🪴 Training and Pruning of Fruit Crops
Training and Pruning of Fruit Crops.
Training and pruning are canopy management tools used to shape trees, improve light interception, regulate bearing, and maintain orchard productivity over many years.
Training Systems
Open Centre System
- Central leader is removed early to develop an open vase shape.
- Improves sunlight penetration in the canopy centre.
- Used in: Peach, Apricot, Ber.
Central Leader System
- A single dominant central trunk is maintained.
- Scaffold branches arise at regular intervals.
- Used in: Apple (on dwarfing rootstocks), Pear.
Modified Central Leader
- Central leader maintained up to a certain height and then headed back.
- Combines central leader (lower) and open centre (upper).
- Widely adopted in mango, citrus, and guava.
Espalier and Trellis Training
- Plants are trained on wires or structures in a flat plane.
- Used in: Grape systems such as Bower, Head/Bush, and Telephone/Kniffin.
- Also used in apple and pear high-density planting.
Types of Pruning
| Type | Description | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Heading back | Shortening branches | Stimulates lateral growth |
| Thinning out | Removing branches at point of origin | Opens canopy, improves light |
| Pinching | Removing growing tip | Encourages branching |
| Dehorning | Severe cutting of old trees | Rejuvenation |
| Root pruning | Cutting roots near drip line | Induces flowering |
| Skirting | Removing lower drooping branches | Facilitates field operations |
Pruning in Important Fruit Crops
- Mango: Light pruning after harvest; tip pruning for panicle induction.
- Grape: Annual pruning is essential; October back pruning and April forward pruning in tropical regions.
- Guava: Pruning after rainy season crop improves winter crop quality.
- Apple: Regular dormant-season pruning maintains tree form and fruiting wood.
- Citrus: Minimal pruning, mostly removal of dead wood and water sprouts.
Tools for Pruning
- Secateurs: Branches up to about 2 cm diameter
- Loppers: Branches of about 2-5 cm diameter
- Pruning saw: Larger branches
- Bordeaux paste: Applied on cut surfaces to reduce infection risk
Summary Cheat Sheet
| Concept | Key Point |
|---|---|
| Training | Directs plant framework and canopy architecture |
| Pruning | Removes selected parts to improve bearing and tree health |
| Most common mixed system | Modified central leader |
| Critical crop | Grape requires annual pruning for commercial yield |
| Rejuvenation method | Dehorning in old, unproductive trees |
References
2 sources • [1] [2]
References
Lesson Doubts
Ask questions, get expert answers