scholarly journals Canopy Development, Yield, and Fruit Quality of `Empire' and `Delicious' Apple Trees Grown in Four Orchard Production Systems for Ten Years

1991 ◽  
Vol 116 (2) ◽  
pp. 179-187 ◽  
Author(s):  
Terence L. Robinson ◽  
Alan N. Lakso ◽  
Stephen G. Carpenter
Keyword(s):  
Fruit Size ◽  
Fruit Color ◽  
Tree Density ◽  
The Other ◽  
Soluble Solids ◽  
Apple Trees ◽  
Yield Efficiency ◽  
Crop Density ◽  
Canopy Volume ◽  
Slender Spindle

A field planting of `Empire' and `Redchief Delicious' apple trees (Malus domestics Borkh.) was established in 1978 to evaluate four planting systems: 1) slender spindle/M.9, 2) Y-trellis/M.26, 3) central leader/M.9/MM.111, and 4) central leader/M.7a. During the first 5 years, yields per hectare for `Empire' were positively correlated with tree density. In the second 5 years, the Y-trellis/M.26 trees produced the highest yields while yields of the other systems continued to be related to tree density. Cumulative yields were highest with the Y-trellis/M.26 trees. With `Delicious', the Y-trellis/M.26 yields were greatest during all 10 years despite lower tree density than the slender spindle/M.9. Yields of `Delicious' with the other three systems were a function of tree density during the 10 years. At maturity, canopy volume per tree was greatest on the central leader/M.7a trees and smallest on the slender spindle/M.9 trees; however, there were no significant differences in canopy volume per hectare between the systems despite large differences in yield. Trunk cross sectional area (TCA) per hectare was greatest with the Y-trellis/M.26 trees and smallest with the central leader/M.7 trees. Yield was highly correlated to TCA/ha. Yield efficiency with `Empire' was greatest for the slender spindle/M.9 system, followed by the Y-trellis/M.26, central leader/M.9/MM.111, respectively. With both cultivars, the central leader/M.7a system had the lowest yield efficiency. With `Delicious', there were no differences in yield efficiency for the other three systems. The greater yield of the Y-trellis/M.26 system was the result of greater TCA/ha and not greater efficiency. `Empire' fruit size was largest on the central leader/M.7a and the central leader/M.9/MM.111 trees and smallest on the slender spindle/M.9 and the Y-trellis/M.26 trees. With `Delicious', fruit size was larger with the Y-trellis/M.26 trees than the other systems. When fruit size was adjusted for crop density, there were no significant differences due to system with `Empire', but with `Delicious' the Y-trellis/M.26 trees had larger adjusted fruit size than the other systems. Crop density calculated using TCA correlated better to fruit size than did crop density calculated using annual increase in TCA, canopy volume, or land area. Fruit color and quality with `Redchief Delicious' were not influenced by system. With `Empire', average fruit color and soluble solids content were lower for the Y-trellis/M.26 and slender spindle/M.9 in some years when canopy density was allowed to become. excessive.

scholarly journals PALMETTE-LEADER (PL) AND CENTRAL-LEADER (CL) TREE-FORM EFFECTS ON LIGHT DISTRIBUTION, PRODUCTIVITY AND FRUIT QUALITY OF `McINTOSH' APPLE TREES

HortScience ◽  
1990 ◽  
Vol 25 (9) ◽  
pp. 1122b-1122
Author(s):  
D.C. Elfving ◽  
I. Schechter ◽  
R.A. Cline ◽  
W.F. Pierce
Keyword(s):  
Fruit Size ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Fruit Color ◽  
Apple Trees ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Tree Form ◽  
Yield Efficiency ◽  
Color Development ◽  
Light Levels

Mature `Macspur McIntosh'/MM.106 trees trained to the CL tree form were converted to the PL tree form in 1987 by removal of east- and west-oriented upper scaffold limbs. Control trees were pruned to maintain the CL form. Dormant pruning in later years maintained either tree form. No summer pruning was used in this study. Canopy light levels along horizontal transects at one m above the soil and vertical transects, both through the center of the canopy, were unaffected by tree form or transect direction. Yields were significantly lower for PL trees in 1987 and 1989, while yield efficiency was reduced in PL trees in all 3 years. Fruit size, trunk cross-sectional area, and foliar macro-nutrient content were unaffected by tree form during this study. Fruit color development in both the upper and lower halves of the canopy was uninfluenced by tree form.

scholarly journals Simulating Biotic Stress with Terbacil on Apple

HortScience ◽  
1995 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 779F-779
Author(s):  
J. A. Flore ◽  
Edgardo Disegna
Keyword(s):  
Significant Interaction ◽  
Fruit Size ◽  
Fruit Color ◽  
Soluble Solids ◽  
Fruit Firmness ◽  
Apple Trees ◽  
Crop Load ◽  
Photosynthetic Inhibition ◽  
Return Bloom ◽  
Dose Dependent

Terbacil an inhibitor of photosynthesis was applied to 10-year-old `Redchief' apple trees in the field carrying a heavy or light fruit crop, or to trees in pots. This simulated the effect of photosynthetic inhibition (PN-I) by either biotic or abiotic stress. Current as well as the next season's crop and physiology were determined. The magnitude and duration of photosynthetic inhibition was dose-dependent. A concentration of 63 mg·liter–1 was applied at 15-day intervals from bloom through harvest. Photosynthesis was in inhibited by 50% to 80% within 24 h of application, but recovered to control levels 10 to 14 days later. Terbacil at 15 and 30 DAFB induced fruit abscission, but not at later dates. The earlier the application the greater the effect on current seasons yield and fruit size. There was also a significant interaction with crop load. There were no significant effects on fruit soluble solids, fruit firmness, fruit density, or fruit color at harvest. Terbacil did not affect cold acclimation, deep winter hardiness, or deacclimation. Pn inhibition at 30, 60, 80, and 100 DAFB reduced return bloom.

Effect of Canopy Angle and Row Spacing on Tree Growth, Yield, Light Interception, and Fruit Quality of Y-trellis-trained Apple Trees

HortScience ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 547d-547 ◽  
Author(s):  
Terence L. Robinson
Keyword(s):  
Fruit Size ◽  
Growth Yield ◽  
Free Standing ◽  
Apple Trees ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Yield Efficiency ◽  
Strong Positive Relationship ◽  
Canopy Volume ◽  
The Relationship

`Empire'/M.9/MM.106 and `Ace Delicious'/MM.106 apple trees were planted in 1985 at three between row spacings (3.0 m, 4.25 m and 5.5 m) and were trained as either free standing central leaders or as Y-shaped hedgerows for 13 years. The Y hedgerow arms had varying angles from 40° to 80° above the horizontal. Final scaffold length, canopy volume, trunk cross-sectional area, and above-ground canopy weight were positively correlated to the angle of the Y arms. As the angle of the Y arms became more horizontal, the amount of growth removed during summer pruning increased. At the flattest angle (40° above horizontal), terminal growth of both cultivars ceased and excessive vertical sucker growth resulted. As the angle of the Y arms became more vertical, more terminal growth was obtained and less shoot growth had to be removed during summer pruning. Cumulative yields of the Y-shaped trees were generally greater than those of the central-leader-trained trees. Exceptions were the most horizontal and the most vertical canopy angles, which had the lowest yields. The relationship between angle of Y arms and yield showed a broad optimum between 50° and 70° above the horizontal. There was also a strong positive relationship between tree density and yield. `Empire' fruit size was smaller from the Y-shaped trees than from the central-leader trees. The optimum angles for fruit size were the intermediate angles. Fruit color was poorest on the flattest angles and best on the most-vertical angles. The best yield efficiency was at intermediate angles (50° 70°). This resulted in the best balance of vegetative growth and cropping.

scholarly journals Varying Density with Constant Rectangularity: II. Effects on Apple Tree Yield, Fruit Size, and Fruit Color Development in Three Training Systems over Ten Years

HortScience ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
pp. 507-511 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheryl R. Hampson ◽  
Harvey A. Quamme ◽  
Frank Kappel ◽  
Robert T. Brownlee
Keyword(s):  
Fruit Size ◽  
Fruit Color ◽  
Training System ◽  
Tree Density ◽  
Fruit Yield ◽  
Influential Factor ◽  
Planting Density ◽  
Cumulative Yield ◽  
Yield Efficiency ◽  
Training Systems

The effect of increasing planting density at constant rectangularity on the fruit yield, fruit size, and fruit color of apple [Malus ×sylvestris (L) var. domestica (Borkh.) Mansf.] in three training systems (slender spindle, tall spindle, and Geneva Y trellis) was assessed for 10 years. Five tree densities (from 1125 to 3226 trees/ha) and two cultivars (Royal Gala and Summerland McIntosh) were tested in a fully guarded split-split plot design. Density was the most influential factor. As tree density increased, per-tree yield decreased, but yield per unit area increased. The relation between cumulative yield per ha and tree density was linear at the outset of the trial, but soon became curvilinear, as incremental yield diminished with increasing tree density. The chief advantage of high density planting was a large increase in early fruit yield. In later years, reductions in cumulative yield efficiency, and in fruit color for `Summerland McIntosh', began to appear at the highest density. Training system had no influence on productivity for the first 5 years. During the second half of the trial, fruit yield per tree was greater for the Y trellis than for either spindle form at lower densities but not at higher densities. The slender and tall spindles were similar in nearly all aspects of performance, including yield. `Summerland McIntosh' yielded almost 40% less than `Royal Gala' and seemed more sensitive to the adverse effects of high tree density on fruit color.

scholarly journals Palmette-leader and Central-leader Tree Forms Compared for Light Distribution, Productivity, and Fruit Quality of `McIntosh' Apple Trees

HortScience ◽  
1990 ◽  
Vol 25 (11) ◽  
pp. 1386-1388 ◽  
Author(s):  
D.C. Elfving ◽  
I. Schechter ◽  
R.A. Cline ◽  
W.F. Pierce
Keyword(s):  
Fruit Size ◽  
Fruit Color ◽  
Apple Trees ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Tree Form ◽  
Yield Efficiency ◽  
Color Development ◽  
Light Levels ◽  
Area Growth

Mature `Macspur McIntosh'/MM.106 apple trees (Malus domestica Borkh.) trained to the central-leader (CL) tree form were converted to the palmette-leader (PL) tree form in 1987 by removal of east- and west-oriented scaffolds in the upper canopy. Control trees were pruned to maintain the CL form. Dormant pruning in subsequent seasons maintained either tree form. No summer pruning was done. Canopy light levels along horizontal transects 1 m above the soil and vertical transects, both through the center of the canopy, were unaffected by tree form or transect direction. Yields were significantly lower for PL trees in 1987 and 1989, while yield efficiency was reduced in PL trees in all 3 years. Fruit size, trunk cross-sectional area growth, and foliar macronutrient content were unaffected by tree form. Fruit color development in both the upper and lower halves of the canopy was not influenced by tree form during the study.

scholarly journals Comparison of Two Training Methods Applied to Apple Trees Trained to Slender Spindle During the First Years After Planting

2017 ◽  
Vol 65 (4) ◽  
pp. 1241-1245
Author(s):  
Martin Mészáros ◽  
Luděk Laňar ◽  
Josef Sus ◽  
Jan Náměstek
Keyword(s):  
Relative Proportion ◽  
Fruit Size ◽  
Fruit Production ◽  
Training Methods ◽  
Apple Trees ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Yield Efficiency ◽  
Crown Volume ◽  
Slender Spindle ◽  
Total Growth

The research was focused on the comparison of two pruning methods (winter pruning and winter + summer pruning) applied to apple trees trained to a standard and a modified slender spindle. The orchard of ‘Topaz’ trees, grafted on rootstock M 9, was planted in spring 2011. In the years 2013 – 2016, trunk cross sectional area (TCSA), crown volume, cumulative yields, yield efficiency, relative proportion of fruit size classes, number of cuts and dry matter of pruned wood were analyzed. The total growth intensity of the trees, measured by TCSA, was similar among the treatments. The trees of modified slender spindle had lower mean crown volume (2.751 – 2.765 m3) comparing to slender spindle with additional summer pruning (3.355 m3) and proved to better control the tree size. The modified slender spindle brought similar or slightly lower cumulative yields, but significantly higher proportion of good sized fruits (in categories above ř 70 mm) comparing to slender spindle. The pruning of modified spindle brings generally higher number of cuts removing a higher amount of woody biomass in comparison to slender spindle, regardless if combined with summer pruning. The additional summer pruning brought no beneficial effect in reduction of growth, fruit production and fruit size of the modified slender spindle.

EFFECT OF CULTIVATION AND NITROGEN ON FRUIT QUALITY, YIELD AND COLOR OF McINTOSH APPLES GROWN IN IRRIGATED GRASS SOD COVER CROP

1969 ◽  
Vol 49 (2) ◽  
pp. 149-154 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. L. Mason
Keyword(s):  
Nitrogen Fertilization ◽  
Cover Crop ◽  
Nitrogen Concentration ◽  
Titratable Acidity ◽  
Fruit Color ◽  
Soluble Solids ◽  
Apple Trees ◽  
Pressure Test ◽  
Nitrogen Treatments ◽  
Plot Design

Nitrogen treatments from 0.15 to 0.90 kg of nitrogen and cultivation treatments from zero to three shallow rotovations were applied in a split-plot design to 30-year-old McIntosh apple trees growing in irrigated grass sod.Fruit quality was very largely unaffected by the treatments. Pressure test after harvest was reduced from 6.61 to 6.44 kg (P = 0.10) as nitrogen increased. Number of rots increased from 2.7 to 3.9 per 60-fruit sample with increasing nitrogen. Titratable acidity and soluble solids after harvest and pressure test, titratable acidity, soluble solids, stem-cavity browning and core flush in tests after storage were all unchanged. In addition, none of these tests were affected by cultivation except pressure test, which decreased with more cultivation (P = 0.10).Yield was not changed by either the nitrogen or the cultivation treatments, and terminal length increased only slightly with more cultivation. However, nitrogen concentration in the leaf was increased from 1.90 to 1.98% by the nitrogen treatments and from 1.83 to 1.98% by increasing cultivation. Extra Fancy grade was reduced and C grade increased by increasing nitrogen (P = 0.10), but cultivation had no effect.The conclusion is drawn that grass sod can very largely eliminate the effect of widely different nitrogen fertilization levels on McIntosh apple, and that moderate cultivation changes this effect only slightly. In many mature orchards of high initial fertility, nitrogen fertilizer may be required in only small amounts or even not at all for optimum fruit color.

Control of pudding spot in Crofton apple

1992 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 503
Author(s):  
KM Jones ◽  
SA Bound ◽  
MJ Oakford ◽  
TB Koen
Keyword(s):  
Acetic Acid ◽  
Fruit Size ◽  
Fruit Weight ◽  
The Other ◽  
Naphthalene Acetic Acid ◽  
Full Bloom ◽  
Apple Trees ◽  
Low Incidence ◽  
Thinning Effect

Regularly cropped Crofton apple trees in southern Tasmania were thinned using sprays of naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) at 10 mg/L or ethephon at 200 mg/L at balloon blossom (BB), full bloom (FB), 10 days after full bloom (DAFB) or 20 DAFB. These treatments were compared with hand thinning and an unthinned control. Ethephon had a uniformly mild thinning effect (about 30% compared to control), except at 10 DAFB, where no thinning occurred. NAA was inconsistent, thinning well at BB (50%), overthinning at both FB (85%) and 10 DAFB (88%), and underthinning at 20 DAFB (similar to the control). Ethephon applied at BB and FB increased both mean fruit weight (12 and 22%) and fruit size (28 and 79%), but later applications did not. NAA applications generally resulted in increased mean fruit weight and size, except for the 20 DAFB treatment, which was similar to the control. All ethephon treatments had a low incidence (43%) of pudding spot similar to the controls and hand-thinned treatments. Most NAA treatments showed significantly higher levels of pudding spot than the other treatments. It is concluded that ethephon is a more predictable thinner for Crofton than NAA, and its use to control pudding spot is recommended.

scholarly journals Fruit Variability and Relationships between Color at Harvest and Quality during Storage of Uapaca kirkiana (Muell. Arg.) Fruit from Natural Woodlands

HortScience ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 352-356 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irene Kadzere ◽  
Chris B. Watkins ◽  
Ian A. Merwin ◽  
Festus K. Akinnifesi ◽  
John D. K. Saka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fruit Size ◽  
Storage Period ◽  
Fruit Shape ◽  
Fruit Color ◽  
Soluble Solids ◽  
Postharvest Quality ◽  
Seed Number ◽  
Uapaca Kirkiana ◽  
Ripe Stage ◽  
Wild Loquat

The full commercial potential of wild loquat [Uapaca kirkiana (Muell. Arg.)], a fruit that is widely used for food and income in parts of Africa, is restricted by its short shelf life and variability in postharvest quality. We have evaluated within and among tree variability in fruit size and color at harvest, and changes of color, soluble solids concentrations (SSC) and pulp deterioration during storage, of fruit harvested during the maturation period. The relationships between fruit shape, size, seed number and SSC of fruit harvested at the ripe stage of maturity was also assessed. Size and color of fruit within and among trees at harvest varied greatly within the same location on the same harvest date. The a* values (redness) were more variable than for other color attributes, reflecting a range of fruit colors from greenish to brown. During a 6 day storage period, fruit color lightness and yellowness decreased, while redness increased, and variation in color attributes decreased. Although fruit color intensified during storage, the SSC of fruit after ripening was linked more with fruit color at harvest, with mean concentrations ranging from 6.7% to 13.8% among trees. When fruit were harvested four weeks later and categorized by color at harvest, SSC varied from 11.8% in greenish-yellow fruit to 14.5% in browner fruit. Pulp deterioration of stored fruit harvested unripe was observed by 6 days. The SSC of fruit harvested when ripe was not significantly correlated with shape, size or seed number. These observations have important implications for germplasm selection and collection of U. kirkiana for domestication purposes. Timing of harvest and/or postharvest sorting of fruit is likely to reduce variability in SSC during the postharvest period.

scholarly journals Rootstock, Time, Technique, and Quantity of Nitrogen Effects on Production, Mineral Nutrition, and Postharvest Quality of `Fuji' Apple

HortScience ◽  
1995 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 787A-787
Author(s):  
Esmaeil Fallahi ◽  
Brenda R. Simons
Keyword(s):  
Tree Growth ◽  
Fruit Color ◽  
Soluble Solids ◽  
Postharvest Quality ◽  
Starch Degradation ◽  
Yield Efficiency ◽  
Early Results ◽  
Fuji Apple ◽  
Leaf N

The influence of three rootstocks, various levels of soil-applied nitrogen in fall, and spring spray applications with and without minimum ground nitrogen on tree growth, productivity, leaf and fruit nutrient partitioning, and postharvest quality of fruit at harvest and after storage in `B.C. 2 Fuji' apple was studied over several seasons. Early results showed that trees on M.26 and M.9 were more precocious and had higher yield and yield efficiency. Trees on M.9 had significantly higher leaf Ca and incidence of sunburned fruit than those on other rootstocks. Trees on M.7 had larger fruit and higher leaf N, K, and Cu, but had lower fruit starch degradation pattern (SDP) and leaf Ca. Soluble solids at harvest were lower in fruit from trees on M.26 rootstock. Trees with fall nitrogen application had lower leaf N and better fruit color. Lower quantities of N application had smaller fruit but better fruit color and higher firmness at harvest. Fruit from all rootstocks did not produce ethylene for several days in the ripening chambers. After this period, fruit on M.9 rootstock produced ethylene before those from other rootstocks. Trees established with only nitrogen spray without any ground application had leaf N deficiency after they started bearing fruit. Establishment of a new `Fuji' orchard based on only nitrogen spray produced weak trees with low yield and yield efficiency, while addition of a small quantity of ground-applied N improved tree growth and fruit quality.

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