陇东地区矮化密植苹果品种新梢与枝径生长的策略分化特征OA

This study aimed to compare the dynamic differences in shoot elongation and branch diameter growth among three apple varieties—"Envy","Ruixue",and"Qincui"—under dwarf dense-planting conditions in the Longdong region,so as to provide a theoretical basis for variety selection and refined tree management in this area.Three-year-old dwarf apple trees planted at a spacing of 3 m×1 m were used as experimental materials.Under uniform water and fertilizer management,shoot length and branch diameter were measured at regular intervals throughout the 2025 growing season(from April 18 to November 14).A combination of quantitative statistical analysis and qualitative inductive reasoning was employed to systematically examine the growth rhythms and varietal differences.The shoot growth of all three varieties followed a"slow-fast-stable"S-shaped growth curve."Qincui"exhibited the highest total shoot growth(98 cm),followed by"Ruixue"(91 cm),and"Envy"the lowest(73 cm),with extremely significant differences among varieties.Based on curve morphology,"Qincui"and"Ruixue"could be classified as"sustained-growth type",while"Envy"belonged to the"early-stopping type".Regarding branch diameter,"Ruixue"achieved the largest final diameter(23.30 mm),significantly exceeding that of"Qincui"(22.44 mm)and"Envy"(21.49 mm)."Ruixue"exhibited sustained thickening throughout the year and was thus categorized as the"continuous-thickening type"."Qincui"demonstrated the strongest shoot elongation potential;"Ruixue"exhibited significant advantages in branch thickening;and"Envy"showed moderate growth with a compact tree structure.Considering the ecological characteristics and production demands of the Longdong region,it is recommended that"Qincui"be prioritized in orchards with adequate irrigation and a focus on early yield;"Ruixue"be recommended for orchards emphasizing branch mechanical strength and stress resistance;and"Envy"be adopted for high-density planting or labor-saving management systems.