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Cherry production Technology

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 Cherry Production Technology
M. K. Verma, Principal Scientist
Division of Fruits & Horticultural Technology,
Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi -110012
Email: [email protected]/[email protected]

Cherries are grown in many parts of the world on commercial scale, but they have
never gained the popularity in Afghanistan as in Europe and the Middle East. It was probably
originated in the region between the Caspian and Black Seas. In 2011, about 2, 240,4 91 MT
of cherries are produced commercially in 65 countries on over 3, 806, 74 ha area (Table 1).

Table 1. Top 5- cherry producing countries in the world

Country Area ( Ha.) Production (Ton) Productivity (t/ha)
Turkey 45,246 438,550 9.69
USA 34,326 303,363 8.84
Iran 28,693 241,117 8.40
Italy 30,207 112,775 3.73
Spain 24,933 101,729 4.08
World 380,674 2240,491 5.89
(Source FAO, 2013)

Anthocyanin pigments are responsible for the red or purple colours in cherries.
Anthocyanins are one class of flavonoid compounds that are dietary phenolics and they have
antioxidant properties. Cherries are also a source of a number of vitamins and minerals listed
in Table 1.

Table 2. Nutritive values of sweet cherries (amount in 1.0 pound edible portion)
Calcium (mg) 82.0 Ascorbic acid (mg) 36.0
Iron (mg) 1.8 Niacin (mg) 1.8
Phosphorous (mg) 91.0 Riboflavin (mg) 0.27
Thiamin (mg) 0.23 Vitamin A (I.U.) 2,815
Carbohydrates (g) 67.2 Protein (g) 5.0
Fat (g) 2.3 Calories 277

Cherry belongs to the genus Prunus of the Rosaceae, or rose family. The genus
Prunus includes other stone fruits such as almond, apricot, plum, peach, and nectarine. There
are many cherry species, but only a few have been domesticated. The sweet cherry (Prunus
avium) trees are large (30 feet to 40 feet tall) and usually pyramid shaped. Branches grow
upright. The fruits are large, have a deep stem cavity, vary in colour from light yellow to dark
red to purplish black, and the stems or pedicels are about 1.5 inches long. Flowers arise from
clusters of 2 to 5 flowers on short spurs with multiple buds at tips; the distal bud develops
into a leafy shoot. The flesh ranges in texture from tender to firm, and is sweet. Most sweet
cherries are consumed as fresh fruit. The tart cherry (Prunus cerasus), is sometime called
"red cherry" or "sour cherry" and may have arisen from an unreduced pollen grain of Prunus
avium crossed with Prunus fruiticosa. Trees are very cold hardy, but are shorter lived than
sweet cherry. The fruit is relatively small, and have a higher acid and lower sugar content
than sweet cherry. Tart cherries are used for processing, jam, and pie filling. The Duke
cherry is a hybrid of Prunus avium and Prunus cerasus and all gradations between the two
species exist, but most varieties more closely resemble sweet cherry. There are a number of
varieties.

Climate
Cherry trees generally do not thrive where summers are long and hot or where winter
temperatures are high for short periods. Most sweet and tart cherry varieties have chilling
requirements of about 1,000 hours (1.7° and 12.8°C) during the winter are required. Critical
temperatures for fruit buds are (-)6°C at the green tip stage, (-)3.9° at the 1/2 inch green stage
(when young shoots are about 1/2 inch long), (-)2.2° at tight cluster through bloom, and (-)
1.1°C at petal fall (when flower petals have just fallen off the flowers). Two types of frost can
cause damage to cherries. Radiational frosts occur on clear still nights. During the day the
ground absorbs heat energy, and during the night heat is radiated from the ground to the
surrounding air. Because cold air is denser than warm air, cold air flows down slopes and
settles into the low areas. Eventually a layer of cold air, varying in thickness from a few feet
to about 50 feet, may develop along the ground. Above the layer of cold air is a layer of
warmer air, called the inversion layer. Advective freezes occur when large cold air masses
move down. These air masses usually are accompanied by low dew points (dry air) and wind.

Precipitation, heavy fog, or dew just before harvest cause cherry fruit to crack.
Cracking is caused by absorption of water through the fruit skin. Water on the skin has a
relatively high osmotic potential and the water within the fruit contains sugars and other
solutes that result in a lower osmotic potential. Water moves from areas of high osmotic
potential to areas of lower osmotic potential within the fruit. As water moves into the fruit,
the fruit swells until it eventually bursts. Even a slight crack can serve as an entry point for
fungi that cause fruit rot. Fruit cracking is one of the primary factors limiting commercial
sweet cherry production. Cracking is most severe on young and lightly cropped trees.
Varieties with soft fruit tend to be less susceptible to damage. Tart cherries are less
susceptible to cracking than sweet cherries.

Soil
Cherry trees can grow in a wide range of soil types. In general, the soil should be well
drained, with a pH of 6.2 to 6.8, and have a rooting depth of at least 3 feet. Soil fertility and
pH can be amended with fertilizer and lime applications. Cherry roots are extremely sensitive
to excessive moisture, which may stunt tree growth or kill the tree. Tree losses caused by the
soil-borne fungus Phytophthora (crown rot or collar rot) tend to be greater in wet or poorly
drained soils. Where soil moisture is excessive, trees may be planted on bunds or raised beds
18 to 30 inches high and 5 feet wide at the base. A good method of evaluating soil water
drainage is to dig a hole 3 feet deep and if water remains in the hole for three days after a
heavy rain, the soil is probably too wet for cherry trees.

Varieties
There are many cherry varieties developed around the world and few of them found suitable
for commercial cultivation. These are classified based on fruit colour, taste and fruitfulness.

Sweet Cherries

Dark coloured
Cavalier: It is a black variety ripens very early. Fruit is medium to large, dark red, and has
dry, firm flesh with good flavour, and is resistant to cracking.
Black Tartarian: Fruit are purplish black, small to medium in size, heart-shaped, and good
quality. The flesh is dark red, soft and juicy.
Kristin: It resulted from a cross between 'Emperor Francis' and 'Gil Peck' and was introduced
in 1982. The fruit is large, aromatic, firm, sweet, dark red, attractive, and moderately resistant
to cracking, and trees are vigorous and productive.
Ulster: It is a cross between 'Schmidt' and 'Lambert' and was introduced in 1964. The fruit is
large and sweet, and the flesh is dark red and crisp. This high quality fruit is moderately crack
resistant. Good for fresh consumption and processing.
Hedelfingen: It is an old European variety. The black fruit is medium to large, firm, and high
quality, and is more crack resistant than most varieties. The fruit is good for fresh
consumption, freezing and processing.
Hudson: It resulted from a cross between 'Oswego' and 'Giant'. This late-season variety
ripens. The fruit is dark red, medium to large in size, sweet and very firm. The trees are
moderately productive, and may come into production late. Fruit is very crack resistant.

Light coloured
Emperor Francis: A good quality early cherry that is yellowish white with a red blush. Trees
survive well and the fruit is large, but not very crack resistant.
Gold: This variety is early, the trees are productive and fairly resistant to bacterial canker, but
the fruit are small and fairly crack resistant.
Napoleon: It is also called 'Royal Anne' or 'Napolean Wax'. The fruit is pale yellow with
bright red cheeks. The fruit is medium in size, firm, sweet, and juicy, with fair fresh eating
quality. It is fairly resistance to cracking.
Rainier: It resulted from a cross of 'Bing' and ' Van'. The fruit is very large and sweet; the
skin is yellow with quite a bit of red blush. The fruit is firm and the juice is clear. The fruit is
good for brining or fresh consumption. It is moderately crack resistant for a firm cherry.

Self-fertile
They can be used as universal pollen donors for any of the self-unfertile varieties listed
above, as long as their bloom periods overlap.
Vandalay: Large, wine-red colored fruit have a kidney shape and purple juice.
Stella: It resulted from a cross between 'Lambert' and 'John Innes Seeding' and was
introduced in 1968. This is a large, black, heart-shaped cherry that is sweet, and has medium
firm flesh, but is susceptible to cracking. It ripens early and is self-fertile.
Tehranivee: A mid-season cherry developed in Ontario, Canada. Susceptible to fruit cracking.
Sonata: Developed in British Columbia and introduced in 1996. The fruit is very large, black,
and moderately sweet.
Whitegold: An early mid-season, self-fertile, sweet cherry selection, primarily used for
processing. Suitable for brining and processing ‘Royal Ann’ (Napoleon).
Symphony: The fruit is bright red and matures late in the season. The fruit is moderately
sweet and very large. Moderately resistant to rain-cracking.
Blackgold: A late mid-season, self-fertile, sweet cherry selection and primary use is for fresh
eating. This is the latest blooming sweet cherry and has remarkable tolerance to spring frost.
Sunburst: Fruit is large and firm. Trees are productive.
Lapins: It resulted from a cross between 'Van' and 'Stella' and was introduced in 1983. The
fruit is very large, somewhat resistant to cracking, has good flavour, and ripens early. The
tree is very productive.
Skeena: A dark mahogany cherry that is very large. It is superior to ‘Lapins’. Blooms in mid-
season.
Sweetheart: It is a self-fertile cherry resulting from a 'Van' cross. Trees are productive and
fruit is medium to large in size, very firm, and has good flavour. The fruit is dark red and
moderately susceptible to cracking.

Tart Cherries
Montmorency: It originated in the Montmorency Valley of France before the 17th century.
The trees are productive and the fruit are relatively large, bright red, white fleshed, have clear
juice, firm flesh, and are of good quality. This is the standard tart cherry variety and about
90% of the tart cherries grown are 'Montmorency'.
Northstar: It is a cross between 'English Morello' and 'Serbian Pie'. The mahogany red fruit
has red juice, and is medium size. Trees are small, which makes them easy to cover with bird
netting. The trees possess some resistance to leaf spot and brown rot.
Danube: It is a new tart cherry for fresh consumption and ripens a few days earlier than
'Montmorency'. The fruit is dark red, medium to large, and sweeter than most tart cherries.
This variety is being planted widely in Europe.
Balaton: Originated in Hungary, as a local variety. Compared to 'Montmorency' the fruit is
larger, firmer, sweeter and redder and it has a juicy flesh. The pits are slightly larger than
other varieties and may cause problems for processors.

Pollination
Pollination is the transfer of pollen from the male part of a flower (anther) to the
female part of a flower (stigma). The pollen grain germinates and grows down through the
style, which is the stalk below the stigma, into the embryo sac where fertilization occurs to
produce a seed. Self-pollination is the transfer of pollen from anthers of a flower of one
variety to the stigma of a flower of the same variety. Cross-pollination is the transfer of
pollen from a flower of one variety to the stigma of a flower of another variety. A variety
capable of producing viable seeds and setting fruit following self-pollination is self-fertile and
one that is not capable of producing seeds and fruit is self-sterile. When cross-pollination
fails to produce a full crop, the two varieties are inter-sterile or partially inter-sterile and are
considered incompatible. Incompatibility usually results from the presence of substances in
the tissues of the stigma and style that inhibit pollen germination or growth of the pollen
down the style. When cross-pollination produces a full crop, the two varieties are inter-
fertile and the varieties are considered compatible.

All commercial varieties of tart cherry are self-fertile, and there is no need to plant
more than one variety. Pollination requirements for sweet cherries are complicated that most
commercial varieties are self-sterile, and some combinations are incompatible, so it is critical
to select varieties that are compatible. In addition, good pollinating varieties must bloom at
the same time. Eighteen incompatibility groups have been identified. Varieties in the same
group cannot be used to pollinate each other. To ensure effective pollination in commercial
plantings, at least three varieties should be planted. It is easier to manage solid rows of a
single variety than rows containing more than one variety. To ensure adequate pollination,
alternating rows of varieties is ideal. An acceptable planting pattern includes two or three
rows of one variety adjacent to at least one row of a compatible variety.

Cross- Incompatible groups Suitable pollinizers for sweet cherry

Group Cultivar Cultivars Pollinizer
1 Bing, Lambart, Napoleon, Bing Sam, Van, Montmorency,
Emperor Francis, Star Rainer, Stella, Compact
Stella, Garden Bing
2 Windsor, Van, Venus Lambart Sam, Van, Montmorency,
Rainer, Stella, Compact
Stella, Garden Bing
3 Black Tartarian, Black Rainer Sam, Van, Bing, Napoleon,
Eagle, Bedford Prolific, Lambert, Montmorency,
Early River Rainer, Stella, Compact
Stella, Garden Bing
4 Centennial, Napoleon Napoleon Sam, Van, Montmorency,
Rainer, Stella, Compact
Stella, Garden Bing
5 Advance, Rockport Stella, Compact Self fruitful
Stella, Garden Bing,
Vandalay, Black
Gold, White Gold,
Glacier, Tehranivee
6 Elton, Governor Wood, Montmorency(Sour Self fruitful
Starks Gold cherry)
7 Early Purple, Rockport
8 Black Tartarian, Early
River

Rootstocks
Cherries generally not being propagated by seed. However, it is also difficult to propagate
from cuttings. Commercially rootstocks are budded or grafted with desired variety. Sweet
cherries were propagated primarily on seedlings of Mahaleb (Prunus mahaleb) or Mazzard
(Prunus avium), but recently new rootstocks have been introduced, which are described
below.

Mahaleb: Mahaleb is a wild seedlings of Prunus mahaleb L. It is slightly dwarfing (20%

smaller than mazzard). Tolerant to cold and drought, less tolerant of wet soils, trees are more
productive at a young age, but trees are often shorter lived. It resists crown gall, bacterial
canker and some nematodes. It is quite susceptible to collar rot and should not be planted on
poorly drained soils. Some varieties, such as 'Van', are not compatible with mahaleb.

Mazzard: Mazzard is a wild seedlings of Prunus avium L, sweet cherry. It produces a larger
tree, compatible, induces fruiting at a later age, and is more tolerant of wet soils.

Mahaleb x Mazzard (MxM): In an attempt to obtain dwarfing rootstocks that would tolerate a
wide range of soils and diseases, these were selected from a population of mahaleb open-
pollinated seed. The common ones are MxM 2 and MxM 60.

Gisela: The Gisela rootstocks were developed in the early 1960s, at Justus Liebig University
in Giessen, Germany.

Gisela 1: It is a hybrid of Prunus fructicosa 'Klon 64' and Prunus avium. It is a triploid and
produces a tree about 25% the size of Mazzard, and induces early and heavy production. It
can be used for both sweet and tart cherry. It is sensitive to pollen-born viruses like Prunus
necrotic ringspot virus and prune dwarf virus.
Gisela 5: It is a hybrid of Prunus cerasus 'Shattenmorelle' and Prunus canescens. It is a
triploid, produces a tree about 45% the size of Mazzard, and can be used for both tart and
sweet cherry. Gisela 5 induces early and heavy production. It is tolerant of cherry viruses, and
heavy soils.

Gisela 7: It is a hybrid of Prunus cerasus 'Shattenmorelle' and Prunus canescens . It produces

a tree about 50% the size of Mazzard, and can be used for both tart and sweet cherry. It
induces very early bearing, heavy productionand good lateral branching. Gisela 7 is sensitive
to Prunus necrotic ring spot virus as Mazzard or Mahaleb.

Gisela 6: It is a hybrid of Prunus cerasus 'Shattenmorelle' and Prunus canescens and can be
used for both tart and sweet cherry. It is a triploid and produces a tree about 60% to 95% the
size of Mazzard, depending on the scion variety. It has good resistance to cherry viruses, does
not require support, and is propagated from greenwood cuttings.

Dwarfing rootstocks: CAB 6 P, CAB 11E, W-10, W-11, W-13, M X M-14, M X 39, M X
M-46, M X M-27 Colt.
Cold hardy rootstocks: CAB 6P, CAB 11E, W-10, @-11, W-13.
Resistant to crown and root rot: Colt, M x M-2, M x M 39, M x M-97, W-10, W-11 & W-13.
Resistant to crown gall: F 12/1
Resistant to canker/gummosis: F 12/1, Charger, M x M-14, 39, 97 and 60

Orchard establishment
Several months before planting, the soil should be tested to determine soil pH. Apply lime
and fertilizer as recommended from the soil test results. Sweet cherry trees on vigorous
rootstocks should be planted 4 to 5 m within the row and 6 to 7 m between rows. Sweet
cherry trees on dwarfing rootstock can be planted 3 to 4 m within the row and 5 to 6 m
between rows. Trees can be set by digging holes with 12-inch augers or spade. Dig a hole 18
inches deep and 18 inches wide. Place the root system in the hole, partially fill the hole and
tamp the soil to insure root-to-soil contact so roots will not become dry. Pull the tree up, if
necessary, to place the graft union about 3 inches above the soil line and fill the hole and
tamp the soil. Water the tree with at least 5 litres per tree to eliminate any air pockets in the
soil. Place a cylinder of hardware cloth, about 12 inches high, loosely around the base of the
trunk to prevent rabbits from feeding on the tree trunk. Water the tree every 14 days unless at
least 1 inch of rain fell since the last watering. Use herbicides or cultivation to eliminate
weeds and grass within 2 feet of the trunk. Organic mulches conserve moisture and eliminate
weeds, but as the material decomposes nitrogen is released. High levels of nitrogen are not
desirable during the late summer because they may delay the development of cold hardiness.
Mulches also provide excellent habitat for rodents that feed on tree roots and bark. For the
above reasons, organic mulches are not recommended for fruit trees.

Nutrient management
If the soil fertility was properly amended before planting, nitrogen is usually the only nutrient
that needs to be applied on an annual basis. Fertilize the trees twice (2 weeks after planting
and 6 weeks after planting) with a nitrogen fertilizer (ammonium nitrate, urea, or calcium
nitrate) or a complete fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, 5-10-10, or some other formulation, at the
rate of 25 g of actual nitrogen per tree per application. The amount of fertilizer per tree varies
depending on the formulation: 225 g of 10-10-10, 450 g of 5-10-10, or 150 g of calcium
nitrate. To avoid root injury, place fertilizer in a band 6 to 8 inches from the trunk around the
tree. Organic forms of fertilizer (manure, blood meal, and bone meal) are not recommended
because the nutritional analysis is usually unavailable and because nutrients may be released
continuously all season. Trees require high levels of nitrogen early in the season and low
levels are desirable during the late summer. Many elements are not readily available, even
when present in adequate amounts, when the soil pH is above 7.0 or below 5.5. The soil
around the tree should be tested every 3 or 4 years to determine the need for lime application
to maintain soil pH in the appropriate range. Occasionally potassium or manganese
deficiency may occur, but before these elements are applied the deficiency should be verified
with leaf analysis.

Nitrogen is usually the only nutrient that is needed on an annual basis. Shoot growth can be
used as a visual guide for application of nitrogen. Shoots on young non-bearing trees should
grow about 18 to 30 inches per year, trees starting to fruit should produce shoots 6 to 12
inches long, and mature bearing trees should produce shoots about 4 to 8 inches long.
Applying more nitrogen can encourage shoot growth and applying less nitrogen can
discourage it. Fertilizer recommendations are difficult to make because amounts should be
varied depending on soil type: light sandy soils require greater amounts than soils with high
organic matter. The general rule of thumb is to apply 25 g to 45 g of actual nitrogen per tree
per year of tree age until trees are about 8 years old. Thus, a five year-old tree should receive
about 125 g of actual nitrogen: this is equivalent to 1.2 kg of 10-10-10, 2.27 kg of 5-10-10,
775 g of calcium nitrate, 340 g of ammonium nitrate, or 225 g of urea. Mature trees should
receive about 275 g to 450 g of actual nitrogen each year. Apply fertilizer about a month
before bloom in a broad band around the tree, extending from about a foot from the trunk to
the drip line of the tree.

Weed management
Weeds compete with trees for water and nutrients and cherry trees do not compete well with
weeds and grass. The amount of growth a tree makes is positively related to the size of the
weed-free area around the tree. Use herbicides or cultivation to maintain a weed-free zone for
3 to 4 feet on all sides of the tree. Organic mulches, such as wood chips or straw, can be used,
but the mulch should be removed by November to discourage wildlife from living around the
tree.

Water management
Cherry trees can be grown with less water than most other deciduous tree fruits and many
cherry orchards are not irrigated in north western Himalaya. Young trees grow better and
mature trees are more productive with supplemental irrigation, especially during drought or
where soils have poor water-holding capacity.

Growth habit and tree physiology

Sweet cherry trees are taller, more upright growing, and branch less than tart cherry trees.
Flower buds do not contain vegetative parts and produce only flowers. After flowering and
fruiting, these flower buds die. Flower buds are located at the base of one-year-old shoots and
on spurs on older wood. Spurs are short shoots less than 4 inches long. The spurs may bear
from zero to several buds and each flower bud may contain one to several flowers. For a spur
to flower more than one year there must be new growth each year for the development of
flower buds. On one-year shoots all but the basal buds are vegetative and these may develop
into spurs. As branches age, they become less vigorous and the numbers of spurs decrease
and the spurs usually produce fewer flower buds. Buds just below the terminal bud on non-
pruned branches will develop into side shoots. The number, the angle of growth, and the
vigour of the lateral branches depend on the variety.

Training and Pruning

Sweet cherry trees are pruned to maintain tree size and shape, to allow good light distribution
throughout the canopy, and to balance vegetative growth with reproductive growth. Most of
the fruit are produced on spurs. Spurs are short shoots that usually grow less than an inch in a
given year. They arise from the lateral leaf buds, usually on shoots that are one year old.
Spurs always have a terminal bud and several flower buds that are borne laterally, often in
clusters, on the portion of the spur that grew the previous year. The terminal bud produces a
leafy shoot, so the spur elongates in a nearly straight line for several years. Spurs remain
productive for 10 to 12 years, but the largest and highest quality cherries are produced at the
base of the previous season's growth and on 1- to 3-year-old spurs. Therefore, it is important
to grow many new 10- to 12-inch-long shoots throughout the tree while limiting the number
of old spurs.

There are many training systems for sweet cherry trees. The two systems i.e. central leader
and the open vase forms are ideal for higher yield and quality fruit. The central leader form is
ideal for trees on dwarf rootstocks and the open vase form is suitable for trees on vigorous
rootstocks. Sweet cherry trees are large and vigorous and can attain a height of 30 feet.
Without some type of manipulation, they produce long shoots with few lateral branches. Such
branches are not very fruitful and they are difficult to maintain. Properly pruned trees
produce more branches that are closer together, but heavy pruning of young trees also will
delay fruiting. Trees on vigorous rootstocks and pruned with traditional methods rarely
produce a crop before the fifth or sixth year. Dwarfing rootstocks make it much easier to
control vigor and the trees produce fruit in the third year.

Central Leader System

Central leader training of sweet cherry is fairly new and several methods are being developed
in Europe for trees on dwarfing rootstocks. Presented below is a method developed from
ideas suggested by cherry researchers in Michigan and Washington.

At planting: At planting remove all branches above 24 inches from ground and keep three
branches arising from the leader with wide crotches. Head back all the branches about 50% to
a height of about 30 inches above ground.

First summer: When newly developing limbs are 3 to 5 inches long, attach clothespins to the
trunk above limbs with narrow crotches to push the limb outward and widen the crotch (90
degrees). Later in the summer if some potential scaffolds are growing too upright, they can be
tied down, but they should be kept above the horizontal. Vigorous shoots should be headed
by 25%.

First winter: Remove completely all limbs lower than 24 inches above ground. Retain 4 to 6
scaffold branches with wide crotches (90 degree). With a horizontal cut that leaves the bud at
the base of the limb, remove upright limbs with narrow crotches. This type of cut will usually
stimulate a branch to form, with a wide crotch, from the bud. Limbs above the desired
scaffolds that have wide crotches should remain, but if too upright or dominant, they can be
tied or weighted down, or cut back to 8- to 10- inch stubs. Sweet cherry trees tend to produce
shoots from two to four buds directly below the terminal bud and these developing shoots
inhibit development of shoots from lower buds. If trees are allowed to grow naturally, there is
a central leader with a whirl of branches with narrow crotches at the tip of each year¹s growth
and blind wood (sections of the leader with no branches) between the whirls of branches.
Most of the branches with narrow crotches should be removed. Such trees are not very
productive during the early years due to inadequate numbers of desirable branches.

At 1/2 inch bud growth: When the vegetative buds are about 1/2 inch long, leader
manipulation is required to slow the vertical growth of the tree and to induce better
branching. If the leader grew more than 20 inches, it should be headed to remove 1/3 of last
year's growth. De-bud the leader by removing the buds for 3 to 4 inches below the terminal
bud. This includes removing buds on either side of the terminal bud if the terminal was not
headed. If last year's terminal growth was less than about 30 inches, also remove every other
bud. If last year's terminal growth was greater than 30 inches, remove two out of three buds.
Remove shoots that grew on last year's terminal growth.

Second and Third Winters: If necessary, head the leader to 30 inches of new growth.
Debudding leaders in the third year may be desirable, but usually no debudding is needed
thereafter. Remove very upright limbs with horizontal cuts. Begin removing or shortening
back limbs that are too dominant. Minimize pruning of vigorous trees to encourage early
fruiting, but less vigorous trees or trees on dwarfing rootstocks may require heavier pruning
to balance cropping and vegetative growth.

Scaffold branch management during the third and fourth years depends on the vigour of the
trees. When trees are growing vigorously, the scaffold branches should not be headed to
encourage fruiting. When tree vigour is low, especially on dwarfing rootstocks, the trees may
over crop and stop growing before they have grown large enough to produce large crops. To
prevent over cropping of young trees, head the scaffolds during the first, second, and third
winters. Head to an upright bud, and the next winter the shoot developing from the upright
bud is removed by heading to an outward growing shoot. This type of heading will reduce the
fruiting potential by reducing the number of future spurs.

Fifth winter and thereafter: Prune to maintain adequate vigour and light throughout the tree.
Because of the high productivity of dwarf rootstocks, pruning may need to be more severe to
attain adequate growth to achieve large fruit size. The extent of this pruning is determined by
the tree vigour, the fruiting potential of the variety, and the desired fruit size.

Open Vase Training System

At planting: All branches on newly planted trees are usually removed because they are at the
wrong height or because they have narrow crotches. If there are no branches on the tree, head
the leader 30 inches above ground. If there are at least two desirable branches (branches with
wide crotches and located 24 to 30 inches above the ground), then retain those branches and
remove all branches arising less than 24 inches above ground and all branches with narrow
crotches; head the leader by 1/3. The branches should be cut back only if necessary to reduce
the longest ones to about the same length as the shortest.

First summer: When shoots are 3 to 5 inches long, spread them with clothespins to develop
wide crotch angles.

First winter: Remove all branches less than 24 inches above ground and all branches with
narrow crotches. Retain 3 or 4 scaffold branches with wide crotches that arise on different
sides of the tree. Ideally, the branches should be arranged around the leader about 90 degrees
from one another. The branches should also be spaced 6 to 10 inches apart, vertically along
the leader. Branches selected in this manner will be stronger and more resistant to winter
injury and canker than poorly formed branches. Sometimes, especially when the tree does not
grow vigorously, it may require another season to develop the desired number of scaffold
branches. Remove the two buds just below the terminal bud.

Second winter: Remove all branches with narrow crotches or that arise less than 24 inches
above ground. If necessary, select the remaining permanent branches. There should be no
more than 4 primary scaffold branches. Secondary branches will develop from the buds just
below the previous season¹s terminal bud. Remove any secondary branches with narrow
crotches arising along the primary scaffold branch.

Third winter and beyond: After selecting the scaffold branches, little additional pruning is
needed. Too much pruning will reduce fruiting. When the tree becomes too tall, shorten the
branches by cutting the most upright branches to outward-growing limbs.

High density orcharding

Sweet cherries are the choicest fruit among stone fruits. It has been successfully growing in
selected pockets of Kashmir valley. Bing and Summit grafted on Gisela-6 rootstock planted
at closer spacing found very productive. New Cherry clones selected by CITH, Srinagar also
showed promising results under high density. Trees trained with vertical as well as open
centre canopies are have positive effect on yield and fruit quality (Table 3).

Table 3. Summary of high density orcharding systems in sweet cherry assessed at various
places in India and abroad
Variety Rootstock Training Spacing Density Yield (t/ha) Reference (Country)
system (m) (Rees/ha)
Bing Gisela-6 Palmette 2.6 x 4.9 864 27.1 (9 yr old) Whiting et al. 2005 (USA)
Bing Gisela-6 Central leader 2.6 x 4.9 864 25.8 (9 yr old) Whiting et al. 2005 (USA)
Bing Gisela-6 Y-trellis 2.6 x 4.9 864 23.9 (9 yr old) Whiting et al. 2005 (USA)
Van Damil Y-trellis 0.5 x 4.0 5000 14.5 Meland, 1998 (Norway)
Summit Tabel V-shape 0.7 x 3.8 3759 19.3 (6th year) Radunic et al. 2011 (Croatia)
Edabriz
CITH Cherry-1 Colt Modified 2.5 x 2.5 1600 7.93 (8th year) CITH Annual Report 2010
centre (India)
Bigarreau Noir Colt Modified 2.5 x 2.5 1600 5.2 (8th year) CITH Annual Report 2010
Grossa centre (India)
CITH -05 Colt Modified 2.5 x 2.5 1600 8.3 (8th year) CITH Annual Report 2010
centre (India)
CITH-05 Colt Modified 3.0 x 3.0 1111 8.3 (8th year) CITH Annual Report 2010
centre (India)
CITH-01 Colt Modified 3.0 x 3.0 1111 8.3 (8th year) CITH Annual Report 2010
centre (India)
CITH-02 Colt Modified 3.0 x 3.0 1111 8.3 (8th year) CITH Annual Report 2010
centre (India)

Management of winter injury

Cherry trees are susceptible to low temperature injury. Winter temperatures are rare to kill
trees or young shoots. However, warm sunny days followed by rapid cooling in the evening
can injure bark on the trunk and lower sections of branches. During the winter the angle of
the sun is low, and the temperature of bark on trunks and branches may be well above the air
temperature because there is no foliage to provide shade. On clear winter nights, especially
when there is snow on the ground, air temperatures may drop very fast and cause bark injury,
especially on the southwest side of the trunk, on the upper surfaces of relatively flat branches,
or in narrow branch crotches. This type of injury is commonly referred to as "southwest
injury" and sometimes causes bark splitting. If bark splitting is discovered within a day or
two of occurring, before the bark dries out, tack down the bark against the tree with roofing
nails to repair the damage. Paint the damaged surfaces with an asphalt-based tree coating
material to prevent drying and improve healing of the bark. Often low temperature injury is
not apparent for several months when the dead bark appears as a sunken area, and there is
nothing that can be done to improve healing. These areas of dead bark become entry sites for
borers and disease infection. Southwest injury can be minimized by painting trunks,
especially on the southwest side, with white latex paint during the early fall. The white paint
reflects the sun's heat away from the bark and minimizes the rapid temperature fluctuations
that cause injury. After leaf fall during the first, third, and fifth years after planting, paint the
trunk from the ground to the lower branches, the lower branch crotches, and the lower
sections of scaffold branches with a solution of half white latex paint and half water. Never
use oil base paint because the oil will injure the bark. Paint can be applied with brushes or
with a sprayer. A fairly efficient method of applying paint involves inserting a latex or rubber
glove inside a cotton glove. Dip the gloved hand in the paint and rub your hand over the trunk
and branches. Older trees are less susceptible to southwest injury, possibly because the bark
is thick enough to resist injury.

Insect and Disease Pests of Cherries

There are many insect and disease pests of cherry trees.

Bacterial canker: It is caused by the bacteria Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae and
Pseudomonas syringae pv. morsprunorum. It enters from natural openings (stomata, flowers,
and lenticels), wounds, pruning cuts, or winter injury sites and causes canker. Cankers
typically ooze amber-colored gum and often become entry sites for borers. Bacterial canker is
very difficult to control. Apply 1 to 2 applications of Bordeaux mixture before bud break.
Apply an antibiotic, such as streptomycin, just before debudding or pruning in the spring and
summer.

Crown Gall: It is caused by bacteria Agrobacterium tumefaciens, causes crown gall. The
bacterium is common and persists in most agricultural soils. An abnormal vegetative growth,
or round gall (1/4 inches to more than a foot in diameter), appears on the roots or trunk of the
tree, generally below the soil surface. Use clean rootstocks, avoid wounding the tree trunk or
major roots at or below the soil surface.

Brown Rot: It is one of the most common diseases of cherries, caused by fungi Monilinia
laxa and Monilinia fructicola. Wind and water splash spread this disease. Blossoms suddenly
wither and turn brown. Dark spots expand rapidly into a relatively firm rot of entire fruit.
Tufts of gray to buff-colour spores may cover surface of collapsed fruit. Fruits mummify and
may remain on tree.

Cherry Leaf Curl (Witches'-Broom): It is caused by Taphrina cerasi, a fungus, which is

spread by wind or water splash. Tufts of non-fruit-bearing branches develop, known as
witches'-broom. Leaves on affected branches are thickened, puckered, distorted, and will
appear off-colour. Prune out witches'-broom 12 inches below the last visible symptom.
Cherry Leaf Spot: It is caused by Coccomyces hiemalis, a fungus, causes this disease. Spores
are spread by wind or water splash. Shothole symptoms resulting from this disease.Numerous
small purple spots develop on upper leaf surface. Tissue in the center of the spot dies and
sometimes falls out, leaving a shothole appearance. Spray fungicide to protect new foliage at
petal fall, shuck,
and two weeks after shuck in wet areas.

Shot Hole (Coryneum Blight): It is acused by a fungus, Wilsonomyces carpophilus, spreads

by wind, rain, and water from sprinklers to cause this disease. Small areas of damage
(lesions) on leaves are round or oval, and tan to purple in color. These spots often fall from
the leaf, leaving a shothole appearance.
Prune and destroy dead buds and cankered twigs if present.

Phytophthora Crown and Root Rot: It is caused by several Phytophthora species. The fungi
are spread by irrigation water, on implements, and on nursery stock. Initial symptoms of
crown rot resemble those of mechanical girdling (also rodent damage, winter injury). Infected
trees exhibit no terminal growth; leaves may be small and yellowed. These trees frequently
blossom profusely. Death may occur during the year of initial infection or several years later.
Smaller trees die more quickly. Usually confined to the rootstock, infected tissue also may be
found on the main trunk. Production of a gummy substance often is associated with the
disease when it appears on the trunk, making it difficult to distinguish the disease from
bacterial canker. If the outer bark is removed, damaged areas marked with tan to black zones
or bands may be seen. These areas often expand vertically faster than laterally. Mahaleb is
highly susceptible, and should be avoided.

Leucostoma (Cytospora) Canker: It is spread by wind and rain the fungus Leucostoma
cinctum, which causes this disease. Depressed areas on the bark of main leaders and branches
indicate Cytospora canker. Canker margins on bark and discoloured wood are sharp and
distinct. Cankers often are perennial;
young cankers usually produce gum at the margin. The black, pimplelike fruiting structures
found in Cytospora cankers of other crops seldom appear on cherry cankers. No chemical
control is available. Keep trees in good vigor. Cut out cankered wood well below visibly
discolored areas of bark.

Cherry Decline (Cherry Leaf Roll Virus): This is caused by cherry leaf roll virus (CLRV),
alone or in combination with Prunus necrotic ring spot virus (PNRSV) or Prune dwarf virus
(PDV). These viruses are spread by infected budwood, and root grafting. These viruses are
also pollen-borne and may be transmitted by
pollen. CLRV alone causes delayed bloom and excessive leaf senescence 2 to 3 weeks pre-
harvest. In the early stages, infected trees set abundant fruit but it is small and ripens late (3 to
14 day delay in years with cool springs) relative to uninfected trees. When CLRV occurs in
combination with either (PNRSV) or (PDV), trees decline rapidly. Remove affected trees.

Little Cherry: This is caused by either of two Little Cherry viruses. One of them can be
transmitted by apple mealy bug. Both are spread by budding and grafting. Fruit on the same
branch vary widely in maturity. At harvest, fruit are somewhat pointed or angular, small and
medium red to pinkish red, and bitter in taste. Use virus free planting stock.

Prune Dwarf Virus: Prune dwarf virus is spread by budding, grafting, seeds, and pollen.
Infected trees show yellow rings, mottling or shotholes on leaves, or may show no symptoms
at all. Many strains induce the formation of blindwood. Establish orchards with virus free
trees isolated from older orchards. Rogue out and replant sour cherry trees in orchards 1 to 5
years old.

Deep Suture: This disease is a genetic abnormality. Pronounced depressions along fruit
suture. Fruit apex is usually rounded. Leaves are often narrow, longer than normal, and
appear pebbly on upper surface. Use bud wood from healthy trees. Remove affected young
trees or graft them over with healthy scions.

Fasciation: Cause of fasciation is not known, which appears to be a noncontagious growth

irregularity. Sub-lethal exposure to some herbicides and some bacteria are associated with
this disorder.
Stem tissue joins side by side to form a flattened layer rather than a normal stem. The stem
layer may curl and branch to form curious shapes. Normal growth may occur the following
year, or fasciation may continue. Prune out affected stems.

Fruit Doubling (Twinning): High summer temperatures during flower bud differentiation
cause this physiological abnormality the following year. Double pistils form in the flower,
resulting in two attached fruits, or an attached fruit and smaller spur. Bing, Royal Ann, Early
Burlat, and Van all have a high doubling potential. Select cultivars that do not have a high
fruit doubling potential for warm locations.

Gummosis: Narrow-angle crotches or wounds from pruning, disease or insects cause

formation of gum. Clear-to-amber gum exudes from bark during the dormant season-
November to March. Heavy flow may drip onto the ground. The clear gum is seldom
associated with a disease problem. When a disease is responsible for gum formation, dead
tissue (sunken canker, brown cambium, dead twigs, etc.) is usually present.

Aphids: The aphids are small soft-bodied insects about 3mm in length and may or may not
have wings. Affected leaves become stunted, twisted and curled. The Honeydew secreted by
the aphid’s drips on the leaves, fruits and surrounding ground. A black fungus begins to grow
on the honeydew where it has fallen. Treatment includes spraying with an insecticide to kill
the aphids.

Borers: Small holes may appear in the trunk from which a gummy sap oozes. Since borers
usually attack weakened or stressed trees, it is important to maintain their health with enough
water and proper fertilizer. The tunnels created by the borers interfere with the flow of water
and nutrients within the tree.

San Jose Scales: Symptoms may include leaves that are pale green or yellow and drop or they
may turn brown and stay on the tree into the winter months. The fruit may be covered with
specks. Small, hard, gray raised bumps encrust the bark. If left uncontrolled large branches
may be killed after two or three seasons. To treat, spray the trunk and branches with
horticultural oil during the dormant season in early spring.

Literature consulted
1. Anonymous. 1992. Package of practices for Horticultural Crops. Directorate of
Extension Education, Dr Y.S.P.U.H.F, Nauni, Solan, India.
2. Anonymous. 2003. Package of practices for fruits crops. Directorate of Extension
Education, Dr YSPUHF, Soaln, H.P.
 3. Awasthi, R.P. and Mehta, K. 1993. Training and pruning of temperate fruits. In:
Advances in Horticulture Vol. 2-Fruit crops: Part 2.(Eds. Chadha, K.L and Pareek,
O.P). Malhotra Pub. House, New Delhi. pp. 719-724.
4. Chadha, K. L. and Choudhary, M. L. 2007. Report of the Working group on
Horticulture, Plantation crops and organic farming for the XI five year plan (2007-12).
Government of India, Planning Commision, January 2007. Pp. 484.
5. FAO. 2013. FAO Production Statistics. http://faostat.fao.org
6. National Horticulture Board, 2007. Indian Horticulture Database.-2006. Ministry of
Agriculture, Government of India.
7. Tripathi, S.N. 1996. Maturity indices for fruits and vegetables. In: Post harvest
management of temperate horticultural crops(Eds. Baranwal, V.S. and Pathania, M.S.).
Directorate of Extension Education, Dr Y.S.P.U.H.F, Nauni, Solan, India. Pp: 12-16.
8. Verma, M. K., Awasthi, O.P. and Giri, R.K. 2013. Prospects of Temperate Fruit
Production in subtropical climate. In: Precision Farming in Horticulture (Eds. J. Singh,
Jain, S.K., Dashora, L.K. and Chundawat, B.S.). New Indian Publishing Agency, New
Delhi, India.
9. Verma, M. K. and Awasthi, O.P. 2013. Prospects of new varieties under high density
for temperate fruits and nut production. In: Horticulture for Economic Prosperity and
Nutritional Security in 21st Century (Eds. Hazarika and Nautiyal). Westville Publishing
House, New Delhi.
10. Verma, M. K., Ahmed, N., Singh, A.K. and Awasthi, O.P. 2010. Temperate tree fruits
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