Preliminary studies of leaf net photosyntesis, planting systems and yield of some apple cultivars (Malus domestica Borkh.)

Abstract

In apple tree (Malus domestica Borkh.) the correlation between the leaves net photosynthesis, the tree yield and the leaf area of the tree was investigated. The experiments were carried out on three apple cultivars ('Jonagold', 'Elstar Elshof', 'Idared') for the three planting systems. Net photosynthesis and the tree yield reached the highest medium value in the one row planting system, the tree row system followed, whereas the lowest values of both parameters were measured in the "V" planting system. The tree leaf area had the lowest value in one row planting system and the highest value in tree row system. In high density planting system with three planting distances 20 cm, 40 cm and 60 cm, the highest net photosynthesis was measured at the 40 cm distance for all four cultivars involved in the experiment ('Golden Delicius', 'Red Elstar', 'Jonagold', 'Idared'). The tree yield and the tree leaf area in the high-density planting system did not show correlation with net photosynthesis.