Apple High Density Orcharding - Performance Reckoning Studies in Respect of the Agro-ecological Challenges of Kinnaur

High density orcharding and the quest for high quality produce is gaining day by day and extending its spread into the dry temperate regions. Kinnaur region of Himachal Pradesh, India is known for its quality apple production but is a quite fragile ecotype with high degree of vulnerability to the climatic changes. Agro-ecologically the region is quite variable from wet temperate conditions to highly dry temperate dessert conditions. Intensive apple cultivation therefore in the region needs critical prior assessment for its sustained success. Reckoning studies presented in this article discuss the expected performance score of different clonal and seedling rootstocks, spur, non-spur and high colouring cultivars and high and ultrahigh densities of planting. The ready reckoner of rootstock, cultivar and planting densities combinations expected to perform better under the three distinct agro-ecological situations of Kinnaur have also been presented for future validation.