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To cut or not to cut: The role of estension growth in fruit quality

conference contribution
posted on 2023-05-24, 11:25 authored by Measham, PF, McNair, NW, Quentin, A, Sally BoundSally Bound
Cherries are known for being sweet; total soluble solids are a key determinant of quality in most fruit quality studies. It is also well known that leaves play a role in delivering assimilates to fruit, and that fruits are strong sinks. Less well known is the role of extension growth (current season leaf growth) on fruit quality. Extension growth occurs throughout the fruit growing season and has the potential to be a strong source of assimilates. However, while growing they can also be a strong sink; hence the question; to cut or not to cut? Summer pruning can be useful to reduce vigour, or promote light interception but can it also be used to reduce competition for assimilates between growing fruit and extension growth? Trials assessing fruit quality from trees (varieties Kordia, Sweetheart and Satonishiki) which had been pruned at various times throughout the growing season were undertaken. Timing had a significant impact on fruit quality with pruning after, but not at, Stage II increasing fruit sugars (TSS). Pruning at most stages had no impact on sugars in newly developing buds. Pruning during Stage II decreased both current season fruit sugars, and new developing bud sugar levels. Pruning did not affect the uniformity of bud burst or yield in the following season. Therefore, used appropriately summer pruning of extension growth may be a useful tool in promoting sugar assimilation. Furthermore, pruning during rainfall in the three weeks prior to harvest maturity reduced fruit cracking, while pruning prior to rainfall in the same period did not impact on cracking. This implicates a role of extension growth leaves in the supply of excess water to the fruit reducing both yield and quality such that pruning could increase both yield and quality.

Funding

Horticulture Innovation Australia

History

Publication title

Proceedings of the 7th International Cherry Symposium

Department/School

Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA)

Publisher

ICS

Place of publication

Plasencia, Spain

Event title

7th International Cherry Symposium

Event Venue

Plasencia, Spain

Date of Event (Start Date)

2013-06-23

Date of Event (End Date)

2013-06-27

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Pome fruit, pip fruit

Usage metrics

    University Of Tasmania

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