Why should I prune a cherry tree?

Cherry is a rich food source with many phytochemical compounds (vitamins, sugars, organic acids, phenolic acids, anthocyanins and flavonols) and a diet product due to its low calorie content, as well as being an important fruit type in terms of health due to its contribution to reducing the risk of many diseases (cardiovascular, cancer, diabetes, stroke, dementia, stress, etc.). Cherry production in our country is increasing year by year due to the absence of marketing problems in cherry, which is one of the most valuable fruit types that comes to the market early and is accepted by consumers due to its quality, and its return to the grower is high compared to many fruit types. Turkey, which is advantageous in terms of plant production with its different and suitable climatic characteristics and soil structure, realizes 25.6% of the world’s cherry production, while it can only export a low part of this produced cherry, such as 13%, and the yield per hectare in our country is far below the world average (Anonymous, 2019). It is understood from these data that there are important problems in terms of fruit yield and quality in cherry cultivation in our country.

Tree size is one of the most important factors affecting fruit yield. There is a direct proportion between the size of the tree and the shaded unproductive leaf area. As the tree grows taller, the percentage of unproductive leaves that receive the least amount of light decreases, which causes poor quality in the fruit (Heinicke, 1964). The height of the tree is determined by rootstock-variety combination, pruning, soil, fertilization, fruit set and growth inhibitors. Controlling tree size requires an appropriate combination of all these factors (Forshey, 1972).

The amount of product per hectare in cherry varies depending on factors such as plant nutrition status, irrigation, rootstock used, pruning and planting frequency, which affect the crown volume (tree size) of the tree, as well as the preferred variety. While the amount of product per hectare varies between 8-10 tons in gardens where strong rootstocks are used and as a result, planting is done at distances of 7×7 m and pruning applications are not taken care of, the yield per hectare can reach 30-40 tons in gardens where appropriate rootstocks and pruning methods are used as the requirements of modern cultivation and dense planting is applied (Long, 2007).

The quality and quantity of fruit on a tree is determined by the balance between vegetative and generative development (Ferree, 2003). Fruit trees regulate their vegetative and generative development according to the fertility of the soil on which they are grown, ecological conditions, hereditary structures of species and varieties, and the rootstocks on which they are grafted.

In general, if the nutrition is superior to the subsoil organs, the vegetative development will be higher in the tree, and in the case of the superiority of the above-ground organs, the generative development will be high. If there is an equality between the two, the tree is in physiological equilibrium (Yılmaz, 1990; Yilmaz, 2003). In cherry trees, growth is generally rapid and apical dominance is strong, and they form large trees. Such trees have low fruit yield and quality. This feature constitutes the main problem in the applications to be made to ensure the vegetative / generative balance in the tree in an orchard to be established. While many factors such as rootstock, variety, ecological factors, irrigation and fertilization are effective in the formation of physiological balance in the tree, pruning practices also have a very important effect (Long, 2003).

Pruning in fruit trees is like an art based on an understanding of plant physiology and plant development.

Physiology of tree development;

Development habits of fruit species and varieties;

Principles of pruning and finishing systems;

The reactions of the tree to different pruning cuts (tipping and thinning) and

If we can understand the effects of factors such as vigorous vegetative growth and fruit set in pruning, we can change vegetative development and obtain fruits and trees with desirable characteristics (Forshey, 1972).

Economic concerns, as in many sectors, push growers in fruit cultivation to seek the highest and highest quality product with the least input per unit area. For this purpose, the trend in world cherry cultivation is towards intensive planting systems that amortize the installation cost earlier, increase fruit yield and quality, and especially minimize labor costs such as harvesting. The creation of these intensive planting systems is possible with the use of rootstocks and the application of appropriate modern finishing systems, which limits the vegetative development of the variety on it and deposits the variety to early fruiting.

In recent years, the use of dwarf rootstocks and interest in cherry production have led to the development of many cultivation systems with or without support. Each system has its advantages and disadvantages. Choosing the right system depends on the conditions of development, variety, rootstock, workmanship and handling skills.

This work has been prepared to introduce systems such as Kym Green Bush (KGB), Spanish Bush (SB), Steep Leader (SL), Super Slender Axe (SSA), Tall Spindle Axe (TSA), Upright Fruiting Offshoots (UFO), Upright Fruiting Offshoots “Y” Trellis (UFO-Y) and Vogel Central Leader (VCL), which have been successfully applied commercially in many countries where fruit cultivation is developed, but have not found much opportunity to be applied in our country.

Pruning and Finishing in Cherry

Pruning also alters the functional balance between the root and crown and the balance between the hormones produced in the leaves, shoots and root tips. Pruning promotes the development of new shoots with high-quality flower buds, promotes better distribution of light within the crown. In addition, pruning reduces the congestion in the crown and allows better penetration of pesticides against many diseases and pests into the tree. This practice also provides better ventilation within the crown, limiting the development of many diseases (Marini, 2009). Pruning and finishing practices are generally considered as a stunting process in fruit trees and are used as a method to keep the crown size of the fruit tree at the desired dimensions (Ferree, 2003).

The finishing system to be applied to the trees grown in cherry orchards;

Earliness to amortize the installation cost early,

A crown with good light and branches of medium strength for quality fruit;

A systematic method for regeneration of fruit branches and

It should provide a structural skeleton that will allow easy harvesting.

The pruning and finishing processes to be applied to fruit trees differ according to the species and the rootstock and variety used. This difference is due to the fact that the characteristics of tree development are different. Therefore, knowing the tree growth characteristics, the response of the tree to pruning cuts and the effect of pruning time form the basis of pruning and finishing systems.

Cherry trees form narrow-angled branches and a steep crown. Development is rapid and crown bud dominance is strong. Such trees have low fruit yield and quality. Therefore, pruning and finishing systems to be applied in cherries are of great importance. There are three important problems in the applications to be made to ensure the vegetative/generative balance in the tree in an orchard to be established with cherry trees.

Excessively vigorous growth: Cherry trees generally show vigorous growth and produce large trees. Apart from the few rootstocks used, cherry trees formed with other rootstocks form several lateral branches and long shoots. These features complicate care for cherry trees and limit fruiting.

Forming narrow-angled branches: Cherry trees tend to form narrow-angled branches. In narrow-angled branches, the connection of the branch with the trunk is weak due to the accumulation of bark between the branch and the trunk and the fact that the wood part does not develop well where the branch is attached to the trunk. Fracture and cracking may occur in these areas, and as a result of the freezing of the water accumulated there, cell and therefore tissue injuries may occur, allowing pathogens that cause bacterial cancer to become infected. Narrow-angled branches show upright vigorous development competing with the leader branch and are less productive than wide-angled branches.

Late fruiting: Cherry trees that grow vigorously on classical rootstocks start to bear fruit in the 5th-6th or later years. By pruning, the size of the tree can be controlled and more branches can be formed. However, pruning and tipping, especially during the resting period, promote vegetative development and cause delayed fruit yield in young trees. In addition, any factor that increases tree strength, such as soil depth and fertility or excessive fertilization, can also cause the first flowering onset to be delayed.

Some negative characteristics of cherry trees can be changed by using dwarf or semi-dwarf rootstocks that lay fruit early. Tree height is more easily controlled, and branches can naturally form at a wider angle. However, it is difficult to get the desired yield from these trees without proper pruning and finishing system (Long, 2003). Regardless of the rootstock and variety combination, annual shoot extension in cherries is imperative for maximum fruit quality. More and high-quality fruits are produced on 2-year-old branches and spurs aged 1-3 years. Therefore, the goal of an orchard management should be to reduce the number of old spurs and form new shoots in a very large amount of 25-30 cm all over the tree.

Rootstock Selection

In many countries where fruit growing is developed, early dwarf and semi-dwarf rootstocks are used in cherry cultivation, which are suitable for dense planting and form small trees. Since the rootstock to be used in cherry cultivation directly affects the yield and quality, choosing the appropriate rootstock is one of the important factors to be considered. In addition, the choice of rootstock affects many cultivation decisions such as the type of pruning to be applied and the workmanship (Long, 2003).

While finishing systems change the natural growth habits of the tree, rootstock selection affects tree development and the tree’s response to finishing system techniques. Therefore, the finishing system and the rootstock should be considered together. Depending on the rootstock used, the finishing system to be applied may vary (Long and Kaiser, 2010).

There are many cherry rootstocks available, the tree strength of which can vary from very vigorous to very stunted. Rootstocks are categorized into four levels in terms of promoting development.

Strong: Mazzard (Mazzard F.12/1), Mahaleb(SL-405, SL-64), Colt, MaxMa 60, Adara.

Semi-vigorous:    Gisela®6, Gisela®12, Gisela®13,

Krymsk®5, MaxMa®14, CAB6P and Victor, Piku 3 and Piku 4.

Semi-squat:     Gisela®5, Krymsk®6, Weiroot 158,

Weiroot 154, Cass, Clair, Clinton, Crawford, Lake, P-HL-B, and Piku 1

Stunted: Gisela®3, Clare, Tabel (Edabriz), Weiroot 53, Weiroot 72, P-HL-A and P-HL-C (Long et al., 2015).

Unfortunately, no rootstock fully meets all the requirements of giving high-quality and robust fruit, regular and abundant crops. When an orchard is to be created, the effects of rootstock x variety combination on each other need to be carefully considered as well as cultural measures and environmental factors. Choosing the appropriate rootstock depends not only on the grower’s management skills, but also on the variety, the cultivation system, and the place where the garden is established (Long, 2010).

Figure 1. Crown volumes of cherry rootstocks (Anonymous, 2011).

Pruning and Finishing Techniques

Tip retrieval

Tipping; to promote the development of lateral buds on a branch, it is the removal of the tip of the branch of varying length according to the purpose (Figure 2a). Tipping, thinning can lead to shading in the tree by encouraging vegetative development more than cutting. In addition, the limiting effect of this type of cutting on the formation of flower eyes should be taken into consideration. When this type of cut is used, most of the crown buds are destroyed, eliminating apical dominance and the hormone balance is more affected by the dilution cut.

Tipping increases both the number of shoots and the length of the shoots, but the effect on tree height is limited. This effect is greater when tip removal is done on younger and more upright developing branches. This cut is often used in the installation stages of finishing systems to strengthen branching. Since tip-removal strengthens vegetative development in areas close to cutting, this type of cutting may delay fruit set in young trees. In orchards established with high-yielding varieties and rootstocks, in trees of yield age, tipping, to maintain physiological balance and to obtain quality fruit, is used to reduce the next year’s crop (Long et al., 2015).

The more severe (excessive) tipping, the stronger vegetative development occurs from the buds just below the cutting. In young trees, tipping, five adversely affect development and fruit set (Elfving 1990). Tipping on older branches results in the transformation of potential fertile branches into vigorously unproductive vegetative shoots. If all of the shoots on a branch are pruned long (lightly) while tipping, the ploughing will be weak as there will be more buds left, and if all the shoots are pruned short (severely), the shoot development will be strong. If some of the shoots are pruned short (severe) and some are pruned long (lightly), the short pruned shoots will weaken and the long pruned shoots will become stronger.

Dilution cutting

Thinning cutting is often used to reduce shading and fruiting and to increase light effectiveness within the crown, as well as to remove upright developing vegetative or drooping and weakly unproductive branches (Figure 2b). Thinning improves light distribution within the tree, thus increasing flower formation, fruit set and spur development in the lower parts of the crown. The effect of this cutting on fruit yield is that it limits the potential fruiting area by removing it. Since the branches are removed from the point where they are formed in the thinning cutting, the ratio of the destroyed side buds to the end buds is higher. Therefore, thinning cuttings do not encourage shoot development as much as end cuttings. For this reason, it has little effect on delaying the fruiting year in young trees. The thinning cut should be made just above the point where a branch is formed. Cuttings made at this point produce less vegetative development, the wound heals faster and they are less sensitive to winter cold. Cuts that are made higher (by leaving nails) or deeper slow the healing of the wound and provide more potential for disease and pests (Shigo, 1990).

Stub (refurbishment) cut

Stup cutting is used to regenerate fruit branches to keep the tree young and productive. In stup cutting, the branch is cut to a length of 2.5 -30 cm. If the branch is relatively young, then with this cutting, the development of the existing buds that remain under the cutting is stimulated, and the formed branch replaces the older branch. When stup cuts are made on older branches, buds may not be present on this branch. In this case, the adventitious eyes, which are located under the shell, will begin to develop, and a new branch will form from these eyes. In cases where the development of a branch continues vertically as a result of the continuation of the end bud and the desired lateral branch formation does not occur, cuts can be made in the branch at varying lengths according to the condition of the eyes in order to encourage lateral branch formation and to eliminate excessive tip development (Figure 3). In the new branch that will be formed as a result of the stup cutting, the development will be weaker and more horizontal. Stup cutting at the beginning of the development period (spring) or during the flowering period of trees will ensure the formation of a higher number of shoots (Long et al. 2015).

Regional double cut

This type of cutting is a cut used in young trees to control the strength of the tree and reduce the potential for late fruiting. Tipping is performed during the resting period on a strong branch that develops vertically and on a weaker branch that develops close to this branch (Figure 4 a and b). On the upright developing branch, when the buds begin to plow and develop, the crown bud will be very strong and will begin to develop vertically. With the tip removal to be made on this vertically developing branch, the crown bud will be removed and therefore the dominance of the crown bud (apical dominance) will be eliminated. As a result, one or two of the lower buds will erupt and new branches will develop more slowly and more horizontally. The stronger branch is completely removed in the middle of the season or the following year (Figure 4c). Thus, the strong branch is destroyed. As a result, the energy to be spent on the destroyed strong branch will be used for the development of the weaker growing branch. This type of cutting allows a large number of new shoots to occur on the tree and tip-off on the main branches (Long et al. 2015).

Major method

Most varieties of cherries have a habit of developing upwards, forming branches with acute angles. The accumulation of bark and weak branch connection that occur as a result of the lack of wood tissue at the junction of these branches may be a problem in the future. In addition, this branching pattern creates a narrow tree structure that causes the tree to receive less light. Branch angles should be widened in the tree in order to regulate light intake, reduce vegetative development and encourage early fruiting and regulate the main branches. The best branch angles are created when the tissues are still green but the new shoots reach 8-10 cm in length. A piece of twig or peg can be placed between the stem and the 8-10 cm young shoot that develops from the trunk to create wide branch angles (Figure 5). It would be more appropriate to use clothespins to open angles in areas where there is a risk of bacterial cancer infection. In older branches, the branches can be expanded in the desired proportions by using 350 cm long branch-opening rods or by tying a branch and rope to a fixed structure on the ground (Long et al. 2015).

Summer pruning

Summer pruning, which controls tree growth in a limited way; It is done to complete or correct winter pruning and to improve fruit quality by increasing sunbathing in some areas. It has been proven by studies that summer pruning is effective in basic physiological events such as photosynthesis in trees, and that an increase in photosynthesis rate of 11-39% occurs in trees with summer pruning. The increase in the amount of fruit calcium as a result of summer pruning positively affects the quality characteristics of the fruit.

Summer pruning is used in finishing systems such as Kym Green Bush (KGB), Spanish Bush (SB) to keep a sufficient number of main branches on the tree. Depending on the application time, the effect of summer pruning on new developments may vary. For example, while a large number of new shoots occur in summer pruning in June, weaker and narrow-angled branches are formed when applied in the middle of summer, and new shoot formation is almost non-existent in summer pruning at the end of summer or early autumn.

Bud activation

Activating buds to form shoots at the desired location in a seedling can be the key point for early formation of the crown structure in some finishing systems. This can be done in several ways.

1. Application of stokinin + gibberalin plant growth regulators such as Promaline® to the buds located where branch formation is desired during the bud swelling phase. The best results from this application are obtained when there are optimum temperatures for development. When applied at low temperatures, it may cause problems in the activation of the buds and weak shoots.
2. Notching is another method used to encourage branching. A notch is made in the branch to the depth of the cambium just above a bud. This cut can be such that it covers a third of the circumference of the branch. In order to ensure sufficient effect in strong trees, relatively wider cutting should be made. This process can be done at any time from the first bud swelling to bud bursting and is not affected by temperature.
3. Removing other unnecessary buds outside of the buds selected to form shoots will encourage the activation of the selected buds by eliminating competition for storage substances. This process can be done over a long period of application time, from the resting period to the bud burst, and temperature is not effective in this process.

Opening large wounds or removing a large number of buds while notching can increase the risk of bacterial cancer; If it still needs to be applied, the application should be done in the absence of heat and precipitation for a week, and antibiotics such as copper should be applied before or after the injury. In addition, bud activation processes are more successful in newly planted trees and trees with a better root system (Long et al. 2015).

Cherry Development and Yield Habit

In order to be successful with the finishing system to be applied to cherries, it is necessary to understand the way the tree bears fruit and its structural development. Cherry trees generally show a strong development and form large trees. They form several narrow-angled lateral branches and long shoots. A crown and tree of small stature with weak-to-medium branches that are splayed and have a good distribution along the trunk, in contrast to a pyramidal structure formed by erect development and strong shoots, are desirable. This desire can be achieved by using appropriate rootstocks and applying cultivation systems. In vigorous tree development, it takes a longer time for flower buds and spurs to begin to form. Vigorous development of the tree is undesirable for earliness and productivity. For this reason, growers control growth by using early or dwarf rootstocks, tying shoots and branches, or creating more spurious growth, and/or applying moderate amounts of water and nutrients (especially nitrogen) during the growth cycle, especially before harvest, to promote earlier and higher levels of fruit yield.

A cherry tree that has been kept at weak to medium strength with early rootstocks needs three years to reach full product. In a shoot formed in the first year, there is a single large leaf on each node (Figure 6). In the second year, except for the lowest node on the shoot, which may have a single flower bud (no vegetative bud), there are non-fruiting spurs with 6-8 leaves on each of the other nodes (Figure 7).

Due to this, very little flowering can occur in the second year; Due to the absence of vegetative buds, these nodes atrophy after flowering and fruiting. At the end of two years, flower buds begin to form in the leaf axils of non-fruiting spurs. Thus, in 3 years there is one fruiting spur with 6-8 leaves and 110 flower buds on each node, depending on the variety, strength and location of the spur branch (Figure 8). Spurs near the tip of the shoot have a higher percentage of flower buds than the spurs at the bottom. If properly controlled light intake and nutrition, these spurs can remain productive for years.

However, the highest quality fruits are usually produced on 2-year-old branches and spurs between 1-3 years old. Therefore, the goal of managing an orchard should be to reduce the number of old spurs and form a very large amount of new shoots with a length of 25-30 cm all over the tree. Many finishing systems are designed to renew and maintain these fruiting units for optimum fruit quality.

Finishing System Selection

A good finishing system to be applied to fruit trees should provide a structural skeleton that will allow high fruit quality and easy harvesting (Long, 2003). Previously, pruning and finishing systems were not regularly applied to cherry trees. Since dwarf rootstocks were not used in this type of fruit, the only option for choosing a finishing system was the simple open vase system. In recent years, dwarf rootstocks have been

Its use and interest in cherry production has led to the development of many finishing systems. In practice, each system has some advantages and disadvantages. Choosing the right system; It depends on many factors such as development conditions, variety, rootstock, applicability and the ability of the grower to carry out this system. Knowing how these factors affect each other is the most important part of making the right choice (Long, 2003).

Careful consideration should be given before choosing a finishing system. In the selection of the finishing system, the effects of the finishing system on tree strength, fruit quality, youth sterility and cultural processes should be taken into consideration. It should not be forgotten that factors such as soil fertility, location, length of the growing season and climate, rootstock strength, growth habit of the variety, and equipment size are effective in the selection of the cultivation system (Long et al., 2015).

ReducingApplicability of finishing systems

	KGB	SB	SL	SSA	TSA	UFO	UFO-Y	VCL
Anaçlar
Kuvvetli	X	X	X
Yarı bodur	X	X	X		X	X	X	X
Bodur			X	X	X			X
Meyve Verme Alışkanlığı
Spur tip	X	X	X		X	X	X	X
Spur olmayan tip		X	X	X	X			X
Terbiye Sisteminin Özellikleri
Erkencilik				X	X	X	X	X
Düşük kurulum masrafı	X	X
Yenilenebilir alanların	X			X		X	X
oluşturulması
Hasat masraflarının	X	X		SB		SSA	TSA
UFO-Y

• Modern Finishing Systems Applied in Cherry
  • Kym Green Bush (KGB)

It is a system that emerged as a result of a modification of the Spanish Bush finishing system by Kym Green. With this finishing system, cultural processes such as controlling tree height, harvesting, etc. are carried out more easily. With this finishing system, cultural processes such as controlling tree height, harvesting, etc. are carried out more easily. It is a cultivation system that can be applied to both vigorous and dwarf rootstocks and is suitable for frequent planting with a planting distance of 2-2.5 x 4-4.5 m with strong rootstocks and 1.5-2 x 3.5-4 m with semi-strong rootstocks. Tree formation is easy and requires minimal labor, pruning follows a simple and repeatable plan. Although most cultivars perform very well with the KGB system, it is not recommended for non-spur cultivars such as Regina and Attica, which produce the majority of the fruits on the undersides of the solder shoots, as most of the one-year-old shoots are destroyed in this system. In trees where the KGB system is applied, diseases such as bacterial cancer, brown root rot and mildge may be a problem due to leaf density.

Stages of implementation of the finishing system

Stage: Planting

Purpose: to create a strong root system and promote moderate development during the installation period.

Actions to be taken:  A top cut is made on the sapling at a height of 45-60 cm from the ground, leaving at least 3 or 4 live buds under the cutting (Figure 10). Necessary cultural processes (fertilization, irrigation, tillage, etc.) are carried out in order to create a minimum 60 cm long development in each leader branch that will occur in the first development season.

Phase: Initial rest period

Objective: To create the tree structure and promote a homogeneous development.

Actions to be taken: All newly formed branches that reach a length of 60 cm are cut into 5-12 cm lengths (Figure 11). Strong branches are cut shorter than weak ones. Very weak or very strong branches are removed to ensure a uniform development of the tree. If the development is not as much as desired, it is expected until the next year. In places where the risk of bacterial cancer is high, these cuts can be made at the end of the growing season, such as late summer or early autumn, when the weather is dry. In a tree with a splayed top and a strong top, the branches that develop upright are cut shorter than the branches on the outside, which develop weaker.

Stage: Second period of development

Objective: To promote moderate development during the installation period by providing an adequate amount of nutrients.

Continuing to build the tree structure.

Promoting a homogeneous development.

What to do: Before the solstice (first day of summer), all the leading branches are cut to a length of 5-12 cm (Figure 12). Strong branches are cut shorter than weak ones. Too weak or too strong branches are removed to ensure homogeneous leader development in the tree. In a tree with a strong and splayed top, the leader branches that develop upright are cut shorter than the weaker branches located on the outside.

Phase: Second rest period

What to do: On vigorous rootstocks in trees, the procedures applied during the period of the first resting season are repeated. The recommended number of leaders to form a balanced skeleton of fruiting areas; 20-25 in semi-vigorous rootstocks; In strong rootstocks, it is 25-30 pieces. The number of leaders may vary depending on soil fertility and other conditions. The aim is to achieve an annual growth of 60-90 cm in length in each leading branch, so if the annual growth is higher than desired, the number of leaders should be set to be higher, and if it is less than desired, the number of leaders should be set lower. The branches formed on the trees on semi-vigorous rootstocks are allowed to develop without pruning in order to bear fruit the next year.

Stage: Third rest period

Purpose: To control the product load

Actions to be taken: Tipping should be done on the leader branches in combinations of semi-vigorous rootstocks with productive or moderate-yielding varieties and in combinations of vigorous rootstocks with productive varieties (Figure 13). In order to balance the leaf / fruit ratio and to obtain high quality fruit, 1/4 of the new development should be removed.

Stage: Third and subsequent periods of development

Objective: To initiate fruiting, albeit a little, on the shoots and lower flower buds on trees on semi-vigorous rootstocks in the third year.

To make the first commercial harvest on the trees on the semi-vigorous rootstocks in the fourth year. Promoting light distribution and controlling tree strength.

Actions:  For these purposes, 2-4 strategic leader branches located on the inside of the tree should be removed to improve light reception (Figure 14). If the leader branch development is weak (less than 60 cm per year), excess leader branches are removed. Recommended number of leader branches to maintain a balanced and productive tree structure during the maturity period: 12-16 for semi-vigorous rootstocks; For vigorous rootstocks, it is 15-20 pieces.

The number of leader branches may vary depending on soil fertility and other conditions. The aim is to produce a medium-strength tree with an annual growth of 60-90 cm.

Purpose: To control light uptake, product load, and tree height.

Actions: The top of the tree is cut at a height of 2.5 m. This process can be done mechanically or manually. If the tree height is not more than 2.5 m, 1/4 of the new shoot development is removed from each leader branch (Figure 15). All side branches that are easily reached should be removed (Figure 16). The buds in the stubs, which are approximately 8 cm long, form fruits by ploughing. In non-spur varieties such as Regina, a significant amount of fruit occurs at this point. These small stub branches die after fruiting and can be removed the following year. Applications to renew the fruit branches can be done during the resting period or during the development period. To renew the branches, the leader branches are selected, which are the strongest and have a problem to harvest. These selected branches are cut to ensure the formation of new fruit branches, leaving a piece of 25-30 cm. All the leader branches that are forked at the bottom are renewed (Figure 17). One or two of the strongest of the newly formed leader branches should be diluted (Figure 18). For the development and fruiting of newly formed leader branches, a solid branch structure is created by preserving the vertical position of the branches, and weak branches should be removed (Long et al., 2015)

Super Slender Axe (SSA)

It is an ideal finishing system suitable for frequent planting with a planting distance of 1.0 x 3.0 m with dwarf or semi-dwarf rootstocks and 2.0 x 3.5 m with semi-vigorous rootstocks. Due to the high density of planting, it amortizes the installation cost in the second and third year. In this finishing system, fruiting occurs mainly at the base of one-year-old branches, which are areas where high-quality fruits are produced. Due to this, the quality of the fruit is usually very high. However, with the fruitful varieties that occur in most of the fruits on spurs, this finishing system creates problems in terms of fruit yield. Although its recycling is very high, the cost of garden installation is very high. In addition, pruning is much more laborious and time-consuming than other finishing systems, and the garden life is often shorter than other systems. The low yield capacity per tree is balanced by the high planting density.

Stages of implementation of the finishing system

Stage: Planting

Purpose: To establish a strong root system in the first year of development and to stimulate the development of side shoots.

Processing to be done:         This finishing system

The choice of seedlings is very important in its implementation. Seedlings should have a height of 100-125 cm. This feature is important in that the tree has strong buds and short knuckles, which are well distributed from the tip to the middle. If branched seedlings are used for planting, the branches are cut to increase shoot development, leaving 2 or 3 vegetative buds (Figure 20). When creating the dressage system, it is important to develop 10 or more minors in the leading branch each year. For this purpose, promaline is applied and the stem is taken from the bracelet (Figure 21), bud removal is not recommended for this finishing system.

Stage: Initial development period

Objective: To complete at least ‘75%’ of the desired tree height. Develop 10 or more homogeneous, relatively moderate-vigorous, well-distributed side branches that will bear fruit in the second year

Actions to be taken: When the upright side shoots reach a length of 7.5-10 cm, the horizontal branch angles of the shoots are adjusted by attaching a peg to the trunk at an angle of 90 degrees above these shoots. The pegs can be removed after 2-3 weeks or shifted towards the tip of the shoot. The desired type of side shoot formation at the end of the first year is shown in Figure 22. A high single row of wire can be useful for connecting the top of trees in the SSA finishing system.

Phase: Initial rest period

Objective: To promote the formation of excess lateral shoots on the leader branch using bud activation techniques. +Obtaining products in the second year . Short pruning existing side shoots to create a balanced fruit/leaf area

Actions to be taken: In  the SSA finishing system, short pruning occurs by cutting off a large part of the branch, leaving flower buds and at least two vegetatives at the bottom of the one-year shoot for the formation of new shoots (Figure 23). Lower branches can be left slightly longer than higher branches. Short pruning can be carried out more successfully during the bud swelling period, when the difference between flower buds and vegetative buds is easily demonstrated (Figure 24). Bud activation procedures can be performed when deemed necessary to encourage the formation of side branches on the leader branch until the desired tree height is reached

Figure 23. Branch cutting             Figure 24. Bud swelling

Phase: Second and subsequent development seasons

Objective: To complete the formation of well-distributed side shoots of the desired tree height in the second year, 75% in the second year and 100% in the third year on the leader branch. In the second year, the tree begins to yield and by the fourth and fifth year to achieve full yield. Maintaining a constant crown height without creating excessive revival in the upper part of the tree.

Actions to be taken: When the side shoots that develop upright on the leader branch reach a length of 7.5-10 cm, the horizontal branch angles of the shoots are adjusted with pegs. When the leader branch reaches the desired tree height, the leader branch is tipped by leaving a relatively weak lateral branch just below the preferred height, this can be done 4-5 weeks after bud burst or after harvest to minimize new growth.

Phase: Second and subsequent rest periods

Purpose: % of all fruit branches                       100 years old

To carry out short pruning on all side branches to achieve their regeneration. Keeping moderate strength and efficiency in balance throughout the crown.

Actions: Each fruit branch was short-pruned annually, leaving 2-3 vegetative buds for the leaf area in addition to the lower flower buds for yield (Figure 25); branch length was reduced from the crown to the upper part (Figure 26). Short pruning continues the crop close to the leading branch (Figure 27).

When the fruiting branches grow too long, they can be removed, leaving a small piece to stimulate the regeneration of the shoots close to the leader branch (Figure 28). In the SSA tree, flowering and crop (Figure 29) should occur primarily on the lower parts of an elder shoots during the life of the garden (Long et al., 2015).

Upright Fruiting Offshoots (UFO)

It is a cultivation system suitable for frequent planting with planting distances of 1.8-2.0 x 3.5-4.0 m with strong rootstocks – 1.5-1.8 x 3.5-4.0 m with semi-strong rootstocks and 1.2-1.5 x 3.5-4.0 m with dwarf-semi-dwarf rootstocks. This finishing system;

-To facilitate pruning operations and controlling the product load.

-To use the natural upright growth habit of the cherry and to control the tree strength by forming many vertically structured fruit units.

-It has been developed to optimize input efficiency (light, workmanship, chemicals) and to achieve high homogeneous light reception of fruiting areas and to allow the adaptation of the garden to mechanization and automation technologies. The UFO system can be configured as a single (Figure 30) or as a two-wire Y trellis system (Figure 30).

Stages of implementation of the finishing system

Stage: Planting

Purpose:           On the trunk of many erect fruit shoots

to ensure the formation and upright development of the formed shoots.

Actions to be taken: Untipped and unbranched saplings are used. Trees are planted at an angle of 45 degrees to the south (in the northern hemisphere) or north (in the southern hemisphere) (Figure 32). This reduces the potential for sunburn on the body during the installation phase. Trees should not be planted vertically and tied at an angle of 45 degrees.

To maintain the planting angle, the stem is tied at the place where it coincides with the lowest wire. With thinning cuttings, small branches from the sapling are removed. All buds under the first strand are destroyed by scraping them by hand. Bud activation techniques should be used to ensure the continuation of buds approximately every 20 cm (UFO) or every 10 cm (UFO Y-trellis) to encourage vertical shoot formation.

Stage: Initial development period

Objective: To develop approximately 10 well-distributed vertical branches that will produce fruit on the lower parts of the branches in two years and on the spurs in 3 years, to promote relatively homogeneous, moderate strength between the vertical branches and to destroy the vigorous shoots that form under the first wire.

What to do: All shoots formed under the first system wire are removed. Uniform growth of vertical shoots should be considered at the end of spring; Since the tree will be more balanced with medium-strength shoots, a piece with a few leaves not longer than 5 cm is left to encourage new development, and tip removal is done on excessively strong shoots. When the new shoots reach a length of 30 cm or more, the trees are tied to the lowest wire by removing the binding device on the first wire and placing it further along the trunk so that the trunk continues to develop horizontally (Figures 33 and 34). Do not shape the body below a horizontal plane. If the tree length exceeds the tree row spacing (tree intersection), the end point of the main trunk is shaped as a vertical shoot. In the middle of summer, if any shoots are excessively vigorous, they are completely removed with thinning cuttings

Figure 33. Attaching trees to wires

Figure 34. Creating horizontal trunks on trees

Phase: Initial rest period

Objective: To promote homogeneity in upright shoot development.

Directing and positioning shoots homogeneously erect on higher wires

Actions to be taken: In trees where the density exceeds 20 cm on the horizontal trunk, the weakest or strongest shoots are thinned out. Conveniently, the shoots are tied to the second wire. Using thinning cuttings, all shoots that develop below the horizontal are removed from the main branch.

Stage: Second period of development

Objective: To fill horizontal gaps with vertical shoots every 20 cm (UFO) or every 10 cm (UFO-Y).

To begin to fill the vertical place on the fruit wall, promoting a balanced upright development with a length of 60-75 cm on each shoot.

Harvesting the first fruits on the vertical shoots of the previous two seasons or on the horizontal skeletal branch.

Treatments to be carried out: Where there are gaps in the horizontal stem, bud activation techniques are used in upward-facing buds to encourage vertical shoot formation. In the UFO where development allows, upright shoots are tied to wires to achieve the formation of the structure (Figure 35). Using thinning cuttings, all shoots under the first system wire are removed. At the end of spring, the uniform growth of new vertical shoots is assessed; Since the tree will be more balanced with medium-strength shoots, tip-off is done on excessively strong shoots by leaving a piece not longer than 5 cm with a few leaves to encourage new growth.

Phase: Second rest period

Objective: To promote homogeneous light distribution along the vertical length of each upright leader.

Actions to be taken: In trees where the density exceeds 20 cm on the horizontal trunk, the weakest or strongest shoots are thinned out. For high-yielding varieties, all side shoots on the upright leading branches are removed with thinning cuttings (Figure 36); In medium-yielding varieties, all lateral branches on the upright leading branches are removed with stub cuttings (leaving 3-7 buds on the lower part of the lateral branches for the formation of new shoots). Removal of side shoots can be done approximately 4-6 weeks after harvest by means of summer pruning. Erect shoots are tied to wires.

Figure 36. Removal of side shoots on leader branches

Stage: Third and subsequent periods of development

Objective: To fill vertical gaps in the fruit wall by promoting balanced 75-100 cm vertical development on each leader branch, to maintain the maximum fruit wall height, to maintain a sufficient number of leader branches, position and strength balance.

Actions to be taken: Upright shoots are tied to wires to achieve the UFO or UFO-Y structure as far as development allows. To maintain balance between the leader branches, overly dense or strong leader branches are removed after harvest using a thinning cutting. Trees can be cut at a height of approximately 1.1-1.2 times the row spacing for UFO (3.3-3.6 m between a row of 3 m) or at a height of about 3 m between a row for UFO-Y. Tipping, which is carried out 4-6 weeks after harvest, will not revive the tree crown. Again, development will be minimal, and winter pruning will not be necessary to maintain the height of the fruit wall.

Phase: Yield pruning

Objective: To maintain the potential for a balanced yield

What to do: There are two rules to maintain the yield of mature UFO trees:

Renewing strong upright leader branches: One or two largest leading branches are selected to renew each year; ideally, no leader branch should be more than 6 or 7 years old. These branches are removed with a stub cut just before or during flowering, leaving one or two live nodes for new development. Since new upright developments are made up of regeneration cuttings, they are maintained by following the same rules for upright developments when the shape is established. With thinning cuttings, all weak erect branches must be removed.

Removing the side branches: For high-yielding varieties, all the side shoots on the branches that develop upright are removed with thinning cuttings; in medium-yielding varieties, the side shoots on all the leader branches are removed by stub cutting (leaving 3-7 buds in the lower part of the side branches). These short stub branches are left to produce fruit and can be removed after harvest or, if there is a vegetative bud, they can be preserved as fruit branches, similar to those in the SSA system. Removal of side shoots that develop between the rows can be done by summer pruning 4-6 weeks after harvest; Removal of side shoots that develop on the row can be done during the resting period (Long et al., 2015).

• Spanish Bush (SB):Spanish Bush

The Spanish Bush system was developed in the Ebro valley of Spain. This system controls the size of the tree, making it easy to carry out cultural processes such as harvesting, etc., and creates an ideal high-yielding orchard. Due to this feature, it provides an advantage in places where labor and maintenance costs are high. This system is usually applied in cherry orchards established with dwarf rootstocks to control tree growth and strength. In addition, it is possible to use it with large-sized trees in poor soils, especially with high-yielding varieties such as Sweetheart.

When an early rootstock is not used, the fruiting of the tree may be delayed due to excessive cuttings while establishing the skeleton of the system. In addition, due to the small tree structure, this system should not be applied in frost-prone areas (Long, 2003).

The Spanish Bush finishing system is a system that reduces strength, creates a small tree structure, and encourages the formation of many main branches and branches, which allows tree control and harvesting to be done quickly and easily. The planting distance is 2.5-3 x 5-5.5 m with vigorous rootstocks and 2-2.5 x 4.55 m with semi-vigorous rootstocks. With a conscious branch renewal plan, the fruit branches are steadily renewed. The pruning operations during the installation phase of the system are very similar to the installation processes in the KGB system. The number of vertical leader branches formed in the system should be adjusted according to the strength of the tree.

Figure 38. Spanish bush system

Stages of application of the finishing system

Stage: Planting

Goal: to form a strong root system in the first growing season.

Promoting a moderate degree of development during the installation period by providing sufficient nutrients.

Starting to build the skeleton of the system.

Actions to be taken: The top of the seedling is cut 40-50 cm above the ground so that 3-4 live buds remain under the cutting (Figure 39). In the first season of development, the necessary cultural procedures should be carried out in order to achieve a development of a minimum length of 60 cm on each leading branch.

Figure 39. Hill cutting in planting

Phase: Initial rest period

Purpose: Continuing to build the tree structure.

Promoting a homogeneous development.

Actions: All leader branches are cut to a length of 5-12 cm (Figure 40). Strong branches should be cut shorter, while weak branches should be cut longer. Too strong or too weak branches must be removed to achieve a homogeneous development. In areas with a high risk of bacterial cancer, these cuts can be made at the end of the growing season, such as late summer or early autumn, when the weather is dry.

Stage: Second period of development

Objective: To promote moderate development during the installation period by providing sufficient nutrients. Continuing to build the tree structure. Promoting a homogeneous development.

What to do: Before the summer solstice (first day of summer), all branches consisting of leader branches are cut to a length of 5-12 cm (Figure 41). Strong branches should be cut shorter than weak ones. Branches that are too strong or too weak are removed to achieve a homogeneous skeletal development throughout the tree. In a tree with a splayed top and a strong top, the branches that develop upright should be cut shorter than the branches on the outside that develop weaker.

Phase: Second rest period

Objective: To promote a moderate degree of strength through the number of leading branches. To promote branching in trees on semi-vigorous rootstocks.

Actions to be taken: For trees on strong rootstocks, the specified procedures are repeated during the first resting period. These processes are important for trees on vigorous rootstocks in order to obtain a balanced tree that is not overly strong. The recommended number of leader branches to form a balanced skeleton in fruiting areas: 20-25 in semi-vigorous rootstocks; In strong rootstocks, it is 25-30 pieces.

The number of leader branches may vary depending on soil fertility and other conditions. The aim is to achieve an annual growth of 60-90 cm in length in each leader branch, so if the annual growth is more than desired, the number of leader branches should be set to more, and if it is less than desired, the number of leader branches should be set lower.

Trees on semi-vigorous rootstocks should have enough branches, and 1/4 of the new shoots should be removed and all leading branches should be tipped to encourage branching.

Stage: Third rest period

Purpose: To control the product load

Actions to be taken: Tipping should be done on the leader branches in combinations of semi-vigorous rootstocks with productive or medium-yielding varieties and in combinations of vigorous rootstocks with productive varieties. In order to balance the leaf-to-fruit ratio and to obtain high-quality fruit, 1/4 of the new development must be removed (Figure 42).

Stage: Third and subsequent periods of development

Objective: To initiate a little fruit production in the lower flower buds of the shoots in trees on semi-vigorous rootstocks in the third year. The first commercial harvest on the trees on the semi-vigorous rootstocks in the fourth year. Controlling tree strength and promoting light distribution.

What to do: The presence of yellow leaves on the underside of the leader branches indicates excessive shading: 2-4 strategic leader branches located on the inside of the tree should be removed to improve light reception (Figure 43).

If the leader branch development is weak (less than 60 cm per year), excess leader branches are removed. Recommended number of leader branches to maintain a balanced and productive tree structure at maturity: 12-16 for semi-vigorous rootstocks; for vigorous rootstocks, 15-20

customs. The number of leader branches may vary depending on soil fertility and other conditions. The aim is to produce a medium-strength tree with an annual growth of 60-90 cm.

Stage: Ripeness pruning

Purpose: Establishing the height of maturity. Fruit

renewing its branches. Continuing to control the tree force.

Procedures to be performed: In the Spanish Bush system, the side branches formed in the main branches should be allowed to develop in order to obtain fruit until the renewal process begins in the fruit branches. Late summer or early autumn: The top of the tree is cut to a height of 2.5 m (Figure 44). This process can be done manually or by machine. If the tree height is not more than 2.5 m, 1/4 of the new shoot development is removed from each leader branch. The edges of the tree are cut annually by machine or by hand (Figure 44).

During the resting or flowering period, approximately 20% of the fruit branches are cut every year so that the fruit branches are no older than five years old. Side branches that are more than half the diameter of the first main branches are renewed or removed.

At the end of the resting period or at flowering, leaving a vegetative bud, the lateral branches are renewed. If there are no vegetative buds, a cut is made, leaving a piece 15 cm long. Every year, 20% of the fruiting branches are renewed.

Young branches form branches that regenerate more quickly than old branches. If shoot growth is less than 60 cm, one or more main branches are removed to increase strength in the rest of the tree (Figure 45) (Long et al., 2015).

Steep Leader (SL)

The steep leader system is a system generally used by cherry growers to be able to plant more frequently in orchards established with large rootstocks. It is possible to obtain abundant and high quality products in the trees where this system is applied. Although it is applied to large cherry trees, it can also be applied to dwarf rootstocks. If the early rootstock is not selected, fruiting usually does not begin until the fifth or sixth growing season due to excessive cuttings, and the trees to which this system is applied are usually tall (Long, 2003). Planting distance is 2.5-3 x 4.5-5 m with strong rootstocks and 2-2.5 x 4-4.5 m with semi-strong rootstocks.

Stages of implementation of the finishing system

Stage: Planting

Objective: To determine the shoots that will be the leading branch on the tree

Actions to be taken: Depending on the height at which the leader branches are intended to be formed, the top of the sapling is cut 75-85 cm above the ground (Figure 47).

Stage: Initial development period

Objective: To adjust the leading branch angles to achieve a splayed tree shape

Actions to be taken: When the newly formed branches reach a length of 7-10 cm during the growing season, branch angles are created in accordance with the requirements of the system by using pegs (Figure 48).

Phase: Initial rest period

Objective: To select the leader branches that will form the tree skeleton and to encourage the development of the lateral branches at the bottom of the leader branches.

Actions to be taken: 3 or 4 leader branches that develop vertically with homogeneous strength are selected. These leading branches will form the main branches and should be allowed to develop vertically. If the tree is growing on a semi-vigorous rootstock and has produced one or two strong branches from the cutting made at planting, these branches are removed to maintain a balanced tree structure (Figure 49).

If the tree is developing on a strong rootstock and has produced one or two strong branches from the cutting made at planting, these temporary leader branches are left to prevent excessive force. Removing these branches during the resting period can strengthen the tree.

Tipping is done by leaving about 60 cm on the leader branches to promote branching and form a stable helical skeleton (Figure 50). All other temporary branches are left to keep tree growth moderate. In places with a high bacterial cancer effect, these cuts can be made at the end of the growing season, such as late summer or early autumn, when the weather is dry.

Figure 49. Removing the strong branch

Phase: Second rest period

Objective: Leaders continue to build branches. Selection and shaping of skeletal branches to form the fixed sub-helical structure.

Actions to be taken:  In order for the leader branch to continue vertically, a vertically developing shoot is selected that will be the auxiliary branch in each leader branch. If the desired tree height will be less than 3 m, these shoots are tipped from approximately 60 cm from the point where they were formed in the previous year, and if the desired tree height will be more than 3 m, tip is taken from 60-90 cm.

A helper branch is selected for each leader branch to help the tree develop in a splayed way. These selected branches are cut to a length of approximately 60 cm from the point where they occur. The other branches are left untouched: A second auxiliary branch is selected in each main branch. This branch is cut to a length of 60 cm and the branches are tied down in a horizontal position to form a wide crown (Figure 51).

The tying process is terminated at the end of the third growing season. To maintain patency between the leader branches, side shoots directed towards the interior should be removed. A few temporary branches will help control excessive tree force until it begins to bear fruit. These branches should be tipped from 60 cm.

For SL trees on vigorous rootstocks, smaller and weaker branches are chosen as fixed branches. Too strong branches are removed. In semi-vigorous rootstocks, on the other hand, weak branches are removed and branches that develop with medium strength are left.

Stage: Resting pruning until maturity

Purpose: to continue the spiral development of the leader and fruiting side branches. To stimulate fruiting on temporary branches.

Procedures to be performed: In order to encourage the development of the sub-branch, as applied in the second resting period, the tip removal process is performed at 60-90 cm from the point where it was formed in the previous development season in the leader branch. In the slides formed at the bottom, tip removal is made to remain 60 cm long from the point where it occurs. Temporary branches left during the first resting period for fruiting are not touched. When development begins to slow down due to fruiting, these branches are removed to improve light distribution in the lower part of the tree (Figure 52). The SL tree of fruit age will have 3 or 4 stable, vertical, well-branched leader branches for fruit production. The lower part of the crown will take on a splayed shape with branches of a steady, horizontal shape, formed on each leading branch. The fruit will consist of small temporary branches emerging from fixed horizontal and vertical branches.

Stage: Ripeness pruning

Purpose: to renew fruit branches. Promoting light distribution. To create high-quality fruiting areas. Reduce the height of the tree and maintain the desired tree height.

Actions to be taken: Protection and renewal of side branches (fruit branches): Each leader branch should be formed as a one-sided spindle tree. To ensure a minimum shading, the development of lateral branches that develop stronger than the radius of the main branch should not be allowed. Too large branches are removed.

Since the crown of the tree is pruned from the bottom up, one should not forget about the concept of large, smaller and smallest branches from the bottom up. A regular fruit branch renewal program should be established. The development of side branches is allowed to obtain fruit for several years before branch renewal begins. The highest quality fruiting occurs on the undersides of 1-year-old shoots and young spurs.

At the end of the resting period or at flowering, approximately 20% of the fruit branches are removed each year so that the spurs are no more than 5 years old (Figure 53). The branches are renewed every year, either by leaving a vegetative bud or a 10-15 cm piece of branch in places where no vegetative bud is seen. Old branches are as successful as young branches.

It will not be renewed.

To ensure light reception and the continuation of fruit branches along the tree, large branches that form lower than the lowest branches are removed or cut off, leaving a piece of branch (Figure 54). Weak and drooping branches with excessive fruit set and a tendency to produce small fruits are removed (Figure 55). One of the branches, which is of equal strength and adjacent, is removed to activate light reception (Figure 56).

Figure 54           Figure 55                    Figure 56

When the tree reaches its maximum height, a crown cut is made, usually in late summer, leaving a weak lateral branch (Figure 57). In lower-yielding SL trees, the third developments formed in the side branches that can reach the ground are removed and tip removal is performed on the side branches. This will strengthen the lower part of the tree and encourage new development in an area where regeneration is difficult (Figure 58).

Tall Spindle Axe (TSA)

The TSA system is a modification of the Vogel Central Leader and Zahn Spindle systems, which have a single leader branch. It is a cultivation system suitable for dense planting with a planting distance of 1.8-2 x 4 m with strong and semi-vigorous rootstocks, and 1.5-1.8 x 3.5 m with dwarf and semi-dwarf rootstocks.

In order to give the tree a conical shape in the TSA system, the natural branching habit is modified by tying 4 or 5 stronger than 10 or more side branches of medium strength that occur every year. This system differs from other systems in two important points;

To make tips on the side branches every year in order to keep the product load and leaf fruit ratio in balance in the following years.

Since only the fixed structure is the central leading branch, the oldest fruit branches should be renewed annually.

Since the development in the TSA system consists of medium-strong side shoots that mostly form on a single vertical leader branch, it is a very suitable finishing system for vigorous rootstocks in dwarf semi-vigorous or poor soils

Stages of application of the finishing system

Stage: Planting

Goal: to form a strong root system in the first growing season. Forcing bud activation with the aim of promoting the formation of side shoots.

Actions to be taken: Tipping should not be done on the sapling. The lateral branches are cut off, leaving the lowest vegetative bud. All buds lower than 45 cm are removed from the sapling (Figure 60). On the central leading branch, the extreme healthy bud is left, the next 5-6 buds are removed. 1 bud is selected with a distance of 10-12 cm, which has the potential to form stable spiral shoots on the leader branch (Figure 61). These selected buds can be activated by applying promaline to the selected buds, notching them above the bud, or destroying the buds in between. The prospects for the first growing season are to get 8-12 side shoots, which are well distributed on the leading branch.

Phase: First growing season

Objective: To develop at least 65% of the final leader height. To develop about 10 relatively homogeneous, moderately vigorous, well-distributed side branches, which will provide the fruit-forming capacity in the lower parts of the shoots in the second year and the spur fruiting capacity in the third year.

Actions to be taken: When the formed branches reach a length of 7-10 cm, a peg is placed at an angle of 90 degrees to the trunk just above the new side branches and the horizontal branch angles are adjusted. The pegs can be removed or shifted to the shoot tip after 2-3 weeks (Figure 62).

Figure 60             Figure 61                Figure 62

Phase: Initial rest period

Objective: To apply bud activation techniques to promote the formation of a large number of lateral shoots on the leader branch. To stimulate the formation of second side branches and to control future yield capacity.

Actions to be taken: If the formation of 6 or more lateral branches is not achieved in the first year, the branch formation process should be started again with the cutting to be made in such a way that the lowest vegetative bud is left on all existing side branches. If 6 or more lateral branches have been formed in the first year, tipping should be done in these shoots, preferably just above the location of the two opposing buds (less on weaker shoots, more on stronger shoots) to destroy 15-25% of the shoots on these shoots (Figure 63).

Since each shoot of the first year will produce flowering spurs in the third year, this tipping of the shoots is a strategy not only to fill the crown but also to balance the crop load in the third and subsequent years. In the new shoot that occurs at the tip of the leader branch, bud removal, selection of buds that will form shoots and procedures that will ensure bud activation where shoot formation is desired, the processes applied in the leader branch in the first year should be done in a similar way to the formation of the structure.

At the end of two years, the goal is to obtain two lateral branches from the side shoots that developed in the first year and 8-12 shoots that are well distributed from top to bottom on the leader branch that developed from the first year. In the first year, if the leader branch development is very strong, 90-120 cm of the new formation is left in the leader branch and tipping.

Stage: Second period of development

Purpose: To initiate fruiting, albeit slightly, in the lower flower buds on the spurs and shoots on the leading branch. To make up at least 90% of the final leader’s height. To develop about 8-12 side branches, moderately vigorous, well-distributed, which will generate the fruiting capacity in the lower part of the shoots in the third year and the spur fruiting capacity in the fourth year. 15-20 well-distributed second side branches of relatively homogeneous moderate strength to fill at least 65% of the area per tree

improve.

Actions to be taken: The use of pegs to create the branch angles of new shoots in the first year is also applied to the side branches emerging from the leader branch in the second year. In early rootstocks, there will also be a very small amount of fruiting in the flowering zones, which occur on the spurs on the leader branch formed by seedlings in the second year, as well as in the lower part of the shoots of the first year.

Phase: Second and subsequent rest periods

Objective: To encourage the formation of secondary/tertiary side shoots and to control the future crop capacity. To maintain good crown light distribution by thinning the side branches when necessary. To start renewing fruit branches in five years.

Actions to be taken: Bud selection and activation on the leader branch should continue until the tree reaches the height of maturity (usually until the end of 3 years). In most side shoots, re-tip should be done to remove 15-25% of the previous year’s shoot development (Figure 64). Overlapping shoots, weak shoots, drooping shoots or shoots that are too erect vigorous should be removed to maintain a good light distribution of all fruiting areas. Branches in the lower parts of the crown in the middle to maintain a conical structure, such as a Christmas tree.

or they can be left taller than the branches at the top.

Phase: Third and subsequent rest periods

Purpose: The first commercial harvest in the third year. To complete 100% of the height of the last leader in the third year and to have the lowest third branches in 3 years with % of the area per tree                                                                                        100% of the fame

fill. Continue to replenish the volume of crown fruiting with the second and third branches in the third and fourth year.

Actions to be taken: Tipping  is performed to minimize new development when the leader branch reaches maturity height, leaving a relatively weak branch either 4-6 weeks after bud burst or just below the preferred mature height on the leader branch post-harvest (Figure 65).

When the fruit branches are 5 or 6 years old, the two or three largest branches should be cut to encourage regeneration of the fruit branches, leaving a piece of approximately 20 cm or a lower weak shoot, spur or bud (Figure 66).

• Vogel Central Leader (VCL)

It is a spindle system developed by Tobias Vogel in Franconia, Germany. Vogel Central Leader is a system that facilitates cultural processes in cherry orchards, allows more frequent planting, and ensures high and early yields. Due to the tree structure created in this system, lighting in trees is more effective. Due to the single leading feature of this system, it is necessary to use a dwarf rootstock to keep the tree size moderate (Long, 2003).

The Vogel Central Leader (VCL) system requires very little installation pruning as the genetic center of the young cherry tree takes advantage of the leading development habit. Minimal pruning, moderate development due to dwarf or semi-dwarf rootstocks, minimal fertilization during installation, and moderate planting density result in relatively high early yields. The Christmas tree structure promotes a good distribution of light throughout the crown and the fruit branches are renewed on a regular basis with this system. It is a cultivation system suitable for dense planting with a planting distance of 2.4-2.7 x 4-4.5 m with semi-vigorous rootstocks and 1.8-2 x 4-4.2 m with dwarf and semi-dwarf rootstocks.

Stages of implementation of the finishing system

Stage: Planting

Purpose: to form a side shoot.

Actions: The top of the sapling is cut 75-90 cm above the ground, depending on the height at which the first main branches are desired to be formed (Figure 68). When the buds begin to swell in early spring, two buds are left near the top, and the next 5-6 buds are plucked (Figure 69).

Stage: Initial development period

The goal: to create a clear tree shape and wide-angled branches.

Shape. 70.

Phase: First and second rest period

Objective: To force bud activation techniques to promote lateral shoot formation. Promoting an open tree structure and wide branch angle.

Procedures to be performed: Tipping is done on shoots that have developed more than 75 cm in the previous year. In the year of installation, the leader branch is created. Due to this, the top two buds are left and the next 5-6 buds are destroyed. The branches are encouraged to develop along the length of the trunk rather than a spiral structure that allows for the development of an open helix. Branches that form too close to promote sufficient light distribution are removed by thinning cutting. (Figure 71).

Stage: Second and third period of development

Purpose: In the spurs formed in the leading branch in two years and

initiating fruiting, albeit a little, in flower buds located in the lower parts of the shoots.

Developing approximately 10 and more side branches of moderate strength, well distributed, at 2 years, which will provide fruit capacity in the lower part of the shoots at three years and spur fruit capacity at four years.

Promoting an open tree structure and wide branch angles. First commercial harvest in 3 years ( spur and shoot in lower fruiting areas). To complete 100% of the final leader height in 3 years.

The third lowest branches fill 100% of the area per tree in 3 years.

Figure 72. Dilution and tipping

Phase: Yield pruning (Resting Period)

Purpose:           To the renewal of fruit branches in five years

To begin with, to promote light distribution.

Actions to be taken: Since all shoots that occur on the first side branches can be potential fruit branches, these shoots are allowed to develop. The first lateral branches, which develop strongly upright, are cut into a stub, leaving a live piece (Figure 73).

Thin branches are removed or stub cuts are made on these branches. No branch should be larger than the radius of the trunk (Figure 74). A good distribution of light must be maintained for the development of fruit branches. Fruit branches should be renewed on a regular basis in the form of VCL pruning. The highest quality fruiting occurs on young spurs and on the undersides of 1-year-old branches. Spurs should be no older than 5 years old.

To renew the fruit branches, stub cuttings are made during the resting period or at flowering. The length of the stub is determined by the location of the branch on the tree. Stubs near the apex can be only 7.5-10 cm long. In the lower part, the stubs can be as long as 30-40 cm. The branches are renewed by cutting the existing side branches.

Phase: Maturity pruning (yield pruning)

Objective: To maintain and reduce the desired tree height

What to do: When tree growth starts to slow down due to the crop, only the tree height is checked. At the beginning of autumn or at the end of summer, the height of the tree is reduced by cutting the top, leaving weak branches (Figure 75). Depending on the strength of the tree, 75-120 cm of the height is removed in this way (Long et al., 2015).