Pruning and training of trees on productive rootstocks, such as Gisela 6 or 12, require techniques that are completely counter to pruning trees on Mazzard rootstock. Growers producing cherries on Mazzard rootstock must consider how to encourage precocity and productivity in the tree, whereas growers producing trees on productive rootstocks must focus on reducing crop load. According to research by Dr. Matthew Whiting, Washington State University, and Dr. Greg Lang, Michigan State University, the production of high-quality cherries requires a gross canopy-leaf-area-to-fruit ratio of at least 200 square centimeters per fruit, which roughly translates to five leaves per fruit. Trees […]