Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
(a)
90-110
cm
70-90
cm
At planting
Development
Cut the top
(b)
(c)
<120º
<120º
Three primary branches
Aerial view
(d)
(e)
Six to nine secondary branches
Second pinching
Fig. 4.2. Formation pruning, which can start in the nursery or soon after planting,
develops a central pole cut to 70-90 cm from 100 cm, retaining only three evenly
spaced lateral branches that form the basic framework of the tree and develop from
the lateral buds, ensuring that these lateral branches arise at different positions
on the pole. Additional pinching of the apical buds induces additional secondary
branches; pinching of the apical buds may be done a number of times.
Production pruning
There is a growing tendency to prune adult evergreen fruit trees periodically to
manage their size. Tree size of less than 3-4 m is needed in order to facilitate
all management operations being carried out from the ground, such as
spraying and harvesting. The canopy should also not be overcrowded with
branches, which limits good light penetration and ventilation. The aim of
production pruning is to improve tree health, plant growth and fl ower bud
formation and so improve fruit yields and often fruit quality (Fig. 4.3a).
 
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