Pruning Intensity Research Articles

Productivity and amarketable gualities of apple tree fruits of the Golden Delicious variety on low growing rootstocks depending on pruning

One of the main agrotechnical activities carried out in the garden is tree pruning. When studying the variety-double combinations of apple trees in certain environmental conditions, it is necessary to take into account the strength of growth, the density of fouling, the type of branching, the structure of fruit formations, which depends on the varietal characteristics and technologies of growing plantations.The author presents the results of studying the parameters of the influence of the degree of pruning of Golden Delicious apple trees grafted on low-growing rootstocks SK-7 and M-9, depending on the rootstock, on growth processes, productivity and marketable qualities of apple fruits. The reaction of plantings to pruning was determined depending on the biological characteristics of the variety and on the degree of branch removal and their orientation. With an increase in the intensity of pruning, the leaf surface area per fruit on the rootstock SK-7 was 180–750 cm², on the rootstock M-9 — 172–619 cm², respectively. The yield of apple trees from one tree on the rootstock SK-7 was 13.2 kg with a minimum shape, 11.4 kg with an average, 10.5 kg with a maximum, and 11.4 kg, 9.5 kg and 7.7 kg on the rootstock M-9, respectively. The average weight of fruits grafted on the rootstock SK-7 increased by 1.9 times, and on the rootstock M-9 — by 1.3 times.It was noted that the life cycles of trees on the low-growing dwarf rootstock SK-7 were 10–12% higher than on the rootstock M-9.

Effect of pruning and grasses on forage productivity, carbon storage, soil healthand economics of Anjan tree (Hardwickia binata) based silvopasture systems

A field experiment was conducted during 2018 to 2023 on ten years old Hardwickia binata Roxb. based silvopasture system at Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi. The treatment consisted of three pruning intensities of H. binata, viz. 30%, 45% and 60% and establishment of three grasses, viz. Cenchrus ciliaris, Chrysopogon fulvus and Panicum maximum in association with H. binata. Pruning of branches of H. binata at 60% intensity recorded significantly higher top feed (TF 1.48, 1.77, 2.23, 2.68 and 3.27 t/ha) and fire wood yields (FW 2.74, 3.17, 3.49, 3.79 and 4.65 t/ha) as compared to 30% pruning intensity (TF 0.93, 1.01, 1.19, 1.55 and 2.08 t/ha and FW 1.76, 1.90, 1.98, 2.26 and 2.84 t/ha) and 45% pruning intensity (TF 1.21, 1.41, 1.75, 2.15 and 2.59 t/ha and FW 2.33, 2.59, 2.82, 3.08 and 3.63 t/ha) during 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th years of study, respectively. Among grasses, establishment of C. fulvus in association with H. binata recorded significantly higher dry pasture yields (7.91, 8.33, 8.66, 8.93 and 9.18 t/ha) as compared to P. maximum (6.19, 6.37, 6.54, 7.08 and 7.41 t/ha) and it was found at par with C. ciliaris (7.62, 8.15, 8.44, 8.70 and 8.86 t/ha) during 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th years of study. Estab- lishment of H. binata based silvopasture systems on poor shallow soil and degraded land recorded 9.11-15.50% improvement in available nutrients (N : 12.73%, P : 15.50% and K : 9.11%) and organic carbon (OC 9.47%) in 5th year of experiment than initial year (N 229.39, P 8.32 and K 214.73 kg/ha and OC 0.584%. Similarly, H. binata recorded 111.31% higher carbon stock in 5th year of study (23.04 t/ha) as compared to initial year (10.90 t/ha). In term of monetary return, maximum net return and benefit-cost ratio was obtained from 60% pruning intensity (` 63459/ha and 2.08) followed by 45% pruning intensity (` 50263/ha and 1.91) from H. binata based silvopasture system.

Ecophysiology of Mediterranean Chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) Forests: Effects of Pruning Studied through an Advanced IoT System

Chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) forests in the Mediterranean region are facing increasing abandonment due to a combination of factors, ranging from climate change to socioeconomic issues. The recovery of chestnut ecosystems and their preservation and valorization are key to ensuring the supply of the wide spectrum of ecosystem services they provide and to preventing detrimental environmental shifts. The study’s objective was to provide evidence on the effects of different management options on the ecophysiology of chestnut forests, with diverse pruning intensities (low, medium, and high intensity versus no pruning) tested in an abandoned chestnut stand in central Italy with the aim of recovering and rehabilitating it for fruit production. Innovative Internet of Things (IoT) ‘Tree Talker’ devices were installed on single trees to continuously monitor and measure ecophysiological (i.e., water transport, net primary productivity, foliage development) and microclimatic parameters. Results show a reduction in water use in trees subjected to medium- and high-intensity pruning treatments, along with a decrease in the carbon sequestration function. However, interestingly, the results highlight that trees regain their usual sap flow and carbon sink activity at the end of the first post-pruning growing season and fully realign during the following year, as also confirmed by the NDVI values. As such, this paper demonstrates the efficacy of recovering and managing abandoned chestnut forests, and the initial setback in carbon sequestration resulting from pruning is rapidly remedied with the advantage of reviving trees for fruit production. Additionally, the reduced water demand induced by pruning could represent a promising adaptation strategy to climate change, bolstering the resilience of chestnut trees to prolonged and intensified drought periods, which are projected to increase under future climate scenarios, particularly in the Mediterranean region.

Pruning inflorescences reduces the yield of neutral-day strawberry cultivars

The lack of information on inflorescence pruning of strawberry cultivars can compromise fruit yield and quality. The aim of this study was to investigate whether inflorescence pruning intensities interfere with the horticultural potential of strawberry cultivars. The treatments studied were three cultivars (‘Albion’, ‘Monterey’, and ‘San Andreas’) and four inflorescence pruning intensities (no pruning, removal of the first inflorescence, removal of the first two inflorescences, and removal of the first three inflorescences). The experiment was laid out in randomized blocks, with four replications. Fruit production and quality were assessed. ‘Monterey’ produced the most fruit and had the highest total strawberry production. Regardless of the cultivar, the total number of fruits and the total yield decreased linearly as the intensity of inflorescence pruning increased. In conclusion, increasing the intensity of inflorescence pruning reduces the productive potential of strawberry plants. Regardless of pruning, ‘Monterey’ has the best productive performance. The chemical quality of strawberries is not influenced by the pruning and cultivars studied.

Effect of pruning intensity on biomass and essential oil yield in wild paramela (Adesmia boronioides Hook f.)

Adesmia boronioides Hook. f. (known as paramela), a member of the Fabaceae family, is native to Argentinean and Chilean Patagonia. Its leaves and young stems are used in the traditional health care system of these countries to treat rheumatic pains, colds, digestive disorders, and respiratory congestion. Paramela presents excellent organoleptic qualities and is attracting growing commercial interest. In recent years the gathering of plant material from natural populations for the extraction and export of essential oils has increased; however, no studies exist on harvest management for this species. In this study plants from a natural A. boronioides population underwent three different pruning treatments (light, medium and heavy) and their response in biomass production and the yield and quality of their essential oils was evaluated over four consecutive years. Of the different pruning intensities, the medium level generated the greatest amount of biomass for all years (p< 0.001) even though the increase seen in production up to the third harvest was followed by a marked decrease. By applying a medium pruning level for two consecutive years on the same plants, we achieved up to 112 % more biomass and 116 % higher essential oil yield compared to the initial pruning. Under the heavy pruning treatment 10 % of the plants died after the second consecutive pruning. Furthermore, we compared the yield and qualitative characteristics of essential oils (EO) over the first three years under the medium pruning level. We observed that EO yields increased after successive pruning, but the chemical compositions (GC-FID-MS) were not significantly affected in the years evaluated. These results provide valuable information for the design of sustainable harvesting protocols for A. boronioides and indicate ways to improve the yield in biomass and essential oils from wild populations.

Consecutive Pruning Enhances Leaf Flavonoids, Leaf Yield, and Cutting Rooting in Ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo biloba L. is a valuable medicinal plant known for its high content of flavonoids and terpenoids in the leaves of young trees. Pruning can increase leaf yield in ginkgo plantations; however, it is unclear how the intensity of pruning affects leaf yield and quality. In addition, G. biloba exhibits low cutting rooting rates, which limits its efficiency in asexual propagation. In our study, we compared consecutive pruning with varying levels of intensity, including top pruning, light pruning, and heavy pruning, to evaluate the effects of pruning on leaf yield and cutting rooting. The results showed that these three pruning methods all contributed to an increase in the number of new branches, the leaf weight, and the flavonoid content in five-year-old trees. Among them, the effect of light pruning was the best, with a 150% increase in branch number, a 130% increase in leaf weight, and a 40.6% increase in flavonoid content. The secondary pruning further increased leaf area by 22.3%, indicating that secondary pruning further enhanced the rejuvenation of plants and increased leaf yield. At the transcriptional level, pruning can significantly change the expression of genes related to bud sprouting, resulting in a particularly significant increase in SHR expression in the buds. Pruning also promoted the expression of important genes related to flavonoid synthesis, including chalcone synthase (CHS), flavonoid 3′-hydroxylase (F3′H), flavonol synthase (FLS), and dihydroflavonol reductase (DFR). Furthermore, we demonstrated a significant increase in the rooting rate of these second-pruned branch cuttings and screened the optimal hormone ratio for rooting, which is 1.5 μM MeJA + 400 mg/L NAA + 100 mg/L Uniconazole-P. These results suggest that secondary pruning can effectively rejuvenate plants to promote cutting rooting in G. biloba. This method can not only be used to improve the yield and quality of ginkgo leaves, but also for cutting propagation.

Effect of Leaf Pruning and Additional Fertilizer on Growth and Young Pods Yield of Winged Beans

Winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus L.) exhibits luxuriant foliage, making leaf pruning essential to enhance sunlight interception. Additionally, supplementing with additional fertilizer helps offset the impact of gradual harvesting. Therefore, this research aimed to determine the effect of leaf pruning and additional fertilizer on the growth and yield parameter of winged beans in the Institut Pertanian Bogor (IPB) experimental station at Leuwikopo, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia. A randomized complete block design was used with two factors and three replications, namely leaf pruning intensities (0, 15, and 30% leaf pruning) and rates of additional fertilizer (0, 6.25, 12.5, and 18.5 g NPK 16-16-16/plant). The observed variables were plant height, leaf number, root length, leaf nutrient, auxin content, nutrient uptake, and young pods yield. The findings revealed that the interaction of pruning intensities and additional fertilizer rates significantly influenced leaf number and root length. Specifically, plants receiving a treatment combination without pruning and 6.25 g of additional fertilizer/plant exhibited the highest leaf number. In contrast, those subjected to 15% leaf pruning showed the greatest root length. Leaf nutrient levels, auxin content, and nutrient uptake exhibited noticeable improved with the addition of fertilizer. Meanwhile, a higher phosphorus and organic carbon content was observed in the 15% pruning treatment, and the young pods yield were not affected because the Fairuz variety reached its potential yield. Based on the results, the most recommended treatment is a combination without leaf pruning, supplemented with 6.25 g of additional fertilizer/plant.

Effect of pruning intensity and picking on Acacia senegal for gum arabic yield in Northern Jigawa State, Nigeria

Climate significantly impacts dryland trees, influencing their adaptation, survival, production, and role in the ecosystem. Acacia senegal is a valuable dryland tree planted for gum arabic production and ecological benefits. However, gum arabic production has declined due to the adverse effects of climate and improper management. Thus, silvicultural intervention such as pruning is essential for the health, growth, and gum yield of A. senegal. This study investigates the effects of different pruning intensities and pickings on gum arabic yield at Madana and Garin-ladan in the Gumel district of northern Jigawa State, Nigeria. The experiment involved five levels of pruning intensity and eight pickings, conducted using a randomized complete block design with three replicates. The gum yield was collected, dried, and weighed, and ANOVA was performed using Statistix 10.0 software, with Shapiro-Wilk and Turkey tests for data normality and mean comparison. The result showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in gum yield among the pruning intensities for most of the pickings at the two sites. The 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 6th, and 3rd, 5th, 8th pickings are significantly different except 4th, 7th, 8th; and 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 6th, and 7th at Madana and Garin-ladan respectively. The highest gum yield is 52.5a, 46.7a, 50.1a, and 43.5a g/picking, respectively. The lowest is 0.8a and 0.9a g/picking, respectively. Pruning intensity significantly differs (p< 0.05) in total gum yield per tree. Pruning intensities B3 and B4 demonstrated the highest total gum yield (251.8a and 147.6a g/tree) at both sites, respectively. At the same time, B0 exhibited the lowest gum arabic yield (97.2c and 38.5b g/tree) at both locations. These findings prove that pruning intensities B3 and B4 are the most effective in promoting gum yield and may enhance the gum productivity of A. senegal trees in northern Jigawa State.

Upgrading of a Senile Peach Orchard Through Different Pruning Intensities (Dehorning) and Nitrogen Application

Upgrading of a Senile Peach Orchard Through Different Pruning Intensities (Dehorning) and Nitrogen Application

Intensidades de poda e volumes de recipiente na produção de mudas avançadas de maracujazeiro-azedo

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the production of advanced seedlings of sour passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims.) in pruning intensities at different volumes of containers. The experiment was carried out in a production nursery, in Pedras Grandes, Santa Catarina state. The experimental design was a randomized block design and the treatments were arranged in a factorial scheme of five pruning intensities (control and pruning from the emission of 2, 4, 6, and 8 defined leaves) x 3 container volumes (1.0; 1.7 and 3.6 liters), with three replications and six plants per plot. The height and number of leaves (NF) of the seedlings were evaluated throughout the experiment and, at the end, the percentage of plants with a twisted root system (PSRE), root volume (VR), root dry mass (MSR), aerial part (MSPA) and total were measured (MST). The control treatment (without pruning) showed greater height, NF, MSPA and MST, regardless of container volume. The production of advanced sour passion fruit seedlings under pruning intensities reduced height, NF, MSPA and MST. Seedlings formed in larger volume containers provided greater height, NF, VR, MSR, MSPA and MST, in addition to the lowest PSRE. Therefore, pruning at an intensity of 6 leaves in a 1.7 liter container is recommended.

Assessing Pruning Intensity to Improve the Tea Productivity in Tropical Plantations by Multispectral Image Classification Model Using K-Means Algorithm

Tea (Camellia sinensis) plays a crucial role in the Indonesian economy, but its production has witnessed a decline over the last two years. The majority of tea plantations in Indonesia have historical roots from the Dutch East Indies colonial government, underscoring the importance of monitoring pruning practices in tea plantation management. However, manual monitoring methods prove ineffective, prompting the exploration of precision farming principles using satellite imagery and machine learning to address this challenge. This study was conducted on a 231-hectare tea plantation south of the Tangkuban Perahu Volcano in West Bandung Regency, Indonesia. Sentinel-2B imagery from June to October 2019-2023 was utilized to calculate Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI) values and assess tea productivity. Employing the K-Means algorithm, productivity values were grouped, and pruning intensity was categorized into three classes, revealing spatial dynamics influencing tea tree productivity. Our results illustrate distinct spatial patterns of pruning intensity across the 231-hectare tea plantation, identifying three classes: less pruned, moderately intensive pruned, and intensively pruned. We show that proposed model of pruning intensity from K-Means algorithm has overall accuracy of 0.57, with highest precision in less pruned class, while the lowest in moderately intensive pruned class. Notably, consistently higher productivity was observed in less pruned tea trees, while an increase in productivity in intensively pruned trees occurred after the second pruning in 2022. These findings highlight the potential of satellite imagery and machine learning for enhancing precision monitoring in tea plantations, offering a practical approach for long-term plantation management. Emphasizing the significance of pruning strategies, our study suggests that optimizing tea productivity amidst environmental and management challenges is achievable through informed monitoring and strategic pruning practices.

Pengaruh Pemberian Pupuk Daun dan Pemangkasan Terhadap Produksi Belimbing (Averhoa carambola L.)

Flower and fruit loss and low fruit quality are complex problems faced in star fruit cultivation. The research aims to determine the effect of pruning twigs and applying foliar fertilizer on plant growth, quantity and quality of fruit. Factorial research using two treatment factors. . Factor I is the type of foliar fertilizer, consisting of D0 = No foliar fertilizer (control), D1 = SB foliar fertilizer (8-20-15), D2 = HP foliar fertilizer (10-40-15), and D3 = DN foliar fertilizer (10-30-37). Factor II is the interval for applying foliar fertilizer, consisting of I1 = once every 7 days interval, I2 = once every 10 days interval, and I3 = once every 14 days interval. The research used plant material of the same age, as replications, groups of plants were used that were differentiated according to the pruning model, namely P0 = Plants that were not pruned as replication I, P1 = Plants that only had their wiwilan branches pruned as replication II, and P2 = Plants that had their branches pruned wiwilan and clustered branches (remaining the good ones) as repetition III. The results showed that application of foliar fertilizer and pruning of branches increased the number of fruit, fruit weight and size of sweet star fruit. Pruning wiwilan branches and reducing clustered branches has the greatest effect on the number of fruit, fruit weight and fruit volume compared to other pruning intensities. The research results can be used as a reference for star fruit farmers in determining maintenance actions, especially in fertilizing and pruning to regulate the canopy. while increasing production.

Leaf Pruning Increased Seed Yield and Leaf Production of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp)

The leaves and pods of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) have potential uses as vegetables. This research aimed to assess the impact on cowpea growth and seed yield through different pruning times, methods, intensities, and their interactions. Conducted at the Cikabayan Experimental Field, IPB University, between April and August 2022, the study employed a randomized complete block design with three factors and three replications. The first factor, pruning time (5 and 7 weeks after planting, WAP), represented vegetative and generative phases. The second factor involved pruning methods (leaf and shoot), while the third focused on pruning intensity (0, 10, 30, and 50% of leaf numbers). This resulted in 16 treatment combinations, replicated three times, yielding 48 experimental plots. Measured variables included pruned leaf count, pruned leaf weight, total leaf count, plant fresh and dry weights, cowpea plant C/N ratio analysis, pod wet and dry weights, pod count, pod length, seeds per pod count, 100-seed weight, dry seed weight per plant, dry seed weight per plot, and cowpea seed productivity. Results highlighted significant effects of pruning time, method, and intensity on leaf count, shoot fresh and dry weights, and C/N ratio of cowpea plants after two weeks of pruning. However, the treatments did not significantly influence cowpea seed yield. Pruning cowpea leaves led to an average pruned leaf weight of 30 g per plant, offering a nutritious vegetable source without compromising cowpea seed yield. These leaves commanded a market price of approximately Rp. 6000 per kg, transforming them into a valuable economic asset when utilized as vegetables, thus contributing to the sale of nutritious food.

Pruning Boosts Growth, Yield, and Fruit Quality of Old Valencia Orange Trees: A Field Study

Pruning is an essential practice that helps control branch growth, optimize fruit size, and enhance fruit tree productivity. This study focused on ‘Valencia’ orange trees, which had experienced a decline in productivity after being cultivated on reclaimed lands for several years. The aim was to explore the impact of pruning intensity on vegetation growth, fruit yield, productivity, and fruit quality in these orange trees. The study involved 35-year-old ‘Valencia’ orange trees, which were subjected to four different levels of pruning. The pruning treatments included: T1—no pruning (control group), T2—light pruning (removal of 25% of main branches), T3—moderate pruning (removal of 50% of main branches), and T4—heavy pruning (removal of 75% of main branches). Each season, these pruning measures were consistently carried out on 15 February. The results indicated that the severity of pruning directly influenced vegetative growth parameters, such as shoot length and leaf area. As the pruning intensity increased, so did the growth of the vegetation. However, the overall volume of the tree’s canopy decreased compared to the control group. These findings provide insights into the relationship between pruning practices and the growth and productivity of ‘Valencia’ orange trees. The highest fruit yields were observed when pruning was carried out at a severity level of 75%, followed by 50 and 25%. These pruning treatments had a positive impact on various aspects of fruit quality, including weight, size, firmness, juice content, TSS (°Brix), TSS/acid ratio, and vitamin C content. Additionally, pruning contributed to a greater fruit yield per tree and an overall increase in the yield percentage. In essence, the findings suggest that pruning performed at different severity levels in February effectively promotes vegetation growth and enhances the physical and chemical properties of ‘Valencia’ orange trees. Notably, it resulted in a nearly 20% rise in fruit yield compared to the control group.

Effects of mechanical box pruning intensity on bud development, vegetative growth, and yield components on cv. Cabernet-Sauvignon in Mendoza, Argentina

Mechanised winter pruning is increasingly being used to reduce the high costs of manual pruning. Mechanised pruning is non-selective, and for its optimal application, the definition of pruning intensity is necessary to achieve the target yield and grape quality. Our objectives were to evaluate the effects of three intensities of mechanical box pruning compared to a manual pruning treatment on spur length, the number of retained buds, budburst, shoot growth, and development; yield components and berry composition, and vine balance. Treatments corresponded to three mechanical pruning intensities leading to different bud loads at the beginning of the experiment by pruning at different distances from the cordon (i.e., box size): MP1 (1 cm height × 7 cm width), MP2 (14 cm × 14 cm), and MP3 (21 cm × 21 cm). MP2 treatment was also compared to a traditional manual pruning treatment (SP) that was pruned to the same bud/plant in the first season. In the first season, MP2 retained the same bud/plant as SP, but in the second and third seasons, MP2 retained 88 % and 100 % more buds/plant than SP, respectively. Accordingly, MP2 and SP showed no difference in yields in the first season, but in the second season, MP2 showed a 39 % higher yield than SP. Regarding the intensity of mechanical pruning, after treatments were applied, the number of retained buds increased as box size increased. Treatments modified the length of spurs, budburst percentage and their pattern. In the first season, the yield on the highest box (MP3) was four times higher than the smallest box (MP1), but they showed similar yields in the second season. The intensity of mechanical box pruning, applied after two seasons, generated regulatory and compensation mechanisms (i.e., lower budburst and cluster weight), leading to similar yields independently of the pruning intensity. Our results show that (i) after two seasons, mechanical pruning was more productive than manual pruning, and (ii) mechanical pruning intensity had a marked influence on yield only during the first year of application, while some compensation mechanisms among yield components equilibrate yield afterwards.

Effects of winter pruning intensity on the interactions between the apple tree and rosy apple aphid Dysaphis plantaginea (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

Effects of winter pruning intensity on the interactions between the apple tree and rosy apple aphid Dysaphis plantaginea (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

Pruning and Fruit Thinning of Psidium guajava cv. Paluma under a Seasonal Tropical Climate

Maintaining the plant architecture of Psidium guajava L. (guava tree) is essential for enhancing capture and distribution in the plant, directly affecting the fruit quality. The lifespan of the harvest period can be extended by proper pruning. Both timeliness and proper pruning play crucial roles in achieving high-quality fruit production and in maintaining a consistent fruit size while stimulating ascorbic acid levels, sugar content, total soluble solids (TSS), and titratable acidity. From this perspective, this study aimed to characterize the influence of different intensities of fruit pruning and thinning on guava trees grown under a seasonal tropical climate in two growing seasons in Currais, Piauí, Brazil. The experiment was set up in a randomized block design with a 3 × 3 × 2 factorial arrangement corresponding to short, medium, and long pruning intensities and 0%, 10%, and 20% thinning intensities during the two growth seasons, respectively. An analysis was performed to discriminate the treatment groups according to the physicochemical variables of the guava tree cv. Paluma and canonical discriminant analysis. There was significant variation in the SS, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, and pH contents. Cluster analysis of all treatments allowed division into five different groups for the two pruning times. Canonical discriminant analysis showed that the first two canonical variables explained 91% of the total variance. The fruits of the second harvest exhibited a lower level of acidity, higher levels of soluble solids, and higher levels of ascorbic acid contents. In addition, these fruits also obtained better nutrient contents. Short pruning with up to 20% thinning, medium pruning with up to 10%, and long pruning without thinning favored better levels of macronutrients and micronutrients and, consequently, better fruit quality. Medium or long pruning with up to 20% thinning resulted in higher average fruit weights and nutrient contents (especially of Fe and Cu), lower acidity, and higher ascorbic acid contents. Thus, in general, the importance of production pruning in guava plants is evidenced and thinning of 20% is recommended to improve the fruit quality.

Rootstocks and twig topping intensity at winter pruning for ‘Maciel’ peach three

Winter pruning has been a common practice in peach. Twig topping has been associated with it, but this practice has been used at the same intensity, regardless of the cultivar. Therefore, this study aimed at evaluating productive behavior and quality of ‘Maciel’ peach grafted on ‘Capdeboscq’ and ‘Okinawa’ (P. persica) as rootstocks, when they were submitted to different twig topping intensities in winter pruning. The following three pruning intensities were evaluated: short pruning, when 2/3 of the productive twig was removed; long pruning, when 1/3 of the twig was removed; and pruning with no topping, when twigs were kept integral. Effective fructification is lower when ‘Maciel’ peach trees are submitted to short pruning, but it leads to fruit with higher weight and flesh firmness, besides larger diameters. Pruning with no twig topping and long pruning increased the fruit number and yield per tree. Not only fruit weight, diameter and soluble solid content, but also yield per tree of ‘Maciel’ peach are affected by ‘Capdeboscq’ and ‘Okinawa’, regardless of the intensity of twig topping throughout pruning. Higher concentration of soluble solids was found in peaches grafted in Okinawa. While the highest production was verified with the use of the ‘Capdeboscq’ rootstock.

Responses of Different Levels of Pruning and Biofertilizer on Fruit Growth and Quality of Assam Lemon [Citrus limon (L.) Burm] under the Foothills of Arunachal Pradesh, India

The present experiment was conducted in the Department of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture and Forestry, Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh, during the year 2021-2022. The trial was laid out using two factorial RBD replicated thrice. Assam lemon trees were pruned at 25% (P1), 50% (P2) from the top apex and soil drenching with Pseudomonas fluorescens @ 90g/plant (B1), Trichoderma @ 90g/plant (B2), Azotobacter @ 15g/plant (B3) and a combination of PGPR (Pseudomonas fluorescens) @ 90g/plant + Trichoderma @ 90g/plant + Azotobacter @ 15g/plant (B4) at two feet away from the tree trunk with the interaction of both factors and were compared with control. The results revealed that the morphological and biochemical characters were significantly affected by high pruning intensity (50%) and biofertilizers treatment B4 (Pseudomonas fluorescens @ 90g/plant + Trichoderma @ 90g/plant + Azotobacter @ 15g/plant) and their combinations. It was concluded that the treatment P2B4 pruning 50% + Pseudomonas fluorescens @ 90g/plant + Trichoderma @ 90g/plant + Azotobacter @ 15g/plant in Assam lemon were vital for fruit morphological and biochemical characteristics.

Growth Response of Trees with Different Growth Statuses to Pruning on a Pinus massoniana Lamb. Plantation

Pruning is an important technique in culturing good knot-free timber. However, to make more accurate pruning plans, it is necessary to consider the growing status of trees and set reasonable pruning intensities based on this. In a seven-year-old Pinus massoniana Lamb. plantation, we carried out pruning twice with a time interval of two years. The treatments included one unpruned treatment (CK) and five pruned treatments (from P1 to P5, representing the live branch height being kept at 68%, 55%, 60%, 55% and 45% of the tree height). CK, P1 and P2 were conducted in the first pruning in March 2019, and the remaining treatments were conducted in the second pruning in January 2021. The growth investigations were carried out in March 2019, December 2019, December 2020 and December 2021. Another investigation was carried out only for the measurement of live branch heights and crown widths in January 2021 just after the second pruning. The results showed that pruning resulted in a 15.08% to 60.62% increase in diameter growth and an 10.28% to 29.87% increase in volume growth. The stem form was also improved. Significant differences were recorded in live branch heights after green pruning but gradually recovered to the same level in two years by branch senescence. Pruning also resulted in a faster extension of the crown width with an enlarged growing space by the removal of green branches. We highlighted that trees with different growth statuses responded differently to pruning intensities: trees of weak growth statuses grew better under a light pruning intensity, while those with a strong growth status grew better under a severe pruning intensity. Overall, for the seven-year-old young mason pine plantation, keeping four rounds of branches in trees with diameters of less than 8 cm and keeping three rounds of branches in trees with diameters of more than 8 cm were appropriate measures.