Effect of Fruit Thinning on Quantity and Quality of Apricot Fruit "Blenheim Cv Clone #7359"

Akhter mohammad Doranai; Ghulam Rasoul Samadi

doi:10.62810/jnsr.v4i1.343

Authors

Akhter mohammad Doranai Scholar of M.SC. Degree at Horticulture Department of Kabul, Agriculture Faculty, Kabul, Afghanistan
Ghulam Rasoul Samadi Department of Horticulture, Agriculture Faculty, Kabul University, Kabul, Afghanistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62810/jnsr.v4i1.343

Keywords:

Apricot, Quantity, Sensory evaluation, Thinning

Abstract

Optimizing fruit thinning strategies requires a balanced regulation of source–sink relationships; however, limited information is available on the combined effects of fruit spacing and fruit-to-leaf ratio (FLR) under semi-arid conditions. This study evaluated the interactive influence of fruit spacing and FLR on yield components and fruit quality of apricot using a factorial experiment arranged in a RCBD design. The trial was conducted during the 2025 growing season at the Badam Bagh Research Farm, Kabul, Afghanistan. Two factors were tested at five levels each: fruit spacing (control, 5, 7.5, 10, and 12.5 cm) and FLR (control, 25, 30, 35, and 40 leaves per fruit). Growth, yield, physicochemical attributes (fruit size, weight, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, pH, firmness), and sensory characteristics were evaluated. Data were analysed using STAR software. Fruit spacing significantly influenced most yield and quality parameters, whereas FLR showed limited effects. A spacing of 10 cm markedly enhanced fruit weight, largest diameter, firmness, total soluble solids, and acidity compared with the control, while a spacing of 12.5 cm maximized fruit length. No significant interaction effects were observed for most traits, and FLR significantly affected only fruit flavour. These findings indicate that moderate fruit spacing (10 cm) effectively improves apricot productivity and quality by optimizing assimilate distribution under Kabul agro-climatic conditions.

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