What are the latest benefits of branch bending on apple trees?

Apple trees are planted on a very large area in our country. When growing apples, we need to do a good job of branch bending. Proper branch bending is very beneficial for the tree vigor, flower formation and light conditions of apple trees, so everyone must pay close attention to it. So what exactly are the benefits of branch bending on apple trees? And when should it be done? Today the editor will give you a brief introduction. Let's take a look together below!

1. Timing of branch bending

Branch bending on apple trees can generally be carried out in the other three seasons except winter. However, it is best to do it in August-September. For branches that are within two years old, branch bending should be carried out when the branches are half-lignified, that is, in early autumn. This is because at this time the apple branches are very soft and highly malleable. After branch bending, they can be fixed in place relatively easily, and no new shoots will sprout on the upper side. It can also improve nutrient accumulation and promote flower bud formation, thereby increasing the proportion of medium and short branches. In addition, late spring after the fruit trees sprout is also a relatively good time for branch bending, but each period has advantages and disadvantages, so everyone should pay close attention when bending branches.

2. Benefits of branch bending

1. Enlarging the tree canopy

Under natural growth conditions, the extension angle of apple tree branches is generally not very large. Therefore, it is relatively difficult for the apple tree canopy to open up, the inner space is not very large either, and the number of fruiting branches is also small, which affects the yield per tree. Proper branch bending, however, can effectively expand the canopy area and can also make the space inside the canopy larger. It increases the fruiting branches in the inner canopy, thereby ensuring that both inside and outside the apple tree canopy can bear fruit, forming a three-dimensional fruiting pattern and increasing apple yield.

2. Improving air and light penetration

As just mentioned, the angle of naturally growing apple branches is relatively small. Therefore, the air and light penetration inside the apple tree is also relatively poor, and an important benefit of branch bending is that it can enlarge the angle of the branches. Generally, about 90 degrees can be ensured. After proper branch bending, the number of upright growing branches in the tree can be significantly reduced, thereby achieving the goal of hierarchical branch distribution. It also will not affect ventilation and air movement inside the tree, improves air and light penetration, and at the same time can increase the photosynthetic area of the fruit tree, thereby enhancing the photosynthetic efficiency and fruit quality of the inner canopy.

3. Promoting short branches and benefiting flowering

After branch bending widens the branch angle, it will reduce the growth capacity of the fruit tree tips. It slows the upward transport speed of nutrients and water in the fruit tree and promotes the sprouting of branch buds, thereby increasing the number of medium and short branches in the fruit tree. The increase in short branches can improve photosynthesis of the fruit tree and increase the accumulation of photosynthetic substances in the fruit tree. In addition, branches are generally suitable mainly in a flat and slanted state, so the downward transport speed of photosynthesis products will also slow down. The nutrients retained by the branches increase, which is very beneficial for flower bud differentiation.

The above is a brief introduction to the benefits of branch bending on apple trees. That is all for today's introduction. This article is for reference only, and I hope it can be helpful to everyone!