Growth in horizontal apple shoots: Effects of stem orientation and bud position

In horizontal apple stems extension shoots were usually produced only from buds on the upper side of the stem, while buds on the lower side remained dormant or grew into spurs, and the same tendency was shown in inclined stems bent so that the “upper” and “under” sides became reversed.

On horizontal stems lateral shoots showed a gradient of vigour, the longest shoots being produced by proximal buds. Xylem of horizontal branches was epitrophic. These responses appear to be due to effects of gravity on the distribution of endogenous growth regulating factors within stems. In trees grown horizontally and rotated, shoots and spurs grew from all sides of the stem and xylem developed concentrically.

In studies of lateral shoots of partly disbudded horizontal stems, including cincturing treatments, it was found that the vigour of basal lateral shoots was a function of bud position in relation to the apex rather than in relation to the roots.

A model for lateral shoot growth in horizontal branches is proposed, in which shoot vigour is related to the position of buds along a postulated inhibitory gradient.