Erner, Y., Institute of Horticulture, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, P.O. Box 6, Bet Dagan, 50250, Israel

Girdling of light- and heavy-bearing ‘Shamouti’ orange trees resulted in an increased fruit yield when performed either prior to flower induction (autumn girdling) or at full bloom (spring girdling). The increase in fruit yield was due to a larger number of fruit, with small differences in fruit size. Autumn girdling promoted the formation of leafless inflorescences and inhibited vegetative growth. © 1988 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.