Hop production in a low-trellis espalier system in the subtropical environment.

BACKGROUND: Hop cultivation (Humulus lupulus L.) is expanding into new regions, particularly under subtropical conditions. Traditionally, hop plants are trained using high-trellis systems; however, a low-trellis espalier structure may reduce establishment costs, facilitate phytosanitary management, and improve harvest uniformity. This study evaluated the effects of low-trellis espalier compared with a conventional high-trellis system on hop development, yield, and cone quality under subtropical conditions in southern Brazil. Two training systems and four cultivars (Cascade, Chinook, Comet, and Saaz) were evaluated over two growing seasons. RESULTS: All cultivars were adapted to a subtropical environment and produced cones in the first year. The low-trellis espalier system showed promising performance, particularly for Cascade and Comet cultivars. Cascade exhibited higher cone number and fresh cone yield under low-trellis espalier, while Comet showed higher α- and β-acid contents. Saaz performed better under the high-trellis system, whereas Chinook showed a cultivar-specific response in β-acid content. CONCLUSION: Low-trellis espalier is a promising alternative for selected hop cultivars under subtropical conditions, particularly Cascade and Comet, although cultivar-specific responses should guide training system selection. © 2026 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.