Induction of Branches in Sweet Cherry Trees in the Orchard
Author: Don C. Elfving
Published: 2007
Summary: We have obtained encouraging results from initial tests of the concept of using apical-dominancemodifying bioregulators for branching without the requirement of injuring the bark. If we could eliminate the bark injury requirement, we could cut the labor cost for this procedure by at least 50%, reduce the risk of personal injury to workers and reduce, or eliminate, the potential for bacterial canker infections. Initial trials have focused on two approaches: 1) using higher concentrations of bioregulators to determine branching efficacy and potential for phytotoxicity and 2) combination of bioregulators with specific supplements known to strongly enhance penetration of products into plant tissues.