Dynamics of an apple tree yield after rejuvenation pruning

Abstract

Abstract The studies were carried out in the apple orchard planted in 1987. The layout of trees was 7x5 m, the stock was vigorous (seedlings of cultivated varieties). In the first experiment, the influence of the crown cut on fruit yield was studied. The object of research was an apple tree of the Sinap Orlovsky variety. The following options were considered: 1. Without reduction in the crown height (control); 2. Cutting the tree height to 5.0-5.5 m; 3. Cutting the tree height to 4.0-4.5 m; 4. Cutting the tree height to 3.0-3.5 m. The trees were pruned in the spring of 2015. In the second experiment, perennial wood was removed and the yield was compared. The object of the study was an apple tree of the Antonovka Ordinary variety. The following options were considered: 1. Sanitary pruning (control); 2. Pruning for 3-4 year old wood; 3. Pruning for 5-6 year old wood; 4. Pruning for 7-8 year old wood. The trees were pruned in the spring of 2016. The experiments were repeated 4 times, each option used 6 trees, the placement of the plots was randomized. In the first experiment, on the sixth year, the highest yield (15.8 t/ha) was observed for the option with a crown cut to 4.0-4.5 m. This option also showed the highest total yield for 6 years (55.1 t/ha). In the second experiment for options with rejuvenation pruning, the total yield over 5 years exceeded the control option by 9.9-36.3%. The highest yield (52.2 t/ha) was obtained for the option with pruning for 5-6 year old wood.