Effect of girdling and thinning on fruit maturity and quality of Satluj Purple plum

The effect of girdling and thinning on fruit maturity and quality of plum cv. Satluj Purple was investigated on twelve year old trees being grown on sandy loam soil planted at a distance of 6x6m.Uniform cultural practices were followed throughout the course of investigation. Limb girdling and thinning was done at full bloom and 7,14,21,28 and 35 days after full bloom. All the girdling and thinning treatments advanced fruit maturity as compared to control. Least number of days taken for maturity were recorded when limb girdling and thinning was done 14 days after full bloom. Yield was found to increase and fruit drop was reduced in all the treatments. Maximum yield, fruit weight and size, pulp/stone ratio, colour and better fruit quality in terms of higher TSS, TSS/acid ratio, β-carotene with lower acidity and firmness were also observed when limb girdling and thinning was done 14 days after full bloom. Healing of the girdle was satisfactory and there was no detrimental effect noticed in any of the treatments. Leaf nitrogen and chlorophyll content were decreased and total carbohydrates were increased with girdling and thinning treatments.