The effects of tree spacing, herbicide management and width of grass alleys on phosphorus concentrations in Golden Delicious apple fruits

Abstract

SummaryIn 1973, 5-year-old Golden Delicious trees on M.9 rootstock widely spaced within rows in herbicide strip management produced fruit with higher P concentrations than those from closely spaced trees, but this pattern was reversed in subsequent years. Wider alleys also increased P concentrations in most years and this effect persisted after conversion to overall herbicide management in 1977. The combined effects of between-row and within-row spacing and management resulted in large differences (15 to 20%) in fruit P concentrations in 1980 and 1981.