Abstract
Branch architecture in apple (Malus A domestica Borkh.) is defined according to the location, type (vegetative or reproductive), and length of lateral shoots. This is related to both an inherent genetic basis for architecture and the response of the lateral buds and shoots to environmental constraints. Architecture is typically viewed as the result of time and position bud burst and outgrowth, or branching dynamics, and therefore is related to the competition among buds within an annual shoot. However, while both differences in budburst and in branch formation have been observed, the relationship between budburst and characteristics of the reproductive bud are somewhat unknown. In warm climates, foliation and flowering are delayed and prolonged, and therefore we have used this phenomenon to better understand how branches are formed in warm areas. In a study performed in two areas with different degrees of winter chilling in South Africa, we studied differences in both climate and genotype using three apple cultivars, âRed Deliciousâ, âGranny Smithâ and âGolden Deliciousâ, grown in two different locations with differing degrees of winter chilling. Between the warmer and cooler are in the study, we observed architectural characteristics related to differences in fruit size and dry weight.
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