Growth and fructifying characteristics of some sour cherry trees varieties lead under the shape of palmetta with oblique branch crown shape

Abstract

The experiment was conducted during 2004-2005 at the Fruit-growing Research Station of Iași on 16 sour cherry trees varieties. The sour cherry trees engrafted on sour cherry rootstock were planted at 3.5 x 4 m and 3.5 x 2 m and lead under the shape of palmetta with oblique branch crown shape. The soil was tilled between the tree rows. The highest crown shape was obtained in 16-17 years after planting in Scuturator and Nana varieties (5400 m3Iha) and the lowest in the llva and Pitic de Iași varieties (3700 and respectively, 2800 m3 Iha). The low productivity of some varieties was caused by unfavourable climatic conditions during flowering, especially in some self-sterile or partially self-fertile varieties. The palmetta with oblique branch crown shape can be used in average vigour varieties, presenting greater ramification angles: Erdi Botermo, Drobeta, De Botoșani, Nana, Ujfehertoi furtos and Meteor Korai.