Uman National University | today: 06/01/2026
| Author(s) | Заморський І. В., , , | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Category | The Agronomy | ||
| year | 2026 | issue | Issue 108 part 1 |
| pages | 242-250 | index UDK | 634.11:634.1-15:634.1.055:634.1.076 | DOI | 10.32782/2415-8240-2026-108-1-242-250 (Link) |
| Abstract | Pruning apple trees at different times has varying effects on their growth and development, which directly influences the structure of the crown. Winter pruning, performed during the dormant period, is the most traditional method and is widely used in commercial orchards. It promotes shoot growth, the formation of a more branched crown, and an increase in the length of annual growth. This is because pruning leads to the redistribution of plant nutrients and the activation of growth processes in the spring. The study examined fruit trees of three apple varieties: Belida, Red Jonaprince, and Honeycrisp, which were grown on M.9 rootstock and planted in a 4×1 m layout. Three pruning schedules were used in the orchards: winter, winter + summer, and summer. The crown architecture of the fruit trees was assessed in the spring of 2025 and 2026 using the method of V.V. Zamorsky. It has been established that the timing of pruning is one of the key agronomic factors that significantly influences the balance between vegetative and generative growth in apple trees. Winter pruning primarily stimulates the formation of one-year-old growth shoots, whereas summer and combined (winter + summer) pruning promote the intensification of fruit formation processes. It has been proven that trees’ response to pruning timing is distinctly variety-specific. The Red John Prince variety is characterized by consistently high generative productivity regardless of the pruning method and annual conditions, indicating its genetically determined propensity for intensive fruiting. The Honey Crisp and Belida varieties exhibit greater sensitivity to pruning timing, necessitating a differentiated approach to their management. It has been found that the most effective method for regulating crown architecture is combined pruning, which ensures an optimal balance between vegetative growth and fruiting. In this approach, excessive vegetative growth is reduced while the number of fruit set increases, particularly in the Red John Prince and Belida varieties. It has been established that summer pruning is also an effective tool for regulating productivity, as it helps to limit vegetative growth and redirect assimilates toward reproductive organs. Studies have confirmed that the vertical zoning of the crown plays an important role in the formation of apple tree architecture. In all studied varieties, the largest number of both growth shoots and fruit-bearing structures forms in the lower part of the crown (1.0–1.5 m), which is explained by better lighting, nutrition, and water supply conditions. At the same time, the use of summer and combined pruning promotes a more even distribution of productive elements in the middle part of the crown. | ||
| Key words | apple tree, pruning schedule, vigorous shoots, fruit set | ||