OVERVIEW;
Pruning involve opening thick and dense canopy trees for better air, light penetration and circulation within; important to enhance photosynthesis flowering and fruition. Irrelevant tree branches removal during pruning also allow the tree focus all energy to fruit production, keep off crop pests and diseases.
- BENEFITS OF PRUNING;
(a)Increase fruit size and yields(expect 50% increment)
(b)Improve fruit health; prevent internal and exterior disorders
(c)Save cost & time on pest sprays.
(d) Ease harvesting reduce harvest costs.
(e)Trigger flowering hormones into action for dormant trees.
(f)Obtain yield during off season period.
(g)Obtain desired future production canopy shape especially for young trees.
(h)Maximise nutrients usage;
During pruning, farmer shld always seek to know ‘which’ branch to remove, ‘why’ ‘when’ and ‘how’
2.On the ‘WHICH’ branch to remove and ‘WHY’ different pruning techniques apply:
(a) Crown raising.
(b) Crown thinning.
(c) Vista pruning
(d) Crown cleaning.
(e) Lion ‘tailing’
(f) Pollarding.
(g) Stag ‘horning’
3.On the ‘HOW’ to prune; trees must be given SMOOTH and CLEAN CUTS.
We know trees are endowed with natural wound compartmentalizing cells which form layers outside cut wounds, fight pathogens and stop the wound from spreading(read callus tissues around tree wounds) one specific cell which fight pathogens infection is called parenchyma We emphasize clean and smooth cuts for above process to happen.
There is no need to ‘dress’ cut wounds esp for small young pruned trees as the applied dressing material type may inhibit/slow down natural wound compartmentalization and sealing/healing process.
4.On ‘WHEN’ to prune.
Pruning is better done immediately after fruit harvesting and during dry season for better wound sealing. Light pruning methods such as crown cleaning, crown raising can be done even during flower or fruit set period
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