At the University of Craiova (Romania), the effect of growth regulators on improving the branching of nursery-grown trees was evaluated. The study was conducted on three sweet cherry cultivars—Sunburst, Kordia, and Regina—and grafting was carried out using the “knip” system.
The rootstock used was Prunus mahaleb, which is widely employed in sweet cherry cultivation because of its adaptability and moderate vigor. The main objective of the research was to test different plant growth regulators in order to identify the best combination for increasing the number and quality of lateral branches.
Good branching of nursery trees is an important trait for obtaining well-formed young trees that are ready for production within the first years after planting. It allows for a more balanced canopy development, better light distribution, and earlier fruit production.
To stimulate the formation of lateral branches, two hormonal treatments were used: the cytokinin 6-BA and a mixture of 6-BA with gibberellin GA4+7. These growth regulators are known for their ability to promote cell division and the growth of lateral buds.
Treatments were applied three times during June to the nursery trees. Four different concentrations were tested: untreated control, 500 mg/L, 1,000 mg/L, and 1,500 mg/L. Each plant received 5 mL of solution per treatment.
At the end of the growing season, several parameters were measured: trunk diameter, expressed as trunk cross-sectional area (TCSA), tree height, total number of lateral branches, their total length, and the number of branches longer than 30 cm.
The results showed interesting differences among the cultivars. In Kordia and Regina, growth regulator treatments did not significantly affect trunk diameter, tree height, or average lateral branch length. However, some of the higher concentrations markedly improved branching.
In particular, treatment with 6-BA at 1,500 mg/L and with 6-BA + GA4+7 at 1,000 and 1,500 mg/L significantly increased the total number of branches, their total length, and the number of branches longer than 30 cm compared with untreated plants.
The Sunburst cultivar showed an even stronger response to the treatments. All growth regulator applications increased the total number of lateral branches and the number of branches longer than 30 cm compared with the control.
The best results were obtained with 6-BA at concentrations of 1,000 and 1,500 mg/L. These treatments also significantly increased the total branch length.
The study therefore demonstrates that the use of growth regulators can improve the quality of nursery-produced sweet cherry trees, especially by increasing lateral branching. However, treatment effectiveness depends on the cultivar and the concentration used.
In general, the higher doses of 6-BA proved to be the most effective for obtaining better-branched trees.
Source: https://intam.institut-tamis.rs/handle/123456789/415
Image source: Stefano Lugli
Melissa Venturi
Ph.D. in Agricultural, Environmental, and Food Sciences and Technologies – Fruit Tree Physiology and Cultivation - Bologna, Italy
28 Sep 2023
On Thursday, 14 September, growers of different cherry varieties were invited by ANA Chile® to the 4th EXPOCerezo 2023, where participants were able to learn about the advances in the technical knowledge of varieties to obtain the best fruit potential and share their experiences.
20 Mar 2025
Little Cherry Disease threatens cherry orchards, causing small, unsaleable fruit. Learn how to recognise it, remove diseased trees and control vectors to protect the crop and keep production healthy and profitable. Practical strategies and up-to-date advice.
29 May 2026
From Carlo Petrini to the Slow Food Presidia, the future of cherry growing depends on biodiversity. Vignola Moretta Cherry shows an agricultural model that resists global standardization, linking Europe, Turkey and resilient local territories against intensive monocultures.
29 May 2026
Rivoira Group launches Skylar Rae, a premium bicolor cherry without stems, bringing the CherryBerry concept to Italy and Europe. Designed as a crunchy, ready-to-eat natural snack, it debuts commercially in June 2026 across Italy, Germany and selected overseas markets as well.
