Abstract:

Trees trained in weeping willow shape of ‘Fuji’ Apple were used for observing the effects of light distribution on the fruit layer and fruit quality. The method of division in canopy was used to study the distribution of relative light intensity, and shoots and leaves, and fruit quality in different layers and positions of canopy. The results showed that the distribution of relative light intensity in the canopy gradually descended from upper to lower layer, from outer to inner layer. But the differences in horizontal direction were not as obvious as in vertical direction. More 80% and less 30% of the relative light intensity was only 20.56%, which was lower than in other shapes. The chlorophyll content, net photosynthesis, specific leaf weight of leaves, fruit quality and fruit coloration were positively correlated to relative light intensity. Mean fruit mass, water content, soluble solids, soluble sugar, solids-acid ratio, sugar-acid ratio, firmness and titratable acidity in different canopy layers had reached to 81.31%、2.25%、13.79%、36.69%、174.12%、230.04%、22.49% and 140.68%. They were all positively correlated to relative light intensity. The content of soluble solids and soluble sugar were up to 15.61% and 24.18% in weeping willow shape.