Articles
STRATEGIES FOR CONTROLLING THE SIZE OF SWEET CHERRY TREES
Article number
468_28
Pages
229 – 240
Language
Abstract
The necessity for controlling tree size in future systems of sweet cherry culture is emphasised and the possible methods of achieving this goal reviewed.
Some problems with the existing compact scion cultivars are mentioned and the need in the future for improved stability in compact scion mutants is stressed.
The use of new selections of Prunus species or hybrid rootstocks to dwarf sweet cherry scions is reviewed, highlighting the large inconsistencies in performance encountered when using different scion cultivars in rootstock trials, or when planting the trials on different sites throughout the world.
Possible reasons for these inconsistencies are suggested.
Opportunities for supplementary scion growth control, by techniques of pruning and training either shoots or roots, are considered, as are the possibilities for growth control using the chemical growth regulator paclobutrazol.
Finally, the opportunities for growth control by genetic manipulation of the scion and/or rootstock are mentioned.
Some problems with the existing compact scion cultivars are mentioned and the need in the future for improved stability in compact scion mutants is stressed.
The use of new selections of Prunus species or hybrid rootstocks to dwarf sweet cherry scions is reviewed, highlighting the large inconsistencies in performance encountered when using different scion cultivars in rootstock trials, or when planting the trials on different sites throughout the world.
Possible reasons for these inconsistencies are suggested.
Opportunities for supplementary scion growth control, by techniques of pruning and training either shoots or roots, are considered, as are the possibilities for growth control using the chemical growth regulator paclobutrazol.
Finally, the opportunities for growth control by genetic manipulation of the scion and/or rootstock are mentioned.
Publication
Authors
A.D. Webster
Keywords
Sweet cherry, rootstocks, interstocks, vigour control, dwarfing, training, root pruning, plant growth regulator
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