Effects of Pruning on Flowering and Fruit Quality of Makiang (Cleistocalyx nervosum): A Case Study of Maejo University - Phrae Campus.

Abstract

     This study was conducted to compare the effect of four pruning systems on flowering and fruit quality of Makiang (Cleistocalyx nervosum var. paniala), consisting of T1: control unit shape (without pruning), T2: open-center shape, T3: cubic shape, and T4: flat shape. The 4 x 4 meters spacings, 8-9 years of age were applied in the organic plots. The experimental design was assigned into a randomized complete block design (RCBD) of 4 treatments, each with 3 replications, and 4 samples. The studied plants had never been pruned nor yielded before. The research findings revealed as followed the data concerning leaf flushing and flowering of Makiang plant showed that the T2, T3, and T4 gave 27.72 - 37.25 buds. This had a statistically significant difference from the T1 that gave 6.23 buds per branch. The number of inflorescences and panicles showed no difference among the treatments. Regarding the product quantity, it was found that T1 gave the highest of fruit weight. The findings also revealed that four types of pruning had indifferent effects on fruit length, fruit width, pulp thickness, seed diameter, TSS (Total Soluble Solids) content, TA (Titratable Acidity) content. In the aspect the peel color of Makiang fruit after flowering, it was found that within 24 weeks, the fruit developed a dark peel color. In 25 weeks, most fruit peel turned to dark purplish gray color. Then the fruit peel color value changed to dark red after 28 weeks. All treatments had no different effects on peel color. Moreover, the study showed that canopy pruning (factor A) and flowering period (factor B) had no effect nor relationships with total soluble solids content.