Department of Fruit Culture and Orchard Management, University of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan 173 230.
* Present address: Regional Fruit Research Station, Mashobra, Shimla 171 007.
Royal Delicious apple grafted on M7 rootstocks had been planted at 30°, 45°, 60° and 90° (vertical control) angles from horizontal. All the non-vertical plantation retarded linear shoot growth, internode length and radial growth of shoot and trunk. Retardation in growth was proportional to the degree of tree bending from vertical position and thus 30° plantation registered maximum reduction. Similarly, tree canopy volume was reduced to maximum extent by 30° plantation followed by 45° plantation. Significantly higher number of spurs were produced in 45° and 60° plantations compared to vertically grown trees. Maximum spur density was observed in 45° and 30° plantation. Thus, reduction in growth and tree size, and stimulation of higher number of spur formation may be achieved by planting the trees at 45° angle from horizontal position.
