scholarly journals Pruning to control tree size, flowering and production of litchi

2013 ◽  
Vol 156 ◽  
pp. 93-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
Trevor Olesen ◽  
Christopher M. Menzel ◽  
Cameron A. McConchie ◽  
Neil Wiltshire
Keyword(s):  
Tree Size ◽  
Control Tree

Application of shoot growth rules for understanding responses to pruning.

2022 ◽  
pp. 54-58
Author(s):  
T. M. DeJong
Keyword(s):  
Shoot Growth ◽  
Fruit Trees ◽  
Fruit Tree ◽  
Tree Size ◽  
Primary Reason ◽  
Close Proximity ◽  
Epicormic Shoot ◽  
One Year ◽  
Control Tree ◽  
Size Controlling

Abstract Knowledge of fruit tree shoot types is helpful to explain why pruning is often not successful in reducing tree size. In many horticultural circumstances, epicormic shoot growth can be considered as being almost exclusively stimulated by severe pruning of large branches (older than one year old) or strong water shoots in which sylleptic shoots have previously grown and "used up" the locations in close proximity to the pruning cut where proleptic buds would have been present in a less vigorous shoot. The strong growth response to heavy pruning is natural and is the primary reason why pruning cannot be relied upon exclusively to control tree size when trees are grown in highly fertile soils without size-controlling rootstocks. This chapter deals with understanding responses to pruning of fruit trees by application of shoot growth rules.

Half-topping 'A4' macadamia trees has a markedly different effect on yield than full-topping

2016 ◽  
Vol 64 (8) ◽  
pp. 664 ◽  
Author(s):  
Trevor Olesen ◽  
David Robertson ◽  
Alister Janetzki ◽  
Tina Robertson
Keyword(s):  
Substantial Reduction ◽  
Size Control ◽  
Tree Size ◽  
First Year ◽  
Industry Practice ◽  
Second Year ◽  
Effect On Yield ◽  
Control Tree ◽  
Western Half ◽  
Yield Penalty

Mechanically hedging the tops of macadamia trees to control tree size is referred to as topping. Topping the entire upper canopy causes a substantial reduction in yield and is not a recommended industry practice. Here we compare topping just half the upper canopy with full-topping, and with control trees that were not pruned, to test whether half-topping is a more acceptable means of size control, with less of a yield penalty. We used macadamia cultivar ‘A4’ as the subject for the study. The trees were topped horizontally at anthesis. Full-topping reduced yields by 78% in the first year and 63% in the second year compared with the control trees. By the end of the second year the height of the fully-topped trees was approximately the same as that of the control trees. In contrast, topping just the western half of the upper canopy resulted in little yield penalty. Yields were reduced non-significantly by 14% in the first year, and negligibly in the second year, compared with the control trees; and by the end of the second year, the regrowth on the topped halves of the trees was only two-thirds the height of that on the full-topped trees. The results are encouraging because topping is simple and cheap, and would be an attractive tree size control option for growers at the yield penalty described here for the half-topped treatment.

scholarly journals Cultivar, Planting Density, and Plant Growth Regulator Effects on Growth and Fruiting of Tissue-cultured Apple Trees

1995 ◽  
Vol 120 (2) ◽  
pp. 183-193 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard H. Zimmerman ◽  
George L. Steffens
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Tree Density ◽  
Tree Size ◽  
Planting Density ◽  
Flowering Pattern ◽  
Apple Trees ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Yield Efficiency ◽  
Growing Seasons ◽  
Control Tree

Tissue-culture (TC)-propagated `Gala' and Triple Red `Delicious' apple trees grown at three planting densities were not treated (CON) or treated with plant growth regulators (PGRs) starting the third or fourth season to control tree size and maximize fruiting. `Gala' and `Delicious' trees budded on M.7a rootstock (BUD) were also included as controls. `Gala' trees were larger than `Delicious' after the first three growing seasons but `Delicious' were larger than `Gala' at the end of 9 years. BUD trees were larger than CON trees the first few seasons hut final trunk cross-sectional area (TCSA) of CON trees averaged 43% greater than BUD trees. Paclobutrazol and uniconazole treatments more readily controlled the growth of `Gala' than `Delicious' and uniconazole was more effective than paclobutrazol in controlling tree size. Daminozide + ethephon sprays (D+E-S) did not influence tree size. Tree size of both cultivars was inversely related to planting density and both triazole PGRs were more effective in controlling tree size as planting density increased. The trees had fewer flowers as planting density increased and BUD trees generally had more Bowers than CON. Triazole PGRs had little effect on the flowering pattern of `Gala' trees but tended to stimulate flowering of young `Delicious' TC trees, although the increases were not sustained. The D+E-S treatment increased flowering of `Gala' trees the last 3 years of the experiment and consistently increased flowering of `Delicious' TC trees. Fruit yields were higher for young `Gala' compared to `Delicious' trees and the final cumulative yield per tree for `Gala' was also greater. Yield per tree decreased as tree density increased and was the same for BUD and CON trees. D+E-S increased cumulative per tree yield of `Delicious' but not of `Gala'. Cumulative yields per tree for triazole-treated TC trees were the same as, or significantly lower than, CON trees. Increasing tree density did not increase yield/ha. Yield efficiency of `Gala' trees was increased by three, and of `Delicious' trees by one, of the triazole treatments, because they reduced TCSA proportionally more than they reduced per tree yield. There was less bienniality with `Gala' than `Delicious' and no difference between BUD and CON trees. Bienniality indices were higher for paclobutrazol-treated `Gala' trees compared with CON `Gala' but only uniconazole applied as a trunk paint increased the bienniality index of `Delicious' trees. Chemical names used: succinic acid-2,2-dimethyl hydrazide (daminozide), (2-chloroethyl) phosphonic acid (ethephon), (2RS,3RS)-1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4,4-dimethyl-2-(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)pentan-3-01 (paclobutrazol), (E)-(l-chlorophenyl)-4,4-dimethyl-2-(I,2,4-triazol-l-yl)-1-penten-3-ol (uniconazole).

scholarly journals Studies of the Vigor and Productivity of Micropropagated Trees

HortScience ◽  
1995 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 793B-793 ◽  
Author(s):  
C.S. Walsh ◽  
F.J. Allnutt ◽  
G.R Welsh ◽  
R.H. Zimmerman
Keyword(s):  
Tree Size ◽  
Root Pruning ◽  
Propagation Time ◽  
Ex Vitro ◽  
Short Life ◽  
Subsequent Trial ◽  
Management Scheme ◽  
Life Problems ◽  
Control Tree ◽  
Size Controlling

A planting to compare budded apple trees (M7a, Ml11) and tissue-culture-(TC) propagated trees was established in 1985. `Golden Delicious' and `Gala' trees were more productive than other cultivars and appeared better-suited to micropropagation. High cumulative yields per tree were harvested regardless of rootstock. `McIntosh', `Delicious', `Mutsu', and `MacSpur' trees were less precocious and more responsive to size-controlling rootstocks. To control tree size prior to bearing and minimize propagation time, trees were set as containerized transplants in a subsequent trial begun in 1986. Small containerized trees were set directly into the orchard. Setting trees in this manner has restricted tree size without delaying bearing. `Oregon Spur II' trees and `Empire' trees are now about 4 m tall. Trees have wide branch angles and numerous spurs. To further control tree size, trees were root-pruned with a Vermeer tree spade in 1991. In the year following, treated trees flowered profusely but did not fruit. Since then, cropping has controlled tree size. Ten years ex vitro `Granny Smith', `Oregon Spur II', and `Empire' trees can be managed without ladders. The goals of this study were: 1) to avoid “short life” problems and 2) develop a management scheme that would allow rapid entry of “bioengineered” cultivars into commercial orchards. Based on our research, selecting precocious cultivars or spur-type clones, in combination with transplanting 3 to 4 months ex vitro and root pruning show promise toward accomplishing these goals.

Spray Volume, Canopy Density, and Other Factors Involved in Thinner Efficacy

HortScience ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 553d-553
Author(s):  
C.R. Unrath
Keyword(s):  
Tree Height ◽  
Tree Canopy ◽  
Tree Size ◽  
Water Volume ◽  
Canopy Density ◽  
The North ◽  
Run Off ◽  
Tree Canopies ◽  
Average Water ◽  
Water Volumes

Historically, most airblast chemical applications to apple orchards used a single “average” water volume, resulting in variability of coverage with tree size and also the greatest variable in chemical thinning. This coverage variability can be eliminated by properly quantifying the tree canopy, as tree row volume (TRV), and relating that volume to airblast water rate for adequate coverge. Maximum typical tree height, cross-row limb spread, and between-row spacing are used to quantify the TRV. Further refinement is achieved by adjusting the water volume for tree canopy density. The North Carolina TRV model allows a density adjustment from 0.7 gal/1000 ft3 of TRV for young, very open tree canopies to 1.0 gal/1000 ft3 of TRV for large, thick tree canopies to deliver a full dilute application for maximum water application (to the point of run-off). Most dilute pesticide applications use 70% of full dilute to approach the point of drip (pesticide dilute) to not waste chemicals and reduce non-target environmental exposure. From the “chemical load” (i.e., lb/acre) calculated for the pesticide dilute application, the proper chemical load for lower (concentrate) water volumes can be accurately determined. Another significant source of variability is thinner application response is spray distribution to various areas of the tree. This variability is related to tree configuration, light, levels, fruit set, and natural thinning vs. the need for chemical thinning. Required water delivery patterns are a function of tree size, form, spacing, and density, as well as sprayer design (no. of nozzles and fan size). The TRV model, density adjustments, and nozzle patterns to effectively hit the target for uniform crop load will be addressed.

scholarly journals A protocol for sampling vascular epiphyte richness and abundance

2009 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 107-121 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan H. D. Wolf ◽  
S. Robbert Gradstein ◽  
Nalini M. Nadkarni
Keyword(s):  
Tree Height ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Mantel Test ◽  
Tree Size ◽  
Tree Level ◽  
Trunk Diameter ◽  
Host Trees ◽  
Epiphyte Communities ◽  
Vascular Epiphyte

Abstract:The sampling of epiphytes is fraught with methodological difficulties. We present a protocol to sample and analyse vascular epiphyte richness and abundance in forests of different structure (SVERA). Epiphyte abundance is estimated as biomass by recording the number of plant components in a range of size cohorts. Epiphyte species biomass is estimated on 35 sample-trees, evenly distributed over six trunk diameter-size cohorts (10 trees with dbh > 30 cm). Tree height, dbh and number of forks (diameter > 5 cm) yield a dimensionless estimate of the size of the tree. Epiphyte dry weight and species richness between forests is compared with ANCOVA that controls for tree size. SChao1 is used as an estimate of the total number of species at the sites. The relative dependence of the distribution of the epiphyte communities on environmental and spatial variables may be assessed using multivariate analysis and Mantel test. In a case study, we compared epiphyte vegetation of six Mexican oak forests and one Colombian oak forest at similar elevation. We found a strongly significant positive correlation between tree size and epiphyte richness or biomass at all sites. In forests with a higher diversity of host trees, more trees must be sampled. Epiphyte biomass at the Colombian site was lower than in any of the Mexican sites; without correction for tree size no significant differences in terms of epiphyte biomass could be detected. The occurrence of spatial dependence, at both the landscape level and at the tree level, shows that the inclusion of spatial descriptors in SVERA is justified.

scholarly journals Refining tree size and dose-response functions for control of invasive Pinus contorta

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-36
Author(s):  
Carol A. Rolando ◽  
Brian Richardson ◽  
Thomas S.H. Paul ◽  
Chanatda Somchit
Keyword(s):  
Dose Response ◽  
Pinus Contorta ◽  
Tree Size ◽  
Volume Index ◽  
Mortality Data ◽  
Field Calculation ◽  
Crown Area ◽  
Crown Diameter ◽  
Crown Volume ◽  
Canopy Area

Abstract Exotic conifers are rapidly spreading in many regions of New Zealand, as well as in many other countries, with detrimental impacts on both natural ecosystems and some productive sector environments. Herbicides, in particular the active ingredient (a.i.) triclopyr, are an important tool to manage invasive conifers, yet there is a paucity of information that quantifies the amount of herbicide required to kill trees of different sizes when applied as a basal bark treatment. Two sequential experiments were conducted to define the amount of triclopyr required to kill individual invasive Pinus contorta trees of different sizes when applied in a methylated seed oil to bark (either the whole stem or base of the tree) and to determine which tree size variates (height (HT), diameter at breast height (DBH), crown diameter (CD)), or derived attributes (crown area, crown volume index) best characterised this dose-response relationship. The outcomes of the dose-response research were compared to field operations where triclopyr was applied to the bark of trees from an aerial platform. Applying the herbicide to the whole stem, as opposed to the base of the tree only, significantly increased treatment efficacy. The tree size variates DBH, CD, crown area and crown volume index all provided good fits to the tree mortality data, with >91% prediction accuracy. Of these variates, crown diameter provided the most practical measure of tree size for ease of in-field calculation of dose by an operator. Herbicide rates used in field operations were 7 to 8 times higher than lethal doses calculated from experimental data. Our results highlight the potential for substantial reductions in herbicide rates for exotic conifer control, especially if dose-response data are combined with remotely sensed quantitative measurements of canopy area or volume using new precision technologies such as unmanned aerial vehicles.

scholarly journals Deriving Tree Size Distributions of Tropical Forests from Lidar

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 131
Author(s):  
Franziska Taubert ◽  
Rico Fischer ◽  
Nikolai Knapp ◽  
Andreas Huth
Keyword(s):  
Size Distribution ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Tree Height ◽  
Tree Size ◽  
Diameter Distribution ◽  
Forest Inventories ◽  
Allometric Relations ◽  
Lidar Measurements ◽  
Derived Data

Remote sensing is an important tool to monitor forests to rapidly detect changes due to global change and other threats. Here, we present a novel methodology to infer the tree size distribution from light detection and ranging (lidar) measurements. Our approach is based on a theoretical leaf–tree matrix derived from allometric relations of trees. Using the leaf–tree matrix, we compute the tree size distribution that fit to the observed leaf area density profile via lidar. To validate our approach, we analyzed the stem diameter distribution of a tropical forest in Panama and compared lidar-derived data with data from forest inventories at different spatial scales (0.04 ha to 50 ha). Our estimates had a high accuracy at scales above 1 ha (1 ha: root mean square error (RMSE) 67.6 trees ha−1/normalized RMSE 18.8%/R² 0.76; 50 ha: 22.8 trees ha−1/6.2%/0.89). Estimates for smaller scales (1-ha to 0.04-ha) were reliably for forests with low height, dense canopy or low tree height heterogeneity. Estimates for the basal area were accurate at the 1-ha scale (RMSE 4.7 tree ha−1, bias 0.8 m² ha−1) but less accurate at smaller scales. Our methodology, further tested at additional sites, provides a useful approach to determine the tree size distribution of forests by integrating information on tree allometries.

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