen dispenser high fertility and precocity also on mid-vigorous to vigorous rootstocks very high, regular and very early yield

18 mm
71 mm

fruit medium in size, plain to mid-high, mid-ventricose, somewhat ripped; stem mid-long base color green-yellow, overcolor (60-80 %) plane bright to pink, no russetting; firm and dry skin; fruit flesh firmly, juicy, fine sourly, aromatic and off-white maturity mid of September, in cold-store storable till March, less storage deficit very uniform in maturity and color very good, acid accentuated table- and processing apple.

78 mm

very lowly susceptibility to apple scab, cancer, fruit rots and aphids the total tree is vital and clmatic robust.

fruit weight 160 g 13 % Brix 12 total acid flavour: 4,5 * (* 5 points possible)

back

contents

- 34 -

Research Institute Geisenheim

'Pomfit' P
AKR 53-44-95 'Maypole' x 'Red Elstar'

The special apple with high ornamental-, quality- and health-value.

columnar growth, steeply upright, short internodes late blossom, rich in blooming, very robust, intensively bright red, high ornamental value, red leaves high fertility and precocity also on mid-vigorous to vigorous rootstocks high, regular and early yield. fruit medium in size and high, stemmed-ventricose, somewhat ribbed; stem mid-long, thin all around intensively vermilion, yellow-red at the shady side, no rust; thin, firm and dry skin; firmly, juicy, sweet, fine sourly and aromatic fruit-flesh which is partly red and internal white maturity end of september, in cold store storable till march, no storage deficit health apple with smooth acid and high anti-oxidative and bioactive potential very good, sweet mild dessertapple; convenient and pink colored must very lowly susceptibility to powdery mildew, cancer, aphids, but susceptible to apple scap even injured fruits are resistant to rots the whole plant is vital and climatic robust

20 mm
80 mm

85 mm

fruit weight 210 g 16 % Brix 7,5 total acid flavour: 4,5 * (* 5 points possible)

Research Institute Geisenheim

Columnar apple

'Pomfital' P
AKR 52-151-95 'Maypole' x 'Red Elstar'
processing apple with red flesh and high biovital contents
columnar growth, strongly upright, short internodes blossom mid-late, dense blooming, very robust, bright red, high ornamental value high fertility and precocity also on mid-vigorous to vigorous growing rootstocks very high, regular and early yield.

value giving contents

13 Brix 21 total acid vitamin C 83 mg / l antioxidative potential: 9 mmol Trolox / Liter 1200 mg / l total phenoles

fruit small to medium, round, ribbed, 60 - 80g; stem mid-long fruit color fully magenta to blue - dark red fruit flesh intensive dark red and firm maturity time: mid September an apple with red fruit flesh for producing red juice, jam, jelly and other products with an aromatic fruity flavour

characteristics of pressed must

aromatic, fruity, acid accentuated, high in extract

resistant to apple scab and mildew, less susceptible to cancer, fruit rots and aphids total plant is vital and climatic robust.

- 35 -

back

contents