Branching in young apple trees (Malus domestica Borkh.) in relation to irradiance and temperature
1996
Lindhagen, M. (SLU, Alnarp (Sweden). Inst. foer Traedgaardsvetenskap)
The thesis summarizes and discusses results of four separate studies regarding growth and development of young apple trees (Malus domestica Borkh.) in relation to light and temperature. The main objective of this study was to investigate if it is possible to manipulate the branching of young apple trees by changing the climate conditions. All experiments were done in greenhouses and climate chambers where it was possible to give the trees different climate conditions. Trees were grown under different irradiances and temperatures. Plant height, number of unfolded leaves, stem diameter, and number of visible branches were recorded continually during the experiments. In paper II and III models were developed predicting leaf unfolding rate in relation to temperature, and outgrowth of branches in relation to daily light integral. In paper IV the pattern of endogenous cytokinins was compared between trees grown under branching or nonbranching conditions. The results clearly showed that the daily temperature has a major influence of the leaf unfolding rate and that the daily light integral influences branching. Finally it was possible to combine a model of leaf unfolding with the model of branching making it possible to stimulate branching and branch position in young apple trees.
Show more [+] Less [-]AGROVOC Keywords
Bibliographic information
This bibliographic record has been provided by Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences