Performance of Apple ber on different training systems in hot arid condition

Abstract

Ber is an indigenous and common fruit of India. It is commercially grown under wide climatic and soil conditions. Apple ber (Zizyphus jujube Mill) cultivar is gaining momentum in sub-tropical and tropical climatic conditions of West Bengal, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat and in several northern parts of India. It is precocious in bearing habit with bold and crispy fruits. Many factors including training practices affect vegetative and fruit quality parameters. Due to bolder and heavier fruits, the cultivar is prone for limbs breakage or complete tilting of plants which results in uneven fruiting, reduced fruit set, and higher fruit drop. Considering its appealing fruit taste and quality and to address the above mentioned issues, different training systems were evaluated to see its performance on three to four years old apple ber orchards. Plants were trained on different training systems viz. Y-Shape, Espalier training system and control. Observations were recorded on vegetative and fruit quality parameters. Training systems significantly influenced various vegetative, yield and fruit quality parameters. Vegetative parameters such as leaf area, physical and quality attributes viz., fruit weight and size, TSS, ascorbic acid, yield, and B: C ratio were better in Y-Shape training system. Hence, Y- Shape training system can be adopted to improve yield and fruit quality parameters in Apple ber.