The effect of canopy training systems on annual shoot growth of Chinese jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) cultivars

Abstract

The effects of canopy training systems on annual shoot growth were evaluated using 2023-2025 data for the Chinese jujube cultivars Zanhuangdazao, Junzao, Xiangzao, and Linyilizao, grafted on 'Melkoplodniy kisliy 1'. Free-growing control, open-center (vase), sparse-tier and bush forms were compared. Across four cultivars and three years, the sparse-tier system produced the greatest mean shoot growth, exceeding the control by 15.6%. The open-center and bush systems exceeded the control by 11.8% and 9.0%, respectively. Cultivars differed in absolute shoot growth, whereas the ranking of training systems remained consistent. The findings indicate that canopy training can be used as a practical tool for regulating vegetative growth while accounting for cultivar-specific growth potential.