Mechanical Pruning Induces Distinct Metabolic Responses in Slender Spindle-Shaped Apple Orchards.

ABSTRACT: Mechanical pruning has emerged as a viable alternative to traditional hand pruning in apple orchards in labor-constrained and aging population workforces. While mechanical pruning reduces labor demand and enhances operational efficiency, their effects on tree physiology and fruit development remain poorly understood. In this study, we examined the physiological and transcriptional responses of apple trees to mechanical pruning (MP) and hand pruning (HP), with a focus on hormone metabolism, photosynthetic activity, and stress adaptation. Pruning treatments were applied in an orchard using a tractor-mounted mechanical pruner and manual shears, and distinct metabolic responses after pruning were assessed over multiple time points using transcriptomic analysis. At 168 h after MP, trees exhibit

SUBMITTER: Park J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12694359 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature