Comparison of Different Pruning Methods for Training Young Fernor Walnut Trees.

The aim of the study is to determine the effects of minimal pruning (MP) and unpruned&unheaded (UP&UH) on young Fernor walnut cultivar trees concerning, tree growth, yield, nut quality and water use efficiency. The trees in the research orchard were planted in 2017. According to the data, a statistically significant difference was found between (MP) and (UP&UH) in terms of shoot length, canopy length, tree height, yield, kernel weight, kernel ratio and nut length. The two-year cumulative yield value was found to be 6036.28 g in (MP) and 9865.87 g in (UP&UH). The stem water potential values (GSP), (MPa) of (MP) and (UP&UH) were 7.65 and 7.50, respectively. Considering the significant difference in yield between two pruning methods, it has been observed that water use efficiency is higher in (UP&UH). If water deficiency and insufficient fertilization are combined with (UP&UH), significant losses in tree growth, yield and nut quality can occur. In this context, (UP&UH) should be considered along with other factors that will affect tree growth, yield and fruit quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]