Research was conducted in 2009–2015 on Valjevka plum trees (Prunus domestica L.) that were grafted onto Myrobalan seedlings (Prunus cerasifera Ehrh. var. divaricata Ledeb.). Trees were planted in the spring of 2008. | Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry Turk J Agric For (2018) 42: 97-102 © TÜBİTAK doi: Research Article Growth and yield of plum trees in response to in-row orchard floor management Jerzy LISEK*, Zbigniew BULER Research Institute of Horticulture, Skierniewice, Poland Received: Accepted/Published Online: Final Version: Abstract: Research was conducted in 2009–2015 on Valjevka plum trees (Prunus domestica L.) that were grafted onto Myrobalan seedlings (Prunus cerasifera Ehrh. var. divaricata Ledeb.). Trees were planted in the spring of 2008. From 2009 the following methods of soil cultivation under tree canopies were introduced: spraying with foliar herbicides; mulching with organic waste, . straw with compost; mechanical soil cultivation with the use of rotary cultivators and hoe; weed mowing. On the control plots with limited weeding, the weeds growing around tree trunks were pulled several times a year. From 2010 to 2015, highest total yield of plums was produced on plots weeded with herbicides and it was substantially higher than on the mulched plots. The method of soil cultivation had no influence on the area of cross-section of the tree trunks or the total soluble solids of the fruit, and the mean weight of the fruit was noticeably higher on the mowed plots than the control plots and plots cultivated mechanically. Strong trees of Valjevka plum grafted on cherry plum proved tolerant to weeds. Key words: Herbicides, mowing, mulch, Prunus domestica L., tillage, weeds 1. Introduction Orchard floor management combines soil cultivation tillage, cover crops, mowing of weeds and cover plants, mulches, the use of herbicides, and flame burning of weeds. Herbicides are a solution that is effective, easily executed, and relatively cheap and ensures high-yielding trees (Harrington et al., 2005). Full mechanization of the cultivation of soil under tree canopies .
