Advances and challenges in sustainable apple cultivation
Résumé
Developing sustainable apple cultivation is based on both a better knowledge of tree architecture and physiology in relation to fruiting, and on how the tree interacts with its abiotic and biotic environments. Improving knowledge in these domains is crucial to take into account the societal demand towards less input-dependent orchards. This chapter provides an overview of apple tree growth and fruiting, exploring the bases for sustainable apple training and pruning management. The chapter also challenges the current apple production agroecosystem and looks ahead to future research trends in this area.