THE INFLUENCE OF TREE DENSITY ON TREE SIZE, YIELD AND FRUIT QUALITY OF 'VAN' SWEET CHERRIES

The performance of 'Van' sweet cherry on rootstocks F 12/1 at four tree densities (400, 500, 670 and 800 trees/ha) was compared over a period of 15 years, included 12 years of cropping.

Tree density exerted a pronounced effect on tree size. Increasing the tree density from 400 to 800 trees/ha reduced the trunk circumference of 15 year old trees by 27 percent.

The annual yield of the lowest tree density (400 trees/ha) averaged 4.1 tons/ha. By increasing tree density yield increased by 12.9, 51.4 and 44.6 percent for tree densities of 500, 670 and 800 trees/ha respectively.

Average fruit size was 8.7 g and was not affected by different tree densities.

Fruit quality as measured by the contents of soluble solids showed only a small decrease by increasing tree densities. Fruit quality at all tree densities was well above the quality requirements of sweet cherries determined for the fresh fruit market.