Variety traits

Branching of apple tree

Malus domestica (Suckow) Borkh.

A complex trait of crown architecture that determines a cultivar's ability to form lateral branches on shoots. It is evaluated through branching patterns, shoot formation intensity, and crown density.

In the reference 12 varieties crop Apple, where this is mentioned in the description.

In apple breeding practice, branching is assessed as part of the crown architecture characteristics. Scientists classify cultivars by branching type, distinguishing between acrotonic, basitonic, or mesotonic patterns, which determine the zones where lateral shoots predominantly form on the current season's growth.

Shoot formation intensity is recorded based on the number of lateral branches on the central leader and scaffold branches. The evaluation also considers crown density, branch attachment angles from the trunk, and the degree of second- and higher-order branching in accordance with UPOV descriptors.

Weak branching manifests as "bare" or "blind" zones on shoots, which complicate the formation of a productive crown. Conversely, high branching can lead to excessive density, requiring regular pruning to ensure adequate light exposure for fruiting wood.

The trait determines the tree training strategy: cultivars with a low propensity for branching require stimulation of lateral shoot growth, whereas types with intensive branching require control of vegetative mass to prevent shading and maintain regular fruiting.

General information about the subject — on the page Branching.

Sources8

Varieties of Apple mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.