Original scientific paper

TREE CANOPY PRUNING DOES NOT REGULATE BIENNIAL BEARING IN ”ELSTAR” APPLE (Malus domestica Borkh.)

N. Pavičić ; ulty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
T. Jemrić ; ulty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
M. Skendrović ; ulty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
T. Ćosić ; ulty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

Four alternative pruning strategies (A– 25 generative buds, B– 50 generative buds, C– 75 generative buds and D–100 generative buds per tree) for Elstar apple cultivar and their possible impact on improvement in productivity were examined in 1999 and 2000. Year was significant factor for all traits, except yield. The pruning strategy is significant for number of fruits per flower cluster and fruit mass. Interaction year and pruning strategy is significant only for number of fruits per flower cluster. Fruit mass was larger for pruning strategy A compared to the pruning strategies C and D. Yield efficiency and biennial bearing index were not affected by pruning strategies. The biennial bearing index variance was the lowest for the pruning strategy B. Trunk cross sectional area (TCSA) had negative impact on fruit mass in pruning strategy C. Correlation between the flower and crop density was positive in pruning strategy A. Flower density was in positive correlation with yield in pruning strategy C. The research shows that tree pruning alone will not result in adequate yield regulation in ‘Elstar’ apple.

Keywords

apple (Malus domestica Borkh); pruning strategy; biennial bearing; tree productivity

Hrčak ID:

25209

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/25209

Publication date:

20.12.2004.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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