Determining leaf: fruit ratio for high productivity in apple (Malus pumila) under intensive orcharding system

An experiment was conducted to determine the optimum leaf: to fruit ratio in 8 apple (Malus pumila Mill.) cultivars under high-density planting system in Karewa (dry) areas of Jammu and Kashmir. The maximum leaf area per fruit was recorded in Jona Gold, whereas maximum coloured surface were noted in Starkrimson but the size of fruits in terms of fruit weight was less. The maximum leaf area was recorded when leaves were of 35 in number. Thirty-five leaves/fruit provided maximum leaf area (479.75 cm2/fruit). Irrespective of cultivars, fruit skin colour, fruit weight, fruit length, fruit diameter and TSS were highest in 30 leaves/fruit. Maximum fruit colour was found in Starkrimson, Vista Bella and Red Chiefwith 30 leaves/fruit which had significant influence. Significantly higher fruit weight was observed in Mollies Delicious with 30 leaves/fruit. The maximum fruit polar length (FPL) was recorded in Starkrimson and Mollies Delicious when 30 leaves kept for one fruit. The maximum TSS was observed in ‘Vista Bella’ and ‘Mollies Delicious’ with 30 leaves/fruit. The maximum yield/tree was recorded in ‘Mollies Delicious’ with 30 as well as 35 leaves/fruit. Leaf area had positive correlation with fruit weight, fruit length and yield/tree, while fruit colour had positive significant correlation with acidity and total sugars.