Effect of Two Girdling Dates on Carbohydrate Accumulation in Plant Tissues and Fruit Quality of Barberry

Abstract

The present study was designed to investigate the effects of two girdling dates (late April and early September) on fruit quality and carbohydrate accumulation in barberry shrubs (Berberis vulgaris L.) during the years 2016–2017. One year old shoots were ringed and fruit characteristics were monitored for two continues year. Data showed that the girdling caused a significant increase in the ascorbic acid content in fruit. Similarly, anthocyanin and total acidity were affected by girdling compared to control in 2017. September-girdled shrubs had the highest amount of fresh mass but the dry mass was not changed. It was shown that chlorophyll b increased in the girdled shrubs compared to control. September girdling reduced the carbohydrate content in leaves. In contrast, it increased the carbohydrate content in shoots. In addition, there was a significant difference between starch in the shoot and starch in leaf. Owing to the obtained results, early September girdling caused a broad range on fruit quality.