Induction of branches (feathers) in sweet cherry trees in the nursery and orchard
Author: Don C. Elfving
Published: 2004
Summary: The objectives of this project were: 1. Evaluate use of bark-injury techniques (scoring, notching) in conjunction with growth-stimulator bioregulator treatments (cytokinins, gibberellins, cyclanilide, other products) under orchard conditions for improving the effectiveness of branch induction in young trees at the dormant and green-tip growth stages. 2. Assess the relation of timing of green-tip treatments on efficacy of branch development and quality of the lateral branches formed. 3. Assess the effect of cyclanilide on branch development in young, vigorous sweet cherry trees in the orchard. Examine the potential for combining chemical branch induction with later treatments of Apogee and/or Ethrel for stimulation of flowering and cropping. 4. Determine the relationship of cultivar and vigor level to responses to cyclanilide. 5. Evaluate cyclanilide and cytokinin/gibberellin applications to sweet cherry trees in the nursery on overall development of the trees, development of lateral branches (feathers) and occurrence, if any, of phytotoxicity or other negative side effects. 6. Assess the relation of timing of applications in the nursery to development of branching, location of branch development on the tree, number, angle and quality of the lateral branches formed. 7. Relate the height of cyclanilide-induced branching in nursery trees to height of the shoot tip at the time of application to develop a criterion for determining the correct application timing for desired branch height on feathered trees.
