Effects of defruiting, scoring, defoliation and shading on the carbohydrate content of ‘Golden Delicious’ apple trees

Abstract

SummaryYoung, bearing ‘Golden Delicious’ apple trees were defruited, scored, partially defoliated and shaded during the growing seasons of 1967 and 1968. The year after treatment there were significant differences in flowering, fruit-set and early growth. Carbohydrate analysis of shoots and spurs collected in early spring, at green tip, full bloom and three weeks after bloom indicated that these responses were not related to carbohydrate levels as measured in the year after treatment.