Résumé
Morphological and architectural analysis methods were used in order to describe the main morphological features and the developmental sequence of Juglans regia L. Growth dynamic analysis of annual shoots allowed the characterisation of several annual shoot morphological types according to their growth pattern. Floriferous or vegetative annual shoots have been identified. They may be built up by one up to three growth units. Each growth unit is elongated during one uninterrupted extension flush. Successive growth flushes are separated by stop or slowing down of shoot extension. Several branching pattern have been distinguished in relation to the nature (floriferous or vegetative) and growth pattern of annual shoots. Floriferous shoots may show an acrotonic branching pattern with immediate and/or delayed development of branches. Vegetative shoots give rise to mesotonic branches with immediate development and/or acrotonic branches with delayed development. Each morphological type of annual shoot may be related to well defined developmental stages of tree growth and/or with a precise architectural position. The knowledge of the variations of growth and branching pattern of annual shoots in relation to tree development stages may help an orchard management.