Effect of crop load on tree nutrition in intensive apple orchards

There is increasing interest in crop load management in the apple industry. Indeed, crop load management is essential, especially in reducing biennial bearing and increasing fruit quality. However, tree nutrition is affected by crop load management. This study aimed (i) to reveal the relationship between crop load and leaf nutrients, (ii) to determine the nutrient content of pruning residues (wood) taken during the dormant period, and thus to determine the effect of crop load on the nutrients stored in the wood tissue, and (iii) to determine whether there is a relationship between the nutrient content of leaf and wood samples. The trial was carried out in 2021 in an intensive apple orchard consisting of Royal Gala/M.9 trees in the Lakes Region (Bayindır/Yeşilova/Burdur). A total of 18 trees representing different crop loads were identified and labelled, and leaf analysis, yield and wood analysis samples/data were collected from the same trees. The study determined that Leaf-potassium content decreased significantly as the crop load increased, whereas Leaf-calcium and Leaf-manganese contents increased. Calcium found in leaf and wood tissues showed a positive correlation