>>1314208The ones in the greenhouse where I worked lasted longer than 3-4 years, but we removed them around that time. They were indeterminate and grown hydroponically. They'd reach 75-100 feet easily.
>>1314215>>1314234That is something you can DIY for cheaper I'm quite sure...like $100-$200 depending on size. The piping would be the most expensive, but PEX and cheap connectors are all cheap anyway. Especially, if you can get 5 gallon buckets for free from local places like contractors as construction sights that spackle drywall with "mud" or restaurants. Second hand 55-gallon plastic water drums are usually floating around for cheap.
>>1314247Yeah, that doesn't look good at all. It looks like some scaring caused by rot. It also appears to require more light. Though, the stem color itself may have started to fade due to that infection. It may recover. Check the roots to see if they are browning and/or stinking. If so, you should probably pull it and start a new one. Or, you can try making a cutting from the entire upper portion that isn't affected. I've had luck with that before. It beats starting from seed. Good luck and report back.
>>1314310Ants are attracted to the fruit probably. Just prop it back up as best you can. Harvest when they are ready then start pruning it back about 1/4 to 1/3 of its growth. Next season you need to thin out the fruit before it gets to this point. However, better pruning practices will help strengthen the limbs. As far as the roots go, you'll need to stake it to help prevent that from happening again. Use rubber where the ties hold onto the tree and change their positions 2 times a year so they don't cause problems with growth.
>>1314334No need to poison the ants. Just make their paths up to the plant impossible for them to climb. Wrap a small section of the trunk in some plastic and coat that plastic with Vaseline/petroleum jelly. Don't get it on the tree. Smear it on any supports touching the ground that touch the tree.
