Hight Density Orcharding/Planting HDO/HDP):
High density orcharding is a highly efficient and latest production system for the cultivation of
fruit crops. It commercially followed worldwide now in most of the subtropical fruit crops. High
density planting is defined as planting at a density more than that which suffices to give
maximum crop yields per unit area in a short duration. High returns can be obtained from a high-
density orchard when there will be proper interception and distribution of the light radiations in
the orchard leading to high photosynthetically active par interception resulting in enhancement of
productivity. A proper balance between vegetative and reproductive growth which is attained by
following crop specific canopy management practices such as selection of dwarf cultivars,
training. pruning and with the use of growth retardants.
High density planting (HDP) is a highly efficient and advanced production system of fruit
cultivation. In most of the temperate tree and nut crops it is now commercially followed all over
the world because of availability of suitable dwarfing rootstock to control tree vigor. Major
tropical fruit crops are either propagated by suckers (banana, pineapple), seed (papaya) or by
layering (guava) and grafting (mango). The use of dwarfing rootstocks, as in many temperate
tree fruits, is not possible/available in most of the commercial tropical fruits for high density
planting. High density planting is one of the novel methods to achieve high productivity per unit
area both in short duration and perennial horticultural crops. High yield and high fruit quality can
be achieved with a high-density orchard when the orchard has good light distribution throughout
the tree canopy and there is a balance between vegetative growth and cropping.
High density planting is defined as planting at a density more than that which suffices to give
maximum crop yields at maturity if individual tree grows to its full natural size. Higher number
of plants of same or different crop species are accommodated within a unit area in comparison to
conventional planting density so to obtain maximum output by utilization of land light and
additional inputs viz. nutrients, pesticides. Plant density needs to be designed to intercept and
distribute the solar radiations effectively keeping in view the climatic conditions, cultivar,
planting system and management practices. It aims to achieve the objective of enhanced
productivity in both qualitative and quantitative aspects.
Principle: The underlying principle of high-density planting is to make the best use of the
vertical and horizontal space per unit time and to harness maximum possible returns per unit of
inputs. It mainly aims to achieve the twin requisites of productivity by maintaining a balance
between vegetative and reproductive growth without impairing the plant health.
Objectives:
High density aims at increasing the productivity per unit area by increasing plant
population/unit area by closer spacing.
This has been successfully done in several temperate fruit crops like apple, pear, peach etc.
where there is availability of dwarfing rootstocks and plant response
for training and pruning and chemical regulation of size.
Eg : Apple 3X3= 1111 plants., 3X2 =1666 plants.
Different types of high density planting followed in fruit crops: Bush orchard, Pyramid
orchard, Tatura trellies, Meadow orchard, Hedge row system etc. High density orchard was tried
in mango with dwarfing variety like Amrapali and with the use of dwarfing rootstock like Olur,
Vellaikollamban. In India, HDP has been proved useful in many tropical and subtropical fruit
crops e.g., mango, citrus, pineapple, banana, guava litchi, and papaya.
Advantages of HDP
1. High returns per unit area.
2. Maximum use of resources.
3. Possibility of adopting mechanization.
Disadvantages
1. Competition in later years.
2. Pest and disease problems.
3. Cultural operation is difficult.
Limitaions:
Limited success of high density is noticed in tropical and subtropical fruit crops because
of
1. Non availability of dwarfing rootstocks.
2. Vigorous growth throughout the year.
3. Poor response for training and pruning.
