Effects of girdling and bark inversion on tree growth and fruit quality of apple

The effect of girdling and bark inversion on tree growth and fruit quality in apples (Malus domestica Borkh) of 'Fuji', 'Jonathan', 'Jonagold' and 'Hokuto' apple trees on Marubakaido (Malus prunifolia Borkh. var. ringo Asami) roots were compared. Both treatments in all cultivars significantly reduced the growth in the trunk's girth below the treatments, but the effects of both treatments on it above the treatments were different among cultivars. Flowering the following spring was significantly increased by both treatments. With both treatments fruit had significantly higher soluble solids concentration and acidity, while fruit growth was not affected by treatments. The fruit firmness was also increased a little by both treatments. With both treatments fruit had smaller amounts of calcium than untreated fruit. Girdling and bark inversion significantly influenced fruit quality, but the difference between both treatments was not clear.