ROOT PRUNING: A VALUABLE ALTERNATIVE TO REDUCE THE GROWTH OF ‘CONFERENC’

J. Vercammen, G. van Daele, A. Gomand
The sudden interdiction on chlormequat in 1999 led to an enormous demand for alternative methods in order to reduce the growth of ‘Conference’. After several years of research we can report that, when the trees cannot be irrigated, a good alternative to reduce growth is to conduct 1-sided root pruning twice. When conducted in a planned way, this can result in a serious reduction of the growth, less pruning hours and a uniform yield. Nevertheless, some factors, such as the absorption of water and nutrients cannot be overlooked. Root pruning can only be successful if the tree does not suffer any deficiencies. To obtain a good fruit quality and a good flower-bud-set for the next year, an additional fertilisation after root pruning does not appear to be a superfluous luxury. Therefore, we can say that root pruning of the vigorous ‘Conference’ trees can be considered a standard measure, if the above-mentioned remarks are taken into account.
Vercammen, J., van Daele, G. and Gomand, A. (2005). ROOT PRUNING: A VALUABLE ALTERNATIVE TO REDUCE THE GROWTH OF ‘CONFERENC’. Acta Hortic. 671, 533-537
DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2005.671.74
https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2005.671.74
Growth inhibition, 1-sided root pruning, regular production and yellow pears.
English

Acta Horticulturae