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<p>Pruning is a&#xa0;key orchard practice aimed at optimizing tree structure to promote early flowering in late winter, improve fruit quality, and rejuvenate mature trees. This study evaluates the effects of pruning severity on light penetration, tree growth, and fruit quality in mature ′Anna′ (<i>Malus domestica Borkh</i>.) apple trees grafted on MM-106 rootstock, grown under mild winter tropical conditions. Four pruning treatments; unpruned control, light, moderate, and severe pruning were applied to 15-year-old trees over two consecutive growing seasons (2017 and 2018). Measurements included changes in leaf area, light interception, leaf and canopy net carbon exchange rate (NCER), and transpiration. Results indicated that pruning reduced total leaf area and canopy photosynthetic activity but enhanced water use efficiency by lowering transpiration and NCER. Pruning significantly influenced fruit size and fresh weight, though it had no notable effect on fruit color, soluble solids content, starch accumulation, or firmness. The study suggests that moderate pruning enhances light penetration and tree architecture, which may contribute to better physiological crop load and fruit quality under mild tropical conditions.</p>

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Pruning Enhances Light Penetration, Growth, and Fruit Quality in Apples (Malus Domestica Borkh) Under Tropical Conditions

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年4月16日

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  • Abayneh Melke Woldegebriel

摘要

Pruning is a key orchard practice aimed at optimizing tree structure to promote early flowering in late winter, improve fruit quality, and rejuvenate mature trees. This study evaluates the effects of pruning severity on light penetration, tree growth, and fruit quality in mature ′Anna′ (Malus domestica Borkh.) apple trees grafted on MM-106 rootstock, grown under mild winter tropical conditions. Four pruning treatments; unpruned control, light, moderate, and severe pruning were applied to 15-year-old trees over two consecutive growing seasons (2017 and 2018). Measurements included changes in leaf area, light interception, leaf and canopy net carbon exchange rate (NCER), and transpiration. Results indicated that pruning reduced total leaf area and canopy photosynthetic activity but enhanced water use efficiency by lowering transpiration and NCER. Pruning significantly influenced fruit size and fresh weight, though it had no notable effect on fruit color, soluble solids content, starch accumulation, or firmness. The study suggests that moderate pruning enhances light penetration and tree architecture, which may contribute to better physiological crop load and fruit quality under mild tropical conditions.