Effects of pruning cherry trees (Prunus avium L.) on fruit yield and quality

The study analyzes the impact of different types of pruning on the yield and quality characteristics of cherry fruits, including size, weight, soluble matter, and firmness. The research was carried out on four cherry varieties: 'Record' and 'Valery Chkalov', grafted on Mahaleb rootstock and planted in 2003, at a distance of 6x5 m, and 'Skeena' and 'Stella', grafted on MaxMa 14, planted in 2012, at a distance of 5x3 m. Gradual rejuvenation pruning of 3-5-year-old semi-skeletal branches led to yield increases of 6.7% and 8.9% for 'Valery Chkalov' and 'Record', respectively, compared to crown maintenance and fruiting pruning performed during both dormant and growing seasons. In Skeena and Stella, early autumn pruning had a positive effect by stimulating the production of fruits with a diameter over 26 mm (up to 70%), without reducing total yield. Pruning during the growing season proved to be a practical method for improving fruit quality and size. The values for soluble dry matter content, titratable acidity and fruit firmness remained relatively stable and showed no significant differences between the various pruning treatments.