Training and Pruning in Orchard

Eleven Training and Pruning in Orchard

CHAPTER

Training and pruning are important orchard operations. Both the processes form an indispensable operation having direct bearing on growth and vigor of plants besides on yield and quality of fruits. A properly trained and pruned plants sustain heavy crop load and produce bounteous harvest of quality. Such plants develop strong framework free from drooping branches, narrow crotch angle, water sprout, root suckers and crown suckers, etc.

Training refers to judicious removal of part to develop a proper shape of plant capable of bearing heavy crop load. Pruning is defined as the judicious removal of parts like root, leaf, flower, fruit etc. to obtain good and qualitative yield. Thus, it can be conceived that the training is related to shape and size of plants whereas pruning is related with harvesting better yield and more so with harvesting fruits of quality. Both the processes of training and pruning work together in maintaining shape and size of tree and harvesting desirable yield.

OBJECTIVES OF TRAINING

· To control and regulate shape of trees so that orchard cultural operations, harvesting etc. can be done easily.

· To develop strong framework of tree.

· To have a better crotch angle between scaffold branches of the trees.

· To facilitate interception of sunrays to each and every part of trees.

· To develop a balance between vegetative and reproductive growth of tree.

· To remove water sprout.