G. Bargioni et al., SCION INCLINATION IN MALUS-DOMESTICA BORKH AND PRUNUS SPP INFLUENCES ROOT-GROWTH AND DISTRIBUTION, HortScience, 30(3), 1995, pp. 517-520
Effects of scion inclination on root growth and distribution were stud
ied on INRA GF 677 (Prunus persica x Prunus amygdalus) and apple/M.9 t
rees, At planting, central leaders were positioned vertically (0 degre
es) or inclined 450 or 60 degrees to the north and south, Three years
after planting, root total dry weight of inclined trees was lower than
that of the control (0 degrees vertical central leader), Five years a
fter planting, the isotropic distribution of the normal root systems w
as distorted by inclination in both species, Roots were more numerous
and more elongated in the direction of inclination, Statistical analys
is of root density data, using a polar coordinate system, confirmed th
at the trunk inclination reduced root development and redirected root
distribution. The major effect was induced on GP 677 by 60 degrees inc
linations. Tree orientation did not seem to influence root distributio
n.