Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
6.3.6.6
CANOPY MANAGEMENT AND REJUVENATION
Canopy management through suitable pruning and training make the
proper balance between vegetative and reproductive growth to give annual
crop of quality produce. The litchi tree in this region has found to give best
performance with open umbrella or semicircular canopy shape. Canopy
management is an important aspect to increase input use efficiency and
high quality fruit production. Reiterative pruning and canopy rebuilding
through rejuvenation technology of old senile unproductive orchards have
been found to be transformed into young bearing orchard with enhanced
quantum of quality production (Kumar, 2012).
6.3.6.7
USE OF GROWTH REGULATORS
Growth controlling chemicals should be used carefully to retard shoot and
canopy volume. Growth retardants have been employed in litchi like pa-
clobutrazol, cycocel (CCC) and maleic hydrazide (MH), etc., but requires
further confirmations for wider practice. Use of planofix or nephtalic ace-
tic acid (NAA) has been found to reduce fruit drop and enhance fruit yield
(Sinha et al., 1999).
6.3.6.8
INTERCROPPING AND MULCHING
Mulches also increase soil organic matter, improve soil structure, increase
water retention and help reduce fluctuations in root temperature. The crop
management practices like mulching with crop residues and plastic mulch-
es help in conserving soil moisture. It also controls the growth of weed.
In some instances excessive moisture due to heavy rain and untimely rain
becomes major problem and it could be overcome by growing intercrops,
light intercultural operations and raised basin making.
6.3.6.7
USE OF IPM
Leaf curl or mite is a major problem, requires removal and burning of
infected parts cuts down losses, and spraying of miticide. The bark eating
