Abstract
Apple branch configuration plays a critical role in the productivity and fruit quality of high-density orchards. The impact of three branch configurations, consisting of Tall Spindle (TS), Overlapped Arms (OA), and Tipped Arms (TA) on tree growth, yield components, fruit quality attributes, and leaf minerals in 'Aztec Fuji' apple (Malus x domestica Borkh.) on 'Budagovsky 9' ('B.9') were evaluated during five years in 2012-2016. This study revealed that trees trained into a TS branch configuration had larger TCSA than an OA system. Trees receiving a TA branch configuration had a lower biennial bearing index than those with other branch configurations between all consecutive years. In all years, trees with an OA branch configuration had smaller fruit than those with either a TA or a TS configuration. In this study, branch configurations did not affect fruit color, soluble solids concentration, or starch degradation pattern at harvest. However, fruit from trees with OA configuration had higher firmness and lower water core than those with TS or TA system. Leaves from trees receiving a TA system had greater leaf area, fresh weight, potassium (K), and magnesium (Mn) concentrations than those with other systems. Leaves from trees receiving an OA configuration tended to have higher Fe, Zn, and Cu concentrations than those from other training. Overall, training branches into a TA seem to be preferred over an OA branch configuration system.