Ruslan Cojocaru manages the Peasant Farm “Cojocaru Ruslan Nicolae” and is among the fruit growers who have chosen to invest in modern technologies. A year ago, he established a 30-hectare super-intensive apple orchard, aware that the success of such an investment depends on applying the right practices from the very first growing season. To avoid mistakes and receive recommendations tailored to his orchard, the farmer turned to the agricultural advisory services provided by the Agricultural and Rural Advisory Centre (CCAR).

During a visit to the orchard, agricultural advisor Sergiu Popa assessed the condition of the plantation and the practices applied up to that point. After reviewing the crop protection scheme and fertilisation programme, the specialist made recommendations on crown formation, tree training and crop load management—essential practices for the proper development of a super-intensive orchard.

We needed more in-depth knowledge about growing and managing a super-intensive orchard. CCAR recommended Mr Sergiu Popa, a highly qualified specialist who explained, step by step, how each operation should be carried out so that the orchard develops properly and produces good yields in the years ahead, says Ruslan Cojocaru.

One of the recommendations made to the farmer was to use organic fertilisers during the first growing season. He was also advised to carry out specific tree-training operations, such as tying branches into a horizontal position, to stimulate the formation of fruit buds and ensure balanced crown development.

According to agricultural advisor Sergiu Popa, the successful development of a super-intensive orchard begins with the proper implementation of cultivation practices tailored to each variety and stage of growth.

To support the development of the orchard, it is very important for the trees to be pruned correctly, taking into account the crown shape and the characteristics of each variety. Fertilisation is equally important and must be adapted to the tree’s stage of development. Incorrect fertilisation can delay the onset of fruit production or reduce productivity from the very first years, explains Sergiu Popa.

The specialist also draws attention to crop load regulation, a practice that is often overlooked by growers.

If we force trees to produce too much during their first years, there is a risk of biennial bearing, which will negatively affect yields in subsequent years. The crop load must therefore be adjusted to the age of the orchard to maintain a balance between vegetative growth and fruit production, the advisor notes.

Ruslan Cojocaru believes that the practical guidance provided directly in the orchard is more valuable than any information found online.

You can watch many videos and read a great deal of information online, but when a specialist comes to the orchard, demonstrates each operation in practice and corrects your mistakes on the spot, the difference is considerable. It is not only the manager who learns, but the entire team working in the orchard, says the fruit grower.

In Sergiu Popa’s view, on-site advisory services help growers keep pace with changes in the fruit-growing sector and correctly apply modern technologies adapted to the conditions of each orchard.

Climate change and innovations in fruit growing require knowledge to be continuously updated. Our role is to visit farms, explain new technologies and help growers correctly carry out pruning, fertilisation, crown training and crop load regulation so that their orchards remain productive and profitable, concludes agricultural advisor Sergiu Popa.

This material was produced as part of the agricultural advisory activities for producers in the Republic of Moldova, carried out through the Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS), supported by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry and implemented by the Agricultural and Rural Advisory Centre (CCAR) as part of the Economic Growth Plan of the Republic of Moldova for 2025–2027.