Pruning System Research Articles

A modification in an open centre training system for increasing the crotch angles of peach scaffold branches

One-year-old ‘Florida Prince’ cultivar peach trees grafted on a ‘Nemaguard’ rootstock were planted in the early spring of 2018 at the Centre of Agricultural Research and Experiments, Minia University, located in southwest Egypt. The trees were planted 5 × 5 m in a randomised complete block design with four replicates, with ten trees in each replicate. In the late spring, two different pruning systems were applied; traditional open centre (OC) and de-branched top trees (DBT). The OC trees were headed at 80 cm above the ground. DBT is a modification of the OC, but no heading was undertaken and the new shoot growth arising from the 20 cm at the top of the plant were removed. Before the winter pruning took place, measurements were taken on the upper two opposite branches. The average length and diameter values of the upper two opposite branches at the top of the trees trained to the OC were higher than those trained with the DBT. In contrast, the distance between the upper two branches (25 cm) at the top of the DBT trees was significantly higher. Likewise, the values of the crotch angles (48°) and the number of branches (81 of 100 branches) that showed desired crotch angles (more than 40°) were remarkably higher in the trees trained with the DBT. After the winter pruning took place, the DBT trees were higher than the OC trees. Additionally, the trees trained with the DBT had low pruning costs and took less time. Moreover, the pruning wood weight of the DBT trees was about half of the pruning wood weight of the OC trees. In conclusion, the DBT training system showed the desired impact on the crotch angles and the tested pruning characteristics.

Fig tree phenology, thermal sum, and productivity in intensive pruning system in two crop cycles in the semiarid region of Piauí

Fig tree phenology, thermal sum, and productivity in intensive pruning system in two crop cycles in the semiarid region of Piauí

The unique and extreme vineyards of Santorini Island (Cyclades)

Own-rooted and phylloxera-free vines have been cultivated on the volcanic soil of Santorini for thousands of years. All this time, vines have been cultivated by using two traditional training systems, the ‘Κouloura’, and the ‘Κladeftiko’, which are well-adapted to the specific climatic conditions of the island. This first report aims to share the scarce existing knowledge on Santorini’s training and pruning systems, looking at some important quantitative and qualitative ripening parameters over four consecutive seasons (2017-2020) and revealing similarities regarding their adaptation to climate conditions on the island.

Training grapevines generates a metabolomic signature of wine

Training systems are an option to handle the pronounced apical dominance of grapevines and to influence diverse traits of the corresponding wine. However, it is still unclear if different training systems generate signatures in the metabolome of the wine. By an untargeted metabolomics approach using (SPME) GC–MS wine (volatiles) and leaves were evaluated. Different training directions such as vertical shoot positioning systems, hanging shoot systems, and minimal pruning systems were distinguishable in wine. It was shown, that different training systems generate a metabolomic signature in the wine which was more pronounced than in leaves. Moreover, the sensory analysis showed some changes in the aroma of the different training systems. Thus, the influence of the training system ranges from the leaf metabolome to the wine metabolome.

Productivity of ‘Robusta’ coffee trees in response to different pruning systems in an acid upland soil

Productivity of ‘Robusta’ coffee trees in response to different pruning systems in an acid upland soil

Peach: costs analysis and crop profitability in Uruguay

Peach crop area in Uruguay has seen a reduction over the last years. A possible reason for this is a decrease in return. Consequently, this paper aims at studying whether or not peach growing is a profitable activity for growers. Data supporting this study came from Mercado Modelo of Montevideo and the Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries. Results show that higher productivity in early harvested peaches is necessary to meet the break-even point. Indeed, current cultivar assortment in Uruguay, according to harvest period, prevents peach from being a profitable activity. Consequently, improvements are suggested in order to increase returns. That is the case of selecting cultivars with high production per hectare along with high quality characteristics. In addition, fruit thinning times and methods as well as number of pickings during the harvest season should be revised in order to decrease harvest costs. Furthermore, peach growers should choose technologies that allow an increase of labor efficiency in pruning, thinning and harvest. Therefore, higher number of plants by hectare should be fostered along with implementing training and pruning systems that reduce final size of plants. All the mentioned adjustments would help to decrease costs of production.

Manipulation of chili plant architecture to enhance productivity and pests control

Pruning of chili pepper caused changes in the plant architecture affecting the management practices, both resulted in greater fruit production and controlled pest population. The present study was aimed to evaluate the effects of different pruning systems on yield and pests abundance in chili pepper (cv. Mega Top F1). The experiment was conducted in a farmer’s field at Banyuresmi District, Garut, West Java (850 m asl) from June, 2018 to January, 2019. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications. The treatments consists of five pruning treatments including a control where no plants were pruned. The results showed that different type of pruning affected growth, yield and pests abudance on chili. Treatments with two branches remaining and shoot pruning/pinching in the nursery significantly affected the plant growth with maximum yield (16.47 tonha−1). Pruning significantly affected fruit yield from 19.87 - 30.92% and reduced the population of several pests, such as T. parvispinus, B. tabaci and S. litura up to 13.33 – 88.01%. Pruning induced the plants to have wider architecture and this could be practiced to increase the quality yield of chili pepper.

Effect of the Pruning System and P-Fertilizer on Growth and Productivity of Rosa damascena mill. var.

GETTING the highest flower yield with high-quality volatile oil of Rosa damascena Miller var. trigintipetala Dieck through good agricultural practices is one of the main challenges for oil production. Despite the critical role of pruning and P-fertilizer which strongly improve the flower productivity, their impacts on growth, flower yield, volatile oil and some physiological and biochemical processes are still poorly investigated on damask rose. Thus, in this experiment, two pruning levels i.e. 80 and 100cm from ground level and three rates of P-fertilizer (0, 15 and 30kg P2O5 ha-1, respectively) were examined. The tallest plants were observed in response to the combined treatment of pruning level at 100 cm and P-fertilizer at 30kg ha-1. However application of the same P-fertlizer level with pruning at 80 cm resulted in the highest new shoots number/hill, flower yield components, oil content, relative water content, chlorophyll content, stomatal conductance, total soluble sugars, and N, P and K percentages relative to the other treatments. The flower yield was increased by 23.52% when plants pruned at 80cm and fertilized with P at 30kg ha-1 compared to the pruning at 100cm withought P addition. Decreasing pruning level and increasing P-fertilizer enhanced the protein content while reduced the free amino acids content. Conclusevelly, to obtain higher flower yield and volatile oil productivity, pruning damask rose plants at 80cm and P-fetilizet at 30kg ha-1 is recommended.

The Effects of Different Planting Densities and Pruning Methods on Changes of Endogenous Hormone Levels in Shoot Tips and Flowering in ‘Gemlik’ Olive Cultivar

Olive cultivation tends to adopt new planting density and pruning systems in domestic olive types in Turkey. The effect of different planting densities and pruning types on the changes of some endogenous plant hormones in shoot tips and flowering in ‘Gemlik’ olive cultivar was studied. The two-year-old seedlings were planted at 5 × 5 m, 4 × 3 m and 4 × 1.5 m densities, and were pruned as either open vase or vertical axe styles in addition to unpruned control. The shoots were taken monthly during the two successive years for hormone analysis. The levels of ABA, IAA, GA3 and Z were determined in the shoot tips. GA3 was determined to be the highest on each month whereas Z was the lowest in shoot tip samples at most of the sampling dates. Pruning types affected ABA, GA3 and IAA, but not Z levels. Planting densities had significant effect on endogenous ABA and GA3 content. There were important differences among monthly levels of ABA, GA3, IAA, and Z. In the first year, IAA and Z content in shoot tips were higher than that of in the second year, whereas ABA level was lower in the first year. GA3 was not changed in both years. Results show that planting density, pruning style, and monthly and yearly changes in endogenous level of hormones in shoot tips play significant effect on phenological development and flowering in ‘Gemlik olive’ cultivar. High planting density reduced juvenility period and induced flower formation in olive.

Mechanical pruning and soil organic amendments in vineyards of Syrah: effects on grape composition

Aim: The interaction of mechanized pruning systems and soil organic amendment can increase vine productivity. However, since the increase in productivity may affect grape composition, this study aimed to understand the effects of the interaction between these two practices.Methods and materials: Two field trials were implemented in Shiraz vineyards in two different wine regions. Mechanical hedge pruning was compared with hand spur pruning and four different organic amendments were tested: biochar, municipal solid waste compost, cattle manure and sewage sludge.Results: Mechanical pruning reduced the total soluble solids (TSS) and pH of the grapes, but had no effects on the other variables. Organic amendments also reduced TSS, especially sewage sludge, and tended to reduce total anthocyanins and total phenols. The effect of the interaction between both factors on grape composition was never significant. A negative relationship between yield and TSS was observed, while titratable acidity had no relationship with yield. Total anthocyanins were also negatively related to yield. A positive relation between TSS and total anthocyanins was also observed.Conclusions: The results show that the combination of mechanical pruning and soil organic amendment is a powerful tool for increasing productivity, but it has some effects on grape composition.Significance and impact of study: The reduction in some fruit composition variables showed that, while mechanical pruning does not significantly affect grape composition, the choice of type and amount of organic amendment will depend on the destination of the grapes.

Effects of Earthing up and Pruning Systems on Yield and Net Economic Benefit of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicon)

Tomato is a popular and extensively cultivated vegetable among the promising commodities in horticultural production in Kenya. It provides a wide variety of nutrients with many health-related benefits. Despite the importance, its yield and net economic benefits is limited by the cultural practices applied by farmers. There is limited knowledge on the effect of integrating pruning and earthing up on tomato yield and net economic benefit. This study investigated the effect of integration of pruning and earthing up on the growth and yield of tomatoes. A split-plot experimental design, arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design, with three replications was used. The study investigated two factors i.e. pruning system in the main plot (single stem, double stem, and triple stem) and earthing up in sub-plots. (0 cm, 10 cm, 20 cm, and 30 cm). Fruit yield data was taken after each harvest. Data were analysed using SAS version 9.4 and significant means were separated using the least significant difference at α = .05. The findings of the study revealed that earthing up and pruning system had a significant (p ˂ .05) effect on tomato yield and net economic benefit. Triple stem pruning system, earthing up to 30 cm had the highest fruit yield with 21.82 tonnes/hectare in cultivation 1 and 21.84 tonnes/hectare in cultivation 2. The findings also revealed that triple stem pruning system, earthing up to 30 cm had the highest net economic benefit per hectare in both cultivation 1 and cultivation 2. To improve tomato yield and consequently improve net economic benefit, farmers are encouraged to consider triple stem pruning system and earthing up to level 30 cm.

Mechanical pruning and soil organic amendments in vineyards of ‘Syrah’: effects on wine mineral composition

The interaction of mechanized pruning systems and soil organic amendment can affect vine vegetative and reproductive growth. However, since organic amendments supply several mineral elements, namely heavy metals, this study aimed to understand the effects of the interaction between these two practices on the mineral composition of wine. Two field trials were implemented in ‘Syrah’ vineyards in two Portuguese wine regions (Lisboa and Tejo). Mechanical hedge pruning was compared with hand spur pruning and four different organic amendments were tested: biochar, municipal solid waste compost, cattle manure and sewage sludge. The nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) wine contents were significantly reduced by mechanical pruning while calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) contents were tendentially higher in this pruning system. Mechanical pruning also reduced the content of some minor elements, such as arsenic (As), molybdenum (Mo) and nickel (Ni). In 2014, the year with the higher reproductive growth, some other elements also decreased as a consequence of the mechanical pruning (gallium - Ga; lithium – Li; rubidium - Rb, thallium – Tl; yttrium - Y). Concerning the organic amendments, sewage sludge was associated with the wines with the lowest P and iron (Fe) content. Ca content was tendentially higher in municipal solid waste compost and sewage sludge treatments. Mechanical pruning and organic amendments had different effects on the mineral composition of wine, according to each specific element. However, the legal limits, recommended by OIV and established by European Union, as well as the technical limits, adopted by winemakers, were never exceeded and the interaction of both practices does not seem to be a problem in what concerns to the mineral composition of the produced wines.

Pruning, training system, and climate conditions for the perennial cultivation of physalis

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of pruning and training system type on the agronomic performance of the perennial cultivation of physalis (Physalis peruviana), in high-altitude tropical and humid temperate regions in Southeastern Brazil. The experiments were carried out in the municipalities of Diamantina (humid temperate climate) and Couto de Magalhães de Minas (high-altitude tropical climate), both in the state of Minas Gerais, in two cycles (2017/2018 and 2018/2019). In the first cycle, two types of training system were evaluated, one with formation pruning to define the number of stems for espalier training and the other free (without pruning and espalier). In the second cycle, renewal pruning was evaluated in each training system. Physalis cultivation in regions with humid temperate climate and mild temperatures favors high yields and large fruits. The training system in espalier with formation pruning facilitates plant management and increases productivity. The viability of the perennial cultivation of physalis varies according to the climatic conditions of the cultivation site and to the training system adopted.

Investigation of Branch Accessibility with a Robotic Pruner for Pruning Apple Trees

HighlightsA branch accessibility simulation was performed for robotic pruning of apple trees.A virtual tree environment was established using a kinematic manipulator model and an obstacle model.Rapidly-exploring random tree (RRT) was combined with smoothing and optimization for improved path planning.Effects on RRT path planning of the approach angle of the end-effector and cutter orientation at the target were studied.Abstract. Robotic pruning is a potential solution to reduce orchard labor and associated costs. Collision-free path planning of the manipulator is essential for successful robotic pruning. This simulation study investigated the collision-free branch accessibility of a six rotational (6R) degrees of freedom (DoF) robotic manipulator with a shear cutter end-effector. A virtual environment with a simplified tall spindle tree canopy was established in MATLAB. An obstacle-avoidance algorithm, rapidly-exploring random tree (RRT), was implemented for establishing collision-free paths to reach the target pruning points. In addition, path smoothing and optimization algorithms were used to reduce the path length and calculate the optimized path. Two series of simulations were conducted: (1) performance and comparison of the RRT algorithm with and without smoothing and optimization, and (2) performance of collision-free path planning considering different approach poses of the end-effector relative to the target branch. The simulations showed that the RRT algorithm successfully avoided obstacles and allowed the manipulator to reach the target point with 23 s average path finding time. The RRT path length was reduced by about 28% with smoothing and by 25% with optimization. The RRT smoothing algorithm generated the shortest path lengths but required about 1 to 3 s of additional computation time. The lowest coefficient of variation and standard deviation values were found for the optimization method, which confirmed the repeatability of the method. Considering the different end-effector approach poses, the simulations suggested that successfully finding a collision-free path was possible for branches with no existing path using the ideal (perpendicular cutter) approach pose. This study provides a foundation for future work on the development of robotic pruning systems. Keywords: Agricultural robotics, Collision-free path, Manipulator, Path planning, Robotic pruning, Virtual tree environment.

МОДУЛЬНАЯ МАШИНА ДЛЯ РОЗОВОДСТВА

The cultivation of oil-bearing roses requires signifi cant labor and energy resources. The research aims to develop a multifunctional farm implement to mechanize technological operations in rose-growing on small and medium-sized farms. The modular farm implement includes a platform-type base module. Depending on the technological operation performed, it incorporates a spraying system, pneumatic pruning system, side panels, or two workplaces for rose pickers. Using computer simulation with a simulation model created using the “Solid Works” software package, the author determined the profi les and the type of materials for the base module production. Graphoanalytical models help establish the parameters of the other modules of the modular machine. The conducted experimental tests proved the constructive strength of the technical solutions and the functional suitability of the modular machine. It was found that in oil-bearing rose plantations, the farm implement performs spraying at the consumption rates of 300…400 l/ha for treatment of the soil surface area under the rose bushes and 1000 l/ha and more for disease and pest control, foliar feeding, and other activities. The variant of the modular machine for selective pruning is ergonomic and effi cient at a maximum cut diameter of up to 25 mm and pressure in the tractor pneumatic system between 0.3…0.73 MPa. The highest eff ect of mechanized oil-bearing rose harvesting with the modular machine could be achieved in well-maintained plantations. The optimal height of the bushes should be 1.5…1.6 m, and the operation should be performed in the period of active fl owering (after 4-5 years of planting or rejuvenation). It is also possible to use the modular machine for transportation purposes. Experimental tests of the developed modular machine for oil-bearing rose production proved the constructive strength of the technical solutions and its functional

Effects of Earthing up and Pruning Systems on Growth and Yield of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicon.)

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicon) is an important crop cultivated and consumed worldwide. It provides wide variety of nutrients with many health-related benefits like, protection against cancer, maintains blood pressure and reduces blood glucose level in people with diabetes. Despite the importance of tomato, its growth and yield is limited by choice of cultural practices mainly earthing up and pruning system. There is also limited knowledge on the effect of integrating pruning and earthing up on tomato growth and yield. This study investigated the effect of integration of pruning and earthing up on the growth and yield of tomato. A split-plot experimental design, arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design, with three replications was used. The study investigated two factors i.e. pruning system in the main plot (single stem, double stem, and triple stem) and earthing up in sub-plots. (0 cm, 10 cm, 20 cm, and 30 cm. The findings of the study revealed that earthing up and pruning system had a significant (p ˂ .05) effect on plant height and stem girth diameter at 45, 52, and 59 days after transplanting. The single stem pruning system and earthing up to 30 cm gave the tallest plant height with an average plant height of 69.80 cm in cultivation 1 and 71.50 cm in cultivation 2. Single stem pruning system and earthing up to 30 cm gave the largest stem girth diameter with mean stem girth diameter of 2.16 cm in cultivation 1 and 2.25 cm in cultivation 2. Triple stem pruning system, earthing up to 30 cm recorded the highest number of marketable fruits with 64500 fruits/hectare in cultivation 1 and 64333 fruits/hectare in cultivation 2. To improve tomato growth and development which consequently improves marketable yields, farmers are encouraged to consider triple stem pruning system with earthing up to level 30 cm.

Cladode Pruning Affects Yield and Fruit Quality of ‘Roja Lisa’ Cactus Pear [Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill.]: A Preliminary Study

Aims: This study assessed the initial effect of experimental pruning (EP) or grower’s pruning (GP) of cactus pear fruiting cladodes on fruit yield (FY), fruit size distribution (FSD), and fruit quality (FQ) at harvest and after storage.
 Study Design: Treatments were arranged in a completely randomized design with eight or ten replicates, with a single plant as replicate, for EP or GP, respectively.
 Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was set up in a drip-irrigated commercial orchard of ‘Roja Lisa’ cactus pear [O. ficus-indica (L.) Mill.] plants located at Santa Fe, Jerez, Zacatecas, México, from February to August 2006.
 Methodology: The EP considered two agronomic practices: 1) exposing the center of each plant while eliminating unproductive cladodes and those shading other cladodes and 2) concentrating fruiting cladodes in the outer part of the plants. The GP randomly eliminated some cladodes from the central part and around the plants only. Treatments were arranged in a completely randomized design with eight or ten replicates, with a single plant as replicate, for EP or GP, respectively. The response variables were: FY, FSD, and FQ at harvest and after storage. The FQ attributes were: mean fruit mass (MFM), flesh firmness (FF), total soluble solids concentration, pulp and peel mass, dry matter concentration, and fruit water loss (FWL) during storage.
 Results: EP increased MFM by 42% over GP and produced 15% more marketable fruit (fruit equatorial diameter from 5.0 to 7.0 cm), but FY was reduced by 39%. The FF was higher in EP fruit than GP fruit after storage. The other FQ attributes were similar in both pruning treatments, both at harvest and after three weeks at room temperature. The FWL was also similar under both pruning systems. More targeted pruning has the potential to increase the productivity of cactus pear orchards.
 Conclusion: Experimental pruning increased fruit size and the percentage of commercial fruit, but reduced both overall and commercial fruit yields. After three-week storage at room temperature, flesh firmness remained greater in EP fruit. Fruit water loss was not influenced by pruning treatments during the storage.

Winter Pruning: Effect on Root Density, Root Distribution and Root/Canopy Ratio in Vitis vinifera cv. Pinot Gris

As in any other plant, the grapevine roots play a vital role in terms of anchorage, uptake of water and nutrients, as well as storage and production of chemicals. Their behaviour and development depend on various factors, namely rootstock genetics, soil physical and chemical features, and field agronomic practices. Canopy management, involving techniques such as defoliation and pruning, could greatly influence root growth. To date, most of the studies on grapevine winter pruning have focused on the effects on yield and quality of the grapes achievable through different pruning systems and techniques, while knowledge regarding root distribution, development, and growth in relation to winter pruning is still not completely understood. In this context, the purpose of our study was to investigate the effect of winter pruning on the root system of field-grown Vitis vinifera cv. Pinot Gris grafted onto rootstock SO4. We compared two pruning treatments (pruned-P and no pruned-NP) and analysed the effect on root distribution and density, the root index, and the root sugar reserve. Root data were analysed in relation to canopy growth and yield, to elucidate the effect of winter pruning on the root/yield ratio. Our data indicated that: (1) winter pruning stimulated the root growth and distribution; (2) canopy development was not negatively affected by this technique; (3) no pruned treatment produced less growth of the roots but a larger canopy. Information regarding both root growth and root canopy ratio is important as it gives us an understanding of the relationship between the aerial and subterranean parts of the plant, how they compete, and finally, offers us the possibility to ponder on the cultural practices.

Mechanical Pruning and Soil Fertilization with Distinct Organic Amendments in Vineyards of Syrah: Effects on Vegetative and Reproductive Growth

The effects of fully mechanized pruning systems on physiology, vigor and yield of grapevines have been studied for more than forty years and are an interesting way to reduce production costs. Organic amending of vineyard soil is a way to increase vine productivity. Thus, this study aims to understand the effects of the interaction between these two practices, on vine growth and productivity. Two trial fields were implemented on Shiraz vineyards in 2 different wine regions. Mechanical hedge pruning was compared with hand spur pruning and four different organic amendments were tested: biochar; municipal solid waste compost; cattle manure; sewage sludge. Mechanical pruning and organic amendments, by themselves, did not significantly increase yield. However, the interaction between both factors reduced the impact of self-regulation mechanisms (budburst, bud fruitfulness and cluster weight) in mechanical pruning and successfully increased yield, without decreasing vegetative growth. The effects of mechanical pruning with the application of organic amendments to soil on yield is significant and, thereby, the choice of the organic amendment and its amount, must be done considering the destiny of produced grapes.

Manejo da poda de videira ‘Marselan’ na Serra do Sudeste no Sul do Brasil

O comportamento agronômico da videira ‘Marselan’, indicada para a produção de vinhos finos de qualidade, está relacionado ao manejo do vinhedo e às condições edafoclimáticas da região de cultivo. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o comportamento vegetativo, produtivo e qualitativo de videiras da cultivar ‘Marselan’ submetidas ao sistema de poda em Cordão Esporonado duplo e a poda Guyot duplo, cultivadas em município pertencente a Serra do Sudeste, RS. As videiras ‘Marselan’ foram conduzidas em espaldeira sobre porta-enxerto ‘Paulsen 1103’, em um vinhedo comercial, em Encruzilhada do Sul, RS, Brasil. Durante os ciclos de produção de 2016/2017 e 2017/2018 foram avaliados o vigor vegetativo, massa de ramos podados, Índice de Ravaz, produção e composição físico química do mosto. O sistema de poda Guyot duplo nas videiras ‘Marselan’ induziu menor vigor das plantas, promoveu aumento do número de cachos por planta, da massa dos cachos, da produção e da produtividade. O tipo de poda interfere no vigor e na produtividade das uvas ‘Marselan’ sem alterar a qualidade do mosto. No manejo da cv. ‘Marselan’ na Serra do Sudeste no Sul do Brasil o sistema de poda Guyot é o mais indicado.