The Effects of Heading Cut Time on Flowering, Growth, and Quality in Cherries

Turkey has significant global potential for cherry production and exportation. Many studies are carried out around the world in order to reduce production costs and increase yield and fruit quality in cherries. In order to improve quality and balance crops in cherries, it is necessary to carry out cultural practices such as pruning every year. The heading cuts commonly used in cherries, whereby the apical dominance of the shoots is eliminated, ensures the growth of the side buds. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of heading cuts made at four different times (T1: January 20, T2: February 15, T3: March 10, and T4: April 5) on blooming, growth, and quality in ‘0900 Ziraat’/CAB 6P and ‘Regina’/CAB 6P combinations throughout 2020–2021. Consequently, it was observed that flowering and fruit set in both cultivars in 2020–2021 were obtained from T1 (January 20) at the earliest and T4 (April 5) at the latest. Likewise, in both years of study, yield per tree and hectare in both cultivars was the highest in T3 (March 10) and lowest in T1 (January 20). In the experiment, the maximum total leaf area was obtained from T1 and the least from T4 in both cultivars. As a result of this study, while the leaf area increased, yield decreased in the heading cuttings made in the early period. Besides, it was determined that the leaf area decreased while the yield increased in the heading cuts made in the mid-season.