Apples need adequate light to grow and ripen. Traditionally, orchardists pruned their trees into a vase shape with an open centre (top) to allow plenty of light through. However, as the trees matured the lower branches were excessively shaded. In the 1960s, New Zealand scientist Don McKenzie advocated training apple trees to a central leader form (bottom), which gave them a slender pyramid shape and allowed light to penetrate at all levels.
Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi
Te Ara - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand
This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.