Effects of ringing branches on fruit size and maturity of peach and nectarine cultivars

Ringing branches at pit hardening resulted in larger fruits and enhanced fruit colouring of peaches and nectarines. Because both together determine the time of harvest, fruit from ringed trees were picked earlier. Further, ringing resulted in advanced fruit ripening compare with controls. Results obtained were similar to those reported for girdling. Ringing is easier and quicker than girdling and represents a useful technique to improve fruit quality.