Effect of root pruning and nitrogen fertilization on growth of young 'fuji' apple (Malus domestica borkh.) trees. (3rd July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fang, Chonghui; Zhou, Keyou; Zhang, Yongwang; Li, Bingzhi; Han, Mingyu
• Is Part Of: Journal of plant nutrition. Volume 40:Number 11(2017)
• Page Start: 1538
• Page End: 1546
• Publication Date: 2017-07-03
• Subjects: 'Fuji' apple -- nitrogen application -- root pruning -- spur shoot -- water use efficiency; Plants -- Nutrition -- Periodicals; Plants -- Effect of minerals on -- Periodicals; Deficiency diseases in plants -- Periodicals; 575.76
• DOI: 10.1080/01904167.2016.1240202
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0190-4167

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This study examined the effect of root pruning (RP) and nitrogen fertilization (NF) alone or in combination (RP-NF) on growth properties of 3-year-old 'Fuji' apple ( Malus domestica Borkh.) trees. The results of pot experiments showed that the trees were sensitive to RP and NF alone or in combination in terms of root architecture, leaf photosynthesis, and canopy growth. Compared with the control, NF and RP-NF increased root length density and tips, while RP and RP-NF decreased root surface area and volume. RP alone reduced coarse root length (2.0–4.0 and >4.0 mm diameter), while RP-NF simultaneously increased fine root length (≤1.0 mm diameter) and reduced coarse root length. Moreover, RP increased leaf chlorophyll content and transpiration rate, while RP-NF increased net photosynthetic rate and water use efficiency. RP-NF resulted in no differences in dry matter weight, root-shoot ratio, or leaf area compared with the control. Inhibiting vegetative growth by RP-NF provided an effective way to improve water use efficiency of young apple trees.