Influence of paclobutrazol on photosynthesis rate and dry matter partitioning in the apple tree

Four‐year‐old ‘Aki Fuji’ apple trees in their second leaf of fruiting were used to study the influence of paclobutrazol on photosynthesis rate (Pn) and the partitioning of dry matter in the different parts of the tree. It was found that the Pn of paclobutrazol‐treated trees was significantly higher than the untreated check trees. This is partially accounted for by the higher light intensity in the canopy of the paclobutrazol‐treated trees. Production efficiency of the paclobutrazol‐treated trees was 2.6 times higher than that of the untreated check trees. Paclobutrazol significantly changed the partitioning pattern of dry matter in the different parts of the tree. A much higher percentage of total dry matter was distributed to the fruit. However, a higher percentage of dry matter was found in the root of the paclobutrazol‐treated trees than in the untreated trees, the difference being mainly in the lateral and fibrous roots. Total dry matter accumulated per m² of occupied land of the paclobutrazol‐treated tree was 4% greater than that of the untreated check trees, whereas total dry matter accumulated per kg of leaves was essentially the same in both trees. Whether calculated on the basis of per m² of occupied land or per kg of leaves, the dry matter distributed into the fruit and into the root was considerably greater in the paclobutrazol‐treated trees than the untreated trees.