The Effects of Dormant Branch Thinning on Total Leaf, Shoot, and Root Production from Bare-Root Prunus Cerasifera 'Newportii'

Abstract

Dormant branch thinning at planting time did not affect total leaf or new root production, or leaf:new root ratios of two-year-old, branched, bare-root Prunus cerasifera 'Newportii.' Variability in new root production was more than twice that in leaf production; leaf:new root ratio was determined primarily by the magnitude of new root weight. Thinning resulted in increases in the number and lengths of new shoots. Data were taken 100 days after planting.

The Effects of Dormant Pruning Treatments on Leaf, Shoot, and Root Production from Bare-Root Malus Sargentii

“…2). These results were also observed with Prunus cerasifera (6). Treatments promoting root regeneration (12,20) may be effective in reducing the leaf:new root ratio.…”

“…Experienced nurserymen have concluded that pruning enhances survival and growth of bare-root trees (7,Flemer,personal communication). Results here and elsewhere (1,6,25) suggest that pruning is of limited value for affecting the shootrroot balance of bare-root trees of commercial size. Beneficial effects of pruning on initial root production may exist.…”

“…In addition, the observed increase in the proportion of shoots formed by elongating buds, although not statistically significant, contributed to increased leaf development. A concurrent experiment with thinning of Prunus cerasifera 'Newportii' (Newport plum) also identified increases in shoot length and the proportion of shoots formed in thinned trees (6). In that experiment the observed increase in shoot development from branches on thinned trees compensated completely for branch removal, and branch thinning did not reduce total leaf production.…”