Effect of Canopy Training Systems on Yield Performance of Chinese Jujube (Ziziphus Jujuba Mill.) Cultivars Grafted on Ziziphus Acidojujuba Rootstock
Abstract
Canopy architecture is an important orchard-management factor affecting light distribution, fruiting surface, and yield efficiency in Chinese jujube. This study evaluated the effects of four canopy training systems on the yield of four Chinese jujube cultivars - Zanhuangdazao, Junzao, Xiangzao, and Linyilizao - grafted on Ziziphus acidojujuba rootstock. Trees planted in 2018 at 4.0 x 3.0 m spacing were assessed during 2023-2025 under four training treatments: free-growing control, open-center (vase), sparse-tier, and bush form. Yield was recorded as kg tree-1 and converted to t ha-1. Across cultivars, the sparse-tier system consistently produced the highest three-year mean yield. Averaged over the four cultivars, field yield reached 12.80 t ha-1 under sparse-tier training compared with 9.93 t ha-1 in the free-growing control, corresponding to a 29.0% increase. The open-center system also improved productivity, averaging 11.03 t ha-1 (+11.1% versus control), whereas the bush form averaged 9.43 t ha-1 (-5.0%). Cultivar-specific responses were strongest in Linyilizao, where sparse-tier training increased the three-year mean field yield from 8.69 to 12.08 t ha-1 (about 39%). Zanhuangdazao showed the highest absolute productivity, reaching 13.66-13.70 t ha-1 under sparse-tier training. The results demonstrate that canopy training substantially modifies yield performance in Chinese jujube and that sparse-tier architecture provides the most stable yield advantage across the evaluated cultivars. These findings support cultivar-aware canopy management as a practical strategy for improving orchard productivity in grafted jujube plantings.
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References
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