There are arguments for relatively many fruit tree varieties in any one local orchard, and arguments for relatively few:

Arguments for many varieties

 1. The season for fresh fruit is prolonged for as long as possible without refrigerated storage.

2. The work of harvesting and processing is spread out.

3. Storage requirements are minimized by (as far as possible) matching supply with demand.

4. Flavours, eating traits, appearance, juice character etc. are pleasingly diverse.

5. Pollination is generally enhanced (since most varieties have limited self-fertility).

6. Variability in the total crop per year is reduced since some varieties do poorly in any one year and some do well depending on unpredictable factors such as stage of flower development at the time of any bad spring weather.

7. Any less popular or successful varieties can be dropped and replaced relatively easily.

8. Diversity is increased, adding horticultural interest and giving scope for breeding.

9. More scope for experimenting with the variation between varieties.

 Arguments for few varieties

 1. Orchard design is relatively simple.

2. Trees of the varieties desired are likely to be easily available in commerce.

3. Management is simplified, particularly for production.

4. More scope for experimentation within a variety (which may help to increase the consistency of a product).

5. Less need to keep varieties separate hence less labelling, less storage space, simpler packing, simpler processing etc.

6. Less work in keeping records.

7. One may be content with a few firm favourites.

8. The possibility is avoided that any one (preferred) variety is unavailable in one year or only available in a very limited quantity.