Studies on canopy management in peach (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch)
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Date
2016
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Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana
Abstract
The present investigations “Studies on canopy management in peach (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch)” were conducted at Fruit Research Farm in Department of Fruit Science, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana during the years 2014 and 2015. Peach trees of cv. Shan-i-punjab were planted in January 2011 at two spacings viz., 5m x 2m and 5m x 3m and were trained to four training systems viz., Y shaped, Hedge row, Espalier and V trellis. The total radiation interception and penetration in the upper and lower parts of the canopy were higher in Espailer and V trellis trained trees. Average radiation interception during the year was higher in the upper part of the canopy as compared to lower canopy part irrespective of spacings and training systems. Vegetative growth in terms of tree girth and spread was higher in V trellis trees whereas Hedge row trees recorded higher tree height, shoot length and canopy volume. Reproductive growth ( lower bud density, fruit set and yield) was maximum in V trellis trees and minimum in Hedge row trees. Fruits harvested from Espailer and V trellis trained trees were superior in fruit quality (size, weight, colour and total soluble solids) and matured earlier than the Y shaped and Hedge row trees. The 5m x 3m planted trees were found to be better in terms of light interception, vegetative growth, fruit yield and quality as compared to trees planted at 5m x 2m. Foliar nutrient content of peach leaves was not affected significantly by different training systems and spacings during the present studies.
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Keywords
canopy management, Fruit Science, peach, (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch), Botany, Light interception, Horticulture, Fruits