Pruning methods for bearing sweet cherry trees
W. C. Micke, University of California
K. Ryugo, University of California
D. C. Alderman, University of California
J. T. Yeager, University of California
California Agriculture 22(5):6-7. DOI: 10.3733/ca.v022n05p6.
Summary Not Available – First paragraph follows:
Sweet cherry trees in many commercial California orchards have been allowed to grow excessively tall. This practice tends to elevate the bearing area with subsequent loss of much of the lower fruiting wood. Cultural and harvesting operations then become more inefficient and expensive. Height of young bearing trees can be controlled and maintained by pruning. A reduction in yield often results from pruning bearing trees and is generally proportionate to the severity of pruning. However, this reduction in yield may be partially offset by somewhat larger fruit size, more efficient cultural and harvesting operations, and slightly increased tree vigor.
W. C. Micke is Extension Pomology Technologist, University of California, Davis; K. Ryugo is Associate Pomologist, University of California, Davis; D. C. Alderman is Extension Pomologist, University of California, Davis; J. T. Yeager is Superintendent of Field Cultivations, University of California, Davis;
J. J. Smith, Farm Advisor, Placer County (formerly Extension Pomology Technologist); F. M. Charles, Farm Advisor, San Joaquin County; A. H. Retan, formerly Farm Advisor, Butte County; and D. E. Ramos, Farm Advisor, Stanislaus County (formerly in Santa Clara County) assisted with these studies. Cooperators included John Oneto, Stockton; Felix Costa, Lodi; San Martin Vineyards, Gilroy; and Art Smith, Gridley.