TOTAL WATER CONTENT IN LEAVES OF SOUR AND SWEET CHERRY CULTIVARS IN EASTERN SERBIA

Eastern Serbia is characterized by low precipitation and high air temperatures during summer. The investigation of water dynamics in the leaves of sour (Prunus cerasus L.) and sweet (P. avium L.) cherry cultivars in a collection orchard in eastern Serbia were carried out over a five-year period. Standard cultivars of sour (4) and sweet (9) cherry were investigated. During the growing season, leaves were sampled monthly and the total water content was determined by drying samples at 105°C. The monthly average water content varied from 59 to 71% and from 58 to 75% in sour and sweet cherry leaves, respectively. The average water content in leaves of sweet cherry was higher (64.2%) than in sour cherry (62.8%). Considering fertility, greater total water content was found in the more fruitful years and in more mature cultivars.