The growth and fructification of cherry trees depending on cutting systems

Abstract

It were studied the growth and fruiting of sweet cherry trees (Cerasus avium L.) from cv. 'Valerii Cicalov' and cv. 'Record', grafted on mahaleb rootstock (Cerasus mahaleb Mill.) in relation with pruning system. The orchard was established in 2003 with planting distance of 6 x 5 m. The trees have been formed after natural ramification with high volume. The staggered pruning of semi skeleton branches was made during the vegetation period and complementary in wood for 3-4 years. This variant advantages the formation of semi skeleton and fruit branches, compared to pruning production during the dormancy period and vegetation period. The fruits harvested in 2012-2013 weight 20,1-33,4 kg/tree at 'Valerii Cicalov' cultivar and 18,9-26,4 kg/tree at 'Record'. The staggered cutting of semi skeleton branches during the vegetation period garnishes the crown with fruiting branches and provides an increase of fruits production with 32% to cv. 'Valerii Cicalov' and with 21% to cv. 'Record' comparing to pruning production during the dormand period (control).