The Effects of Cold Storage and Dormant Pruning on Growth of Radiant Crabapple    (View PDF)

Michael A. Schnelle and James E. Klett

Abstract: The effects of different durations of cold storage and bare root pruning treatments on two-year-old Radiant crabapple (Malus 'Radiant') were examined for one to three growing seasons after planting. Six pruning treatments, applied by length, were as follow: 1) 50% top (shoot) removal, 2) 30% root removal, 3) 60% root removal, 4) 50% top and 30% root removal, 5) 50% top and 60% root removal and 6) control (no pruning). Planting dates of March 15 and May 1, 1987 were selected to allow a six week difference in cold storage and planting dates. Leaf area, shoot regrowth, new root dry weights, total plant dry weights, leaf :new root ratios and total shoot:root ratios were determined. Virtually no statistically significant differences between treatments were noted until the third year. Shoot regrowth was then significantly greater for the 50% shoot pruning treatment than for all other treatments. Overall, this research indicated that the various pruning treatments applied to the roots or shoots of Radiant crabapple did not have major effects on their short or long term growth response.

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https://doi.org/10.48044/jauf.1992.030