Table 2. Effects in 1991 of top scoring on the terminal growth 

 near the top of mature Cortland/M.7 trees. Trees were scored 

 approximately four feet from the top of the two-year-old 

 portion of the central leader on May 13, 1991. Terminal 

 growth ranged from three to four inches at the time of scoring.* 



Means within columns not followed by the same letter are 

 significantly different at odds of 19:1. 



we conducted two top-scoring studies in 1991. 

 The first was conducted at Rice Fruit Farm in 

 Wilbraham, MA and utilized mature Cortland/ 

 M.7 trees. These trees previously had been 

 pruned vigorously at the top on an annual basis. 

 Six pairs of trees were chosen, and one tree in 

 each pair was scored approximately four feet 

 down from the top of the two-year-old wood of 

 the central leader on May 13. Terminal growth 

 ranged from three to four inches. 



Table 2 shows the effect on the terminal 

 growth above the score. Scoring resulted in 

 significantly reduced terminal weight, length, 

 and diameter, but it also significantly reduced 

 the number shoots arising in the top of the tree 

 (compare Figures 3a and 3b). 



The second study was conducted at Tougas 

 Farms in Northborough, MA, using Pioneer 

 Mac/Mark in their third leaf. One tree in each of 

 six blocks was scored just below the top tier of 

 branches (approximately five feet above 



ground). No data are presented, but this treat- 

 ment resulted in a desirable reduction in growth 

 in the top of the tree , along wi th the development 

 of flower buds in that region. 



Scoring in the top of the tree is a simple, but 

 very effective way to break the grow-and-cut 

 cycle started by excessive pruning. It could be 

 used very effectively after a dormant season 

 when the height of a tree was dramatically 

 reduced or as a regular treatment to keep the top 

 in control. We believe that it will be a very 

 important technique for control of the leader in 

 high-density, slender-spindle trees. Research 

 begun in 1 992 is assessing dormant-season scor- 

 ing and ringing as a potential technique for top 

 control that could be completed when the trees 

 are pruned. 



Acknowledgements 



We are grateful for the participation and 

 support of Wayne Rice and Maurice Tougas. 



Fruit Notes, Summer, 1992 



