LAUSR

Girdling, based on the accumulation of photosynthetic products above the girdling zone, is a common technique applied to tree species to increase the yield and fruit quality. The aim of this study was to investigate the girdling effects on photosynthesis and soluble sugars (Sols) of leaves in fruiting shoots and, for the first time, on quality variables of ‘Franquette’ walnuts harvested at two harvests, early and late, 43 and 84 d after treatment, respectively. Girdling was conducted on a part of four-year old branches at the onset of kernel growth. At late harvest, coinciding with commercial harvest, girdling advanced the mature fruit percentage, kernel weight, and oil content, whereas decreased kernel moisture and slightly affected the color brightness, although kernels remained with an extra light color. Advanced maturation increased linoleic acid and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) fraction in oil, whereas it decreased palmitic acid and the saturated fatty acid (SFA) fraction in oil, kernel total antioxidants, and Sols (sucrose, glucose, fructose) in kernels and leaves and leaf photosynthesis (Pn), whereas girdling had no effect on these variables. Oil rancidity remained stable throughout the experiment. Development of callus was observed on tree wounds 84 d after treatment. Conclusively, girdling enhanced the fruit maturation, resulting in higher uniformity of maturity and increased oil yield with no quality deterioration or apparent tree damage.