Comparison of leaf population of sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) trees on different rootstocks

Abstract In a series of investigations, undertaken to find the optimal leaf area index (LAI) within the canopy of high density cherry orchards (Prunus avium L.) we studied the characteristics of the leaf population from sweet cherry trees on different rootstocks and their impacts on LAI. Our study involved measuring leaf surfaces, weighing and counting the leaves as well as calculating different indexes to evaluate the distribution of the leaf population. The investigations were carried out five (2008) and six (2009) years after plantation, on ‘Petrus’ and ‘Rita’ sweet cherry trees budded on the following rootstocks. ‘Petrus’ on two clonal Mahaleb rootstocks: ‘Bogdany’, ‘Magyar’ and also on two interspecific hybrids: ‘Gisela 6’ and ‘Prob’. ‘Rita’ trees were grafted on Prunus mahaleb seedlings: ‘Korponay’, P. avium seedlings and on ‘Gisela 6’ rootstocks. The average single leaf area (SLA) of both cultivars was larger on extension shoots compared to spurs. This large single leaf size difference impacts the total leaf area (TLA) of the tree. Leaves from trees on dwarfing rootstocks usually show larger specific leaf weight (SLW), while on vigorous rootstocks the SLW on both shoot type was smaller. On the other hand, there is a tendency that spur-leaves show lower SLW compared to extension shoots. The rootstock vigor strongly influenced the LAI and so the leaf density within canopy space. Both ‘Rita’ and ‘Petrus’ trees tend to develop a proportionally larger spur leaf canopy on dwarfing rootstocks, and this tendency is even stronger after heading the trees ( Table 6 ), while trees on ‘Magyar’ and ‘Bogdany’ rootstocks have consistently low SPLA rates.

[1]  S. Franken-Bembenek GiSelAs, PIKUs und neue Giessener Klone: Ergebnisse aus europäischen und nordamerikanischen Kirschenunterlagenversuchen , 2010, Erwerbs-Obstbau.

[2]  N. de Ridder,et al.  Designing a “Target-Tree” for Maximizing Gross Value of Product in Patagonian Sweet Cherry Orchards , 2007 .

[3]  Terence L. Robinson,et al.  Bases of Yield and Production Efficiency in Apple Orchard Systems , 1991 .

[4]  Miklos Faust,et al.  Physiology of Temperate Zone Fruit Trees , 1989 .

[5]  G. Végvári,et al.  HISTOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION OF CHERRY ROOTSTOCKS , 2008 .

[6]  John E. Jackson,et al.  Light Interception and Utilization by Orchard Systems , 2011 .

[7]  V. Usenik,et al.  Low leaf to fruit ratio delays fruit maturity of 'Lapins' sweet cherry on Gisela 5 , 2010 .

[8]  Osvaldo Facini,et al.  Leaf characteristics and optical properties of different woody species , 1997, Trees.

[9]  J. Moutinho-Pereira,et al.  Variation in xylem structure and function in roots and stems of scion–rootstock combinations of sweet cherry tree (Prunus avium L.) , 2007, Trees.

[10]  R. Stehr EXPERIENCES WITH DWARFING SWEET CHERRY ROOTSTOCKS IN NORTHERN GERMANY , 2005 .

[11]  J. W. Palmer,et al.  Interception of Light by Model Hedgerow Orchards in Relation to Latitude, Time of Year and Hedgerow Configuration and Orientation , 1972 .

[12]  K. Hrotkó ADVANCES AND CHALLENGES IN FRUIT ROOTSTOCK RESEARCH , 2007 .

[13]  Terence L. Robinson,et al.  The Bases of Productivity in Apple Production Systems: The Role of Light Interception by Different Shoot Types , 1996 .

[14]  J. W. Palmer,et al.  Effects of Shade on the Growth and Cropping of Apple Trees. I. Experimental Détails and Effects on Vegetative Growth , 1977 .

[15]  K. Hrotkó PROGRESS IN CHERRY ROOTSTOCK RESEARCH , 2008 .

[16]  Light environment, growth and morphogenesis in a peach tree canopy , 1994 .

[17]  J. Moutinho-Pereira,et al.  Leaf structure and function of sweet cherry tree (Prunus avium L.) cultivars with open and dense canopies , 2008 .

[18]  S. Kellomäki,et al.  Effects of elevated CO2 and temperature on secondary compounds in the needles of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) , 2008, Trees.

[19]  S. Tustin,et al.  Effect of previous-season and current light environments on early-season spur development and assimilate translocation in 'Golden Delicious' apple , 1992 .

[20]  S. Franken-Bembenek GISELA® 5 ROOTSTOCK IN GERMANY , 2005 .

[21]  Matthew D. Whiting,et al.  Sweet cherry fruit distribution and leaf populations: Modeling canopy dynamics and management strategies , 2004 .

[22]  A. D. Webster Rootstock and interstock effects on deciduous fruit tree vigour, precocity, and yield productivity , 1995 .

[23]  K. Hrotkó CHERRY ROOTSTOCK BREEDING AT THE DEPARTMENT OF FRUIT SCIENCE, BUDAPEST , 2004 .

[24]  A. D. Webster STRATEGIES FOR CONTROLLING THE SIZE OF SWEET CHERRY TREES , 1998 .

[25]  Sergio Tombesi,et al.  Relationships between xylem vessel characteristics, calculated axial hydraulic conductance and size-controlling capacity of peach rootstocks. , 2010, Annals of botany.

[26]  J. Apostol NEW SWEET AND SOUR CHERRY SELECTIONS IN HUNGARY , 2008 .

[27]  J. Vankirk,et al.  Seasonal Development of the Leaf Canopy of ‘Macspur McIntosh’ Apple Trees , 1987, HortScience.