The effect of pruning practice and term on a leaf area of apple-trees

Abstract

The article is devoted to the study of morphological changes of the apple leaf apparatus in the intensive plantations depending on different methods and terms of pruning. The article scientifically substantiates and proves that changes in the leaf apparatus primarily depend on the timing and methods of pruning the crown. It was found out that the contour pruning of apple trees is 14% larger than the area of the leaf blade, and after pruning in the pink cone phase - 11%, the implementation of this agricultural measure in the pink cone phase increases the total leaf surface by 20%, thickens the leaf blade by 8% and reduces the number of leaves of apple trees by 17%. Key words: apple tree, pruning method, pruning period, mechanical (contour) pruning, leaf surface area, leaf blade thickness.