Articles
GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT IN BLACK CURRANTS (RIBES NIGRUM). I. EFFECTS OF LIGHT AND LEAF-SHOOT REMOVALS ON GROWTH DISTRIBUTION AND FRUIT DROP
Growth and dry matter production in different organs were measured and fruit development was followed.
Light reduction exhibited relatively small effects.
The average lenght of shoots increased, due to an augmented internode length.
Number and weight of leaves were unaffected.
Root growth was reduced, resulting in a reduced root/top-ratio in the shade.
Leaf and shoot removals released some compensatory effect on shoot and leaf numbers especially in the parts right above the treated parts.
Root growth was reduced, with the greater effect in shade.
The initial flower and fruit drop was augmented when leaves next to fruits were removed, but reduced when growth of basal shoots was prevented under shade.
The latter effect was more pronounced at the bottom parts of bushes, where drop as a whole attained higher values.
As the number of flowers per raceme was higher in the bottom, this resulted in almost equal numbers of fruits per raceme within the plant.
The significance of assimilate level and availability in growth and flower- fruit drop is further discussed.