Comparison of Growth and Yield of Apple ( .Malus Domestica Borkh.) Tree Cultivars at Three Altitudes in Gamo Gofa Zone, South Ethiopia
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Date
2005-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Growth and yield of seven apple tree ( Mains domestica Borkh .) cultivars were compared in threealtitudinal
zones in Game Gofa , at Chencha , Bonke and Boreda, Southern Regional State , Ethiopia, to
relate crop growth and yield with altitude. The seven cultivars, BR-64, Granny Smith , Gala , Anna, Golden
Delicious, Red Delicious and Crispin were of similar age, had identical rootstocks and were growing at
the same site in each altitude under similar management practices. Data on new shoot growth , leaf area,
height, stem diameter, number of fruits and fruit size were collected and 60 home gardens of the apple
growers were surveyed. Interview's were conducted and questionnaires administrated in order to get
information on the practice of apple growers and their perception. The result showed that , more than half
of the area of home gardens of the apple growers were used for apple cultivation for income generation
and for domestic consumption. Farmers indicated that the expansion of the crop was related to the high
price of the fruit, in Chencha and Bonke the number of BR-64, Granny Smith and Gala was more than
that of Anna and Golden Delicious. The latter cultivars were not widely planted due to their lower yield at
the two sites. Anna and Golden Delicious were better in Boreda than in Chencha and Bonke. Farmers’
selection of cultivars were based on experience on yield performances. On the other hand, most farmers
showed limited knowledge of rootstocks used , cultivar selection at different sites, pruning and thinning
activities. Further, management practices such as mulching and manuring at proper time of cultivars new
growth and blooming at Fall ( tsedey ) was not performed . Similarly knowledge of apple diseases and pests
that reduce yield was not apparant and little traditional methods of prevention were used
Of the seven cultivars BR - 64 , Granin Smith and Gala grafted on MM 106 rootstock showed an increase
with altitude in new shoot grow th, leaf area , stem diameter and fruit number. Both in Chencha and Bonke
these cultivars shaded their leaves early in June and resumed blooming and leafing in September. For
Anna and Golden Delicious the same parameters decreased with increase in altitude. The results indicate
that while Anna and Golden Delicious were suited for warmer climates, BR-64 , Granny Smith and Gala
•were more suited for colder climates.
Red Delicious and Crispin had moderate growth and did not show altitude preference. It is recommended
that selection and distribution of apple seedlings should be altitude specific based on the preference of the
cultivars.
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Biology