Whole-Canopy Photosynthetic Characterization of Apple Tree and the Effects Induced by Grafting on Rootstocks with Different Vigor

Leaf photosynthesis is pivotal for the synthesis of carbohydrates; however, growth and development horticultural crops are more closely related to canopy photosynthetic capacity. Measurements allow a better evaluation fruit tree performance at scale. Therefore, an open chamber system determine instantaneous apparent (CAPi) was investigated. CAPi slightly overestimated biomass accumulation by 5.9%, which revealed that method valuable quantifying photosynthesis. Further, many woody plants usually grafted propagation, such as apples, whereas rootstocks always influence size In this study, effect dwarfing, semi-dwarfing, vigorous apple on studied. Compared rootstock, dwarfing rootstock significantly reduced leaf net rate total area 20.8% 53.1%, respectively, resulted in 59.7% reduction CAPi. Throughout effective should be considered measurement future.