Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 3.2
Small cuts heal easily and are quickly
overgrown.
Figure 3.3
A large branch has been removed leaving a
huge scar.
Knowing how to prune well is an advantage
certainly, but dressings on plants are not only
unnecessary but can be detrimental.
Technique
Rub off unwanted growth when it is young or
it will some day become a problem involving
major surgery (see Figures 3.4 and 3.5).
Applying a dressing is likely to keep the
wound moist, creating a perfect
environment for the growth of disease
carrying organisms. Keep plants healthy,
prune wisely and wounds will heal/grow
over by themselves.
If allowed to grow, unwanted buds will form a
thicket of branches, crowding the canopy with
unproductive wood.
Spring is the time to watch out for this sort of
growth which is most prevalent after heavy
winter pruning. Work out how these growths
fit into the overall shape of your plant and
edit them accordingly. Look at which way they
are heading. Some of these growths will be
facing in the direction you want, others
growing inwards towards the centre of the
bush, or too close together. These will crowd
your plant and should be removed.
Hygiene
Always disinfect your tools after pruning a
particular plant and before pruning another.
This will prevent disease spreading from one
plant to the next. Dip or spray your tools with
methylated spirits or household bleach and
wipe dry with a clean cloth before use.
Always
remove such young growth if it is
occurring below the graft on a grafted plant.
This will be growth from the rootstock that
will eventually take over the desired clone
that was grafted onto it. A rootstock is used to
create a plant of a certain size, to increase
Rubbingoff
Tools
The only equipment you need is your thumb.
