Evaluation of time demands of pruning selected apricot varieties and rootstocks

Abstract

The study conducted over the period 2008-2012 demonstrates labour intensity requirements for dormant pruning of selected apricot varieties (Leskora, Betinka, Marlen) on different rootstocks (Julior, M-LE-1, Penta, Tetra, Green Gage, Ishtara and MY-KL-A). The pruning and the assessment of time needed for pruning bearing trees was done in early spring each year during the given period. The results indicate that the labour intensity, i.e. time required to prune the tree depends on variety/rootstock combination. The control variety Marlen on M-LE-1 rootstock required the least amount of time for pruning (138.3 s). Compared to the control, variety Leskora on Penta rootstock was the most time consuming (+125.2 s). With regards to the rootstocks, MY-KL-A (-6.2 s as compared to control) was recommended as the least time-consuming, while rootstock Penta (+41.4 s as compared to control) proved to be the most time-consuming.

Keywords

• apricot
• winter pruning
• labour intensity
• variety
• rootstock