[Covallis, Or.] : Oregon State University Extension Service
Abstract
Tree vigor is important because more leaves mean more carbohydrate production and larger cherries. The production of high-quality cherries requires a gross canopy leaf area-to-fruit ratio of at least 200 cm2 of leaf area per fruit, which roughly translates to five leaves per fruit. Trees with a lower LA:F ratio are unable to manufacture enough carbohydrates to produce premium cherries. Pruning strategies for trees on productive rootstocks should focus on the following:
• Thinning cuts to remove pendant (downward hanging) and weak wood and to improve light
penetration into the tree
• Stub cuts to reduce crop load and renew spurs
• Heading cuts to encourage branching (leaf production) and reduce crop loadPublished January 2007. Reviewed August 2016. Please check for up-to-date information in the OSU Extension Catalog: http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalo