Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the branch breaking characteristics of the 4 to 5 years old branches mechanically by a determination of the breaking resistance in Sari Zeybek fig cultivars. In this respect, the study was conducted with 10 different ages for trees belonging to Sarilop cultivar, known with a characteristic of drying and Sari Zeybek cultivar, known with equal or even better characteristics. The sclerenchyma tissues of the 1 to 5 aged branches of Sari Zeybek cultivar were weaker in degree than some other fruit tree species, especially the Sarilop cultivar. Furthermore, it was brought out that the breakages were related to the flexibility of tissues even with the excess forced application (150 kg.) in Sarilop. In Sari Zeybek cultivar, where there is an existence of the branch breakage problem, the length and diameters of branches increased with the increasing branch ages. In particular, the forces at the branch collar were increased due to the fruit weight increase in trees, starting with the 4 to 5 year aged branches. According to the approach of encouragement of branch breakages due to the aforementioned reason, it was taken seriously that shape prunings need to be made more carefully, and not allowed in over critical levels branch lengths and angles within 1 to 4 years growth in Sari Zeybek cultivar.

Key words: Sari Zeybek, fig, branch breakage.