Evaluate the possibility of alternate bearing regulation of Siahoo mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco) by using pruning and girdling

ABSTRACT: In order to evaluate the effects of pruning and girdling on regulating of alternate bearing in Siahoo mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco), an experiment was performed in a RCBD during four years with five treatments consist: low spring pruning, severe spring pruning, girdling, low spring pruning + girdling and severe spring pruning + girdling. Girdling and pruning performed in autumn and spring of ON years respectively. Evaluated characters were yielding, fruit weight and alternate bearing index (ABI). Results indicated pruning and girdling could be adjusted alternate bearing in this citrus cultivar. Evaluation of ABI also showed that using of low pruning + girdling in during of four years led to reduction of alternate bearing. Using of alone girdling or low pruning had no influence on the reduction of alternate bearing. In contrast, alone severe pruning or low and severe pruning + girdling could be lead to regulating of alternate bearing in Siahoo mandarin.