Peach in a “Single-Axis” System: Summer Pruning and Renewal of the Fruiting Wall

In Spain, among the rows of a peach orchard trained using a single-axis system, we observe a narrow and continuous vegetative wall built around a central axis covered with fruiting branches. The indicative spacing is 3.80–4.00 metres between rows and 70–90 centimetres between trees within the row. Here, the trees exceed four metres in height, but the system can also be designed as a pedestrian-height system, at around 2.20–2.40 metres, by adapting the rootstock, spacing and vigour management accordingly.

Peaches grown on a single axis during summer pruning

The objective is to keep fruit production close to the central axis and distribute light throughout the entire fruiting wall, preventing the upper vegetation from weakening the lower portion. Peach trees bear fruit predominantly on one-year-old wood, particularly on mixed shoots. Therefore, while we accompany the fruit through to maturity, we are also preparing the productive branches for the following season.

Spurring of vigorous branches

Summer pruning becomes a process of selection. Well-positioned shoots are retained, giving preference to those with balanced vigour, without automatically removing a potential future mixed shoot simply because it is vigorous. On branches that are still carrying fruit, reduction cuts control the extension growth and redirect development towards a useful lateral branch, preserving both the crop and the leaves required to support it. Water sprouts or secondary shoots can also contribute to renewal, although their fruitfulness depends on the cultivar, their development and the time at which they form. A publication by Richard P. Marini for Virginia Cooperative Extension notes that laterals developing on very vigorous shoots may have few flower buds.

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Strongly upright shoots that close the fruiting wall, on the other hand, require targeted intervention. Where vegetation needs to be regenerated close to the central axis, spur pruning can be carried out a few centimeters from the base (4–6 cm), while retaining viable vegetative buds. Spur pruning stimulates new shoots, which can subsequently be selected and managed.

Light guides every decision. Australian research on nectarine has associated less well-lit areas with a lower presence of flower buds, highlighting the importance of assimilates produced by the leaves. Italian research by Neri and Massetani also emphasizes the contribution of summer pruning to light distribution and carbon allocation towards fruiting branches. These are physiological principles that help to interpret the experience observed in the orchard.

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In this orchard, interventions are carried out between June and July, with timing and intensity adjusted according to the cultivar, harvest period and tree vigour. Indiscriminate cuts can remove valuable leaves and negatively affect fruit size. Pruning, irrigation, nutrition and fruit thinning must therefore work together to maintain a well-lit fruiting wall, adequately supplied fruit and continuous renewal along the central axis.

Editorial Note

Original content by Agronomist Dr Vito Vitelli, prepared and optimized with the support of artificial intelligence tools for educational, informational and technical communication purposes.

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