Evaluation of different pruning methods of 'Honeygold' apple trees planted in high density

摘要

In the experiment conducted in 1997 - 2002, the effect of pruning methods on the growth, yield, mean weight of fruit and the labour inputs was estimated. In the spring of 1997 'Honeygold' apple trees on rootstock P 22 and M.9 were planted in 3.2 X 0.5m. Five methods of pruning were used in the experiment: renewal pruning starting from the 3rd and 4th year after planting, removing a part of strong annual and all older shoots and shortening annual and older shoots. The results obtained showed that renewal pruning starting from the 4th year after planting is a good method of training of 'Honeygold' apple trees planted in high density, In the case of trees on P 22 rootstock, shortening 2-3-year-old shoots to 20-25 cm positively affected the yield of trees, but required higher labour input. The methods of pruning affected the weight of fruit more than the rootstocks used.