Best Measurement
Measurements are critical to scientific communication and advancement.
In order to have a better understanding of the peach tree's gummosis, we have carried out some measurements on the basis of the reference. Please find our research report on peach tree gummosis for more information.
Method
Measurement at a uniform height:
Select the branch of the peach tree directly below the fork, which is about 0.5 meters above the ground for measurement.
Tool:
Use a tape measure for measurement.
How:
Wrap the soft tape around the measuring position of the tree trunk and read out the data.
Data record:
Record the circumference value of the measurement for subsequent analysis and recording.
Tips:
If the trunk is inclined, measure along the direction of the trunk inclination. If there are protrusions, spikes, etc. on the trunk at the chest height, measure the circumference of the normal growth area above and below it, and then take the average value.
The grading of peach tree gummosis:
The grading of peach tree gummosis is usually based on the severity of the disease and we have used the following specific grading criteria:- Grade 0: The whole plant is normal, with no gummosis or disease spots, and immune to gummosis.
- Grade I: There are scattered glue flow points or 1-2 larger glue flow blocks (glue flow block diameter < 3 cm) on the main stem, main branch, or lateral branch.
- Grade II: Branches with less than 1/4 of the total number of branches including the main trunk, main branches, and side branches have continuous gum flow, making it difficult to distinguish between different gum flow points.
- Grade III: Branches with a total of 1/4 to 1/2 of the main stem, main branch, and lateral branch have continuous gum flow, making it difficult to distinguish between different gum flow points.
- Grade IV: Branches with a total number of branches greater than 1/2 to 3/4 of the main trunk, main branches, and side branches have continuous gum flow, making it difficult to distinguish between different gum flow points.
- Grade V: Branches with more than 3/4 of the total number of branches including the main trunk, main branches, and side branches have continuous gum flow, making it difficult to distinguish between different gum flow points. We evaluated the disease level of peach trees and recorded the data. Meanwhile we also recorded the pruning and sawing of peach trees, as well as the use of supports.
Measurement results:
We investigated and analyzed a total of 76 peach trees, and obtained the following data:
Fig. 1 The average trunk circumference of peach trees is 39.94 cm.
Fig. 2. The frequency distribution of peach gum disease grades in peach trees.
Fig. 3. Growth of rust spots on peach leaves: 98.7% of peach tree leaves have rust spots, while 1.3% of peach tree leaves have no rust spots.
Fig. 4. Broken and sawed branches of peach trees: 90.78% of peach trees have no abnormalities, 2.63% of peach tree branches are sawed, and 7.89% of peach tree branches are broken. One of the peach branches was both sawn and broken.
Conclusion:
The thickness and girth of peach trees reflect their age and growth status to a certain extent. The thickness and girth of peach trees are generally positively correlated with their age. A study found that in many older orchards 100% of the trees are infected2. The grade of peach gum disease is related to the thickness and girth of peach trees. After reaching a certain age, peach trees generally exhibit varying degrees of gum leakage. Relatively speaking, younger peach trees have milder gum leakage, while older ones have more severe gum leakage.