Metabolic Response of Malus domestica Borkh cv. Rubin Apple to Canopy Training Treatments in Intensive Orchards

Abstract

In this study, we used apple tree (Malus domestica Borkh.) cv. Rubin grafts on dwarfing P60 rootstock. Our planting scheme was single rows with 1.25 m between trees and 3.5 m between rows. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of canopy training treatments, as a stress factor, on metabolic response to obtain key information on how to improve physiological behavior and the management of the growth and development of apple trees. The results indicated that all applied canopy training treatments significantly increased the total phenol and total starch contents in apple tree leaves. The total starch increased from 1.5- to almost 3-fold in all treatments, especially during the 2017 harvesting season, compared to the control. The fructose, sorbitol, and ratio of chlorophyll a to b in leaves also significantly increased. Higher precipitation levels induced changes in the accumulation of secondary metabolites in apple tree leaves and fruits during the 2017 harvesting season. The total phenol content significantly increased in apple tree leaves in all treatments, but the fructose content decreased. We observed the same tendencies in total phenolic content and glucose concentration in apple fruits. Therefore, the defense reaction might be a preferred option for apple tree cultivation and the optimization of its growth and development.

Phenolic and Antioxidant Compound Accumulation of Quercus robur Bark Diverges Based on Tree Genotype, Phenology and Extraction Method

“…It has been observed that the amount of varied compounds within plant tissues are potentially determined by a multitude of factors, such as genotype [ 31 , 32 ], species [ 4 , 33 ], leaf age and seasonal variations [ 34 , 35 ], growth site [ 35 ], stress [ 36 ], and extraction methodology [ 13 , 14 , 20 , 37 ].…”

“…Since phenolic compounds and antioxidants are involved in protection from both biotic and abiotic stressors [ 36 , 41 ], it is worth investigating whether either early or late bud burst oak phenotypes may produce larger amounts of them in their tissues and thus the bark of oaks with this phenotype would potentially be more beneficial for extracting bioactive compounds of phenolic or antioxidant origin.…”

Effects of Cerasus humilis (Bge). Sok. Rootstock on Peach Growth, Development, and Expression of Growth-Related Genes

“…Different rootstocks have different effects on fruit quality [16]. Dwarf apple rootstocks can improve fruit color, significantly increase single-fruit weight and first-grade fruit yield, increase fruit hardness, and improve intrinsic fruit quality [17,18]. Dwarf citrus rootstocks can maintain tree-vigor stability and have no significant effect on nutrient content [19].…”

Precision Management of Fruit Trees

“…Sirgedait ė-Š ėžien ė et al [6] used 'Rubin' apple trees grafted on dwarfing P60 rootstocks to determine the impact of canopy training treatments as a stress factor on metabolic response to obtain key information on how to improve physiological behaviour and the management of growth and development of apple trees. The results indicated that all applied canopy training treatments significantly increased the total phenol and total starch contents in apple tree leaves.…”