Effects of shading and foliar application of sucrose on vegetative growth of peach trees

Effects of shading and foliar application of sucrose on shoot growth, leaf size, specific leaf weight and leaf organization structure of peach [Prunus percica (L.) Batsh. cv. "Zhonghua Shoutao"] were studied in two distinct stages of growth: young fruit swelling stage and stone hardening stage. Two-year-old potted peach trees were shaded with two levels of light intensity (50% and 70Yo of full sunlight, respectively). Sucrose solution was sprayed on experimental trees with two concentrations (0.5% or 1%). Feasibility and practicability of removing weak-light influence by foliar application of sucrose were also explored. The experimental results showed that shading restrained shoot growth, and made leaves thinner and larger. Under shading condition foliar application of 0. 5% or 1% sucrose solution could remove in part the influence of light- deficiency on shoot and leaf growth.