Retracted: Canopy management improves better orchard light penetration, optimum tree growth, and fruit quality of apple ( Malus domestica Borkh.) trees grown in mild winter tropical condition

• Published in: European journal of horticultural science Vol. 90; no. 1
• Main Author: Woldegebriel, Abayneh Melke
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: CABI 31.03.2025
• Subjects: canopy light interception; fruit quality; Malus domestica; pruning severity; tree growth; water use efficiency
• ISSN: 1611-4426; 1611-4434; 1611-4434
• DOI: 10.1079/ejhs.2025.0004

This paper has been retracted. VIEW RETRACTION Management of tree canopy involves optimizing tree framework for early flowering in late winter, improved fruit quality, and rehabilitation of mature trees. This study evaluates the effects of pruning severity on light penetration, tree growth, and fruit quality in mature Anna ( Malus domestica Borkh.)/MM-106 apple trees grown under mild winter tropical conditions. Pruning treatments at four severity levels (un-pruned control, light, moderate, and severe pruning) were applied to 15-year-old trees over two growing seasons (2017 and 2018). Changes in leaf area, light interception, leaf and canopy net carbon exchange rate (NCER), and transpiration were recorded. Results show that pruning reduced leaf area and canopy photosynthetic activity but improved water use efficiency by enhancing water retention through reduced transpiration and NCER. Pruning affected fruit size and fresh weight but had no significant effect on fruit colour, soluble solids content, starch, or firmness. The study suggests that moderate pruning enhances light penetration and tree architecture, which may contribute to better physiological crop load and fruit quality under mild tropical conditions.