Description et modélisation de la croissance et du développement du pommier (Malus x domestica Borkh.) I. Structure la plus probable de l'arbre jeune

Abstract

Description and modelisation of growth and development of appletree (Malus x domestica Borkh.). I. Most probable structure of young tree. Based on the observation of all or, at least, a large number of shoots growing on unpruned apple trees, cv. Cox's Orange Pippin and Jonagold grafted on EM9, an original codification system has been conceived. It allows to locate and identify quickly and unequivocally any shoot or growth. From a comprehensive collection of such codified observations, the most probable structure of young one to five year old trees has been established, with the amount and characters of the different observed shoot types. Both varieties display very similar gross structures, despite minor differences in form, flowering mode and productivity. The development of the trees occurs in two phases. The first one builds up a frame composed by the trunk and several storied sets of branches. Flowering is rather strictly alternate during this phase. The second one consists in the reinforcement of the branches by axillary growth, but even more by sympodial branching due to increasing and repeated terminal flowering. This basic structure provides a reference to appreciate changes in tree development brought about by rootstock, fruit load or training practices.

Keywords

• Apple tree
• architecture
• syllepsis
• prolepsis
• growth
• modelisation