Main Parts of a Fruit Tree
Depending on the variety, rootstock, age of the tree, and growing conditions, the crown of naturally growing trees may be broom-like, pyramidal (conical), inverted-conical, spherical, or spreading to weeping
The above-ground part of a fruit tree consists of a large number of branches of different sizes, ages, and purposes, collectively forming the crown.
Depending on the variety, rootstock, age of the tree, and growing conditions, the crown of naturally growing trees may be broom-like, pyramidal (conical), inverted-conical, spherical, or spreading to weeping. When shaping, branches can be oriented in any direction as desired by the gardener and placed in one or several planes. As a result, artificially shaped crowns may take the form of a sphere, pyramid, bowl, bush, palmate, etc.
The main vertically positioned stem part of the tree — the trunk. In most fruit crops, it is clearly expressed under natural growth. In some varieties, the trunk is distinctly visible only in the early stages, and later, due to uneven branch growth, it may disappear. When forming artificial crowns, the trunk can be given an inclined, horizontal, or curved position, and in some cases, it can be replaced by several equivalent branches.
The point where the trunk transitions into the root is called the root collar. In plants grown from seeds or grafted onto seed-derived rootstocks, the root collar is real; in vegetatively propagated plants — it is conditional (the point where root formation begins).
The lower part of the trunk — between the root collar and the first branch — is called the trunk, and the part of the trunk from the trunk to the terminal central shoot — the central leader, or leader.
The trunk plays a crucial role in the life of the tree: it unites and holds all the mass of branches, leaves, and fruits; through the trunk, via a network of vessels, there is a connection between the above-ground and root systems. The growth vigor and condition of the trunk determine the potential and actual overall productivity of the tree. Therefore, it is important to protect the trunk throughout the tree’s life from mechanical damage, frost cracks, sunburn, pest damage, and diseases. The most vulnerable parts of the trunk — the trunk and the bases of branches branching off from the central leader.
Fig. 5. Crown habits under natural growth: a — broom-like; b — pyramidal; c — inverted-conical; d — spherical; e — broad-spreading; f — weeping.
On the central leader, branches of the first order of branching are located: main, well-developed branches forming the crown’s framework, and temporary, i.e., weaker branches, which are naturally or pruned out and replaced by new ones after several years. On branches of the first order, branches of the second order are located, on them — third order, and so on. In general, the higher the branching order, the weaker the branch. Exceptions occur when, due to prevailing conditions, a strong shoot develops on a weak branch. All small, weak branches not included in the crown’s framework are called developing branches. They bear the majority of the yield, so they are often also called generative or fruiting branches.
Source:
Kudryavets R. P.
Pruning of fruit trees and berry shrubs: Album. — M.: Agropromizdat, 1991. — 224 p.: ill.