The effect of cane orientation on flower production in kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa)

Abstract

SummaryThe effects of training replacement canes of kiwifruit either downwards (45° below horizontal) on a T-bar support, or upwards on a 60° sloping trellis were studied during one season. Training canes upwards reduced the percentage bud burst by 19% and the number of flowers per cane by 20%. There was no significant effect on the growth rate of the apical shoot, or on the number of flowers per flowering shoot. The timing of bud burst and flowering were not affected by cane orientation. The implications of these results for vine management techniques are discussed.