Apple producers aren't necessarily magicians, but they will be performing trellis tricks at the 1997 High Density Apple Orchard Workshop. The hands-on "nuts and bolts" of vertical axe trellis systems will be one of the features of the workshop held Tuesday, November 24^th and Wednesday November 25^th, 1997 at the Horticultural Research Institute of Ontario (HRIO) Simcoe Research Station.

The two day workshop co-produced by the OMAFRA Apple Team and the University of Guelph will also include the main components of apple production: apple tree physiology, light interception and utilization, rootstock function, managing vigor and the importance of spurs and bourse shoots. "An understanding of these key components is critical to everyone facing the challenge of producing quality apples, not just those producers committed to high density systems," said Marg Appleby of the OMAFRA Apple Team.

Well known pomologists, Dr. Curt Rom of the University of Arkansas and Dr. Dave Ferree of Ohio State University's Agricultural Research and Development Center will share the results of their recent research. Rom will explain key components of orchard design and the management of orchard vigor. One of the highlights will be Rom's talk, "Science and Cents".

Dr. Ferree will focus on sunlight interception and sunlight utilization by apple trees. Ferree will also share his research on roots and rootstock and the critical function of spurs and bourse shoots.

Growers will enjoy networking with successful producers at a family style perch and beer dinner at the famous Erie Beach restaurant in Port Dover and during a wine tour and tasting at Norfolk Estate Winery, Ontario's first apple based winery.

Day two concentrates on Vertical Axe systems with Quebec orchard consultant Roland Joannin and New York State producer Darryl Oates updating participants on innovative methods and techniques from demonstration projects in their areas.

In addition to trellis building, producers will have the opportunity to inspect a four-year-old high density planting and see the data and results of those trials. Growers will get tips and techniques to get started in Vertical Axe production.

Interspersed throughout the two-day workshop, the Apple Team will present mini-segments, success tips to help producers hurdle the barriers to producing quality apples for the marketplace. Topics will include Leader Management, Pollination, Training Trees, Vigor Control, Planting Tips, Weed control and Crop Load Management. These tips focus on practical solutions to common orchard problems.

"The program is geared to the needs of Ontario growers and will give growers the edge they need to produce the high quality apples the market demands," OMAFRA Apple Team member Leslie Huffman said.

For more information, contact University of Guelph, Office of Open Learning Room 159, Johnson Hall, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Phone 579-767-5000, FAX 519-767-0758, email: info@open.uoguelph.ca