Growing almonds in Veneto, just a few kilometers from the Alps, may seem like an impossible challenge. Yet, in the province of Verona, this hypothesis is turning into a concrete and technically solid productive reality. In the almond orchard of Giacomo Bonsaver, in Bussolengo, Agronomist Vito Vitelli analyzes a planting system that represents an advanced example of adapting a Mediterranean crop to a complex climatic context, thanks to the rigorous application of modern agronomic techniques.
The orchard is planted at high density, but it does not fall into
the super-intensive category. Planting density is approximately 700–800 trees
per hectare, with planting distances of around 5 x 2.75 meters. The training
system adopted is Zaragoza, which is based on a key principle: the geometric
management of the canopy to maximize light interception and ensure balanced
production along the entire vegetative wall.
The tree is shaped according to an inclined truncated pyramid form,
while the interior must remain open, airy, and free of structural branches,
following the concept of the “light cone” and the so-called “clean palm of the
hand” at the center. This structure prevents harmful shading and promotes the
formation of well-lit fruiting branches.
A central element of management is mechanical pruning, carried out
using a double-blade bar rather than rotating blades, to ensure a clean and
precise cut. The operation follows well-defined rules: the pivot point of the
bar is positioned at approximately 1.5–1.6 meters from the trunk, and the cut
is performed at an inclination of about 33–35 degrees. This inclination is
essential to allow light to reach the lower portions of the canopy, preventing
the upper part from shading the lower one.
In this specific case, the cultivated variety is Tuono,
characterized by a strong tendency to open up and spread laterally under the
weight of the fruit. The inclined cut helps contain this development, improve
the vegetative–productive balance, and stimulate the formation of new internal
branches that are weaker and upright. Within two to three seasons, these
branches become enriched with fruiting spurs, ensuring future production.
Mechanical pruning therefore functions as a true structural return cut.
Growing almond trees in a northern area also means facing the risk
of spring frosts. In this orchard, protection is provided by an over-canopy
frost protection system that uses well water at a temperature of approximately
13–16 °C. By exploiting the thermal energy of the water and the so-called
“igloo effect,” the ice that forms around the flowers prevents the temperature
of the plant organs from dropping below the critical threshold. The system has
proven effective even on nights with temperatures down to –4 °C. During the
summer period, the same system also performs a cooling function, helping to
cool the canopy and reduce pressure from pests such as mites.
From an economic point of view, the goal is to achieve a production
of approximately 5 kg of almonds per tree, equal to about 40 quintals per
hectare, considered the minimum threshold to ensure the economic sustainability
of the orchard. Proximity to Verona, home to major confectionery industries,
and the possibility of direct sales of a high-value local product allow for
attractive prices, justifying the investment in a technologically advanced
system.
The Verona model demonstrates that the Zaragoza system, when
applied with geometric rigor and supported by adequate protection structures,
allows the almond tree to express its productive potential even outside
traditional growing areas. A modern form of fruit growing, based on light,
form, and climate control, capable of looking ahead without improvisation.
Keywords:
#AlmondTree #ZaragozaSystem #MechanizedPruning
#HighDensity #FrostProtection #ModernFruitGrowing #VenetoAlmonds
#AgriculturalInnovation #AgronomistVitoVitelli
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