canopy management in fruit crops - Department of Agriculture & Co ...
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CANOPY MANAGEMENT<br />
IN<br />
FRUIT CROPS<br />
DR GORAKH SINGH<br />
HORTICULTURE COMMISSIONER<br />
PRACTICAL MANUAL<br />
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE & COOPERATION<br />
MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE<br />
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA<br />
NEW DELHI 110 001
First edition, January 2010<br />
Published by<br />
<strong>Department</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Agriculture</strong> & <strong>Co</strong>operation<br />
M<strong>in</strong>istry <strong>of</strong> <strong>Agriculture</strong><br />
Government <strong>of</strong> India<br />
Krishi Bhavan<br />
New Delhi - 110 001<br />
© Publisher<br />
All Rights Reserved<br />
Bibliographic Citation<br />
S<strong>in</strong>gh, Gorakh (2010). Practical Manual on Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops<br />
<strong>Co</strong>ver design<br />
Dr Gorakh S<strong>in</strong>gh
<strong>Co</strong>ntents<br />
Foreword ........................................................................................................................... i<br />
Preface............................................................................................................................. iii<br />
Introduction ...................................................................................................................... 1<br />
Pr<strong>in</strong>ciples <strong>of</strong> Canopy Management .................................................................................. 3<br />
Objectives <strong>of</strong> Prun<strong>in</strong>g ....................................................................................................... 4<br />
1. Almond.......................................................................................................................<br />
5<br />
2. Aonla .......................................................................................................................... 6<br />
3. Apple .......................................................................................................................... 9<br />
4. Apricot......................................................................................................................<br />
13<br />
5. Avocado....................................................................................................................<br />
15<br />
6. Bael...........................................................................................................................<br />
16<br />
7. Banana......................................................................................................................<br />
17<br />
8. Ber ............................................................................................................................ 18<br />
9. Carambola ................................................................................................................ 20<br />
10. Cashew ..................................................................................................................... 21<br />
11. Cherry.......................................................................................................................<br />
27<br />
12. Citrus ........................................................................................................................ 28<br />
(i) Grape<strong>fruit</strong> .................................................................................................................. 29<br />
(ii) Lemon ....................................................................................................................... 29<br />
(iii) Lime ......................................................................................................................... 31<br />
(iv) Mandar<strong>in</strong> ................................................................................................................. 32<br />
(v) Sweet Orange ............................................................................................................ 33<br />
13. <strong>Co</strong>coa........................................................................................................................<br />
34<br />
14. Custard apple ........................................................................................................... 35<br />
15. Durian.......................................................................................................................<br />
36<br />
iii
16. Egg <strong>fruit</strong> .................................................................................................................... 36<br />
17. Fig ............................................................................................................................. 37<br />
18. Grape........................................................................................................................<br />
39<br />
19. Guava........................................................................................................................<br />
42<br />
20. Jack<strong>fruit</strong> .................................................................................................................... 46<br />
21. Jamun ....................................................................................................................... 47<br />
22. Karonda .................................................................................................................... 47<br />
23. Kiwi<strong>fruit</strong> .................................................................................................................... 48<br />
24. Litchi ......................................................................................................................... 51<br />
25. Loquat ...................................................................................................................... 53<br />
26. Macadamia...............................................................................................................<br />
54<br />
27. Mahua ...................................................................................................................... 54<br />
28. Mango ...................................................................................................................... 55<br />
29. Mangosteen ............................................................................................................. 60<br />
30. Olive ......................................................................................................................... 61<br />
31. Passion<strong>fruit</strong>...............................................................................................................<br />
62<br />
32. Peach ........................................................................................................................ 63<br />
33. Pear .......................................................................................................................... 65<br />
34. Pecan nut..................................................................................................................<br />
67<br />
35. Persimmon ............................................................................................................... 67<br />
36. Phalsa ....................................................................................................................... 68<br />
37. Plum ......................................................................................................................... 69<br />
38. Pomegranate ............................................................................................................ 71<br />
39. Rambutan.................................................................................................................<br />
72<br />
40. Sapota.......................................................................................................................<br />
73<br />
41. Strawberry................................................................................................................<br />
74<br />
42. Walnut......................................................................................................................<br />
75<br />
iv
Vh- uUn dqekj] vkbZ-,-,llfpo<br />
T. Nanda Kumar, I.A.S<br />
Secretary<br />
Foreword<br />
The productivity <strong>of</strong> <strong>fruit</strong> <strong>crops</strong> depends on several factors, poor <strong>management</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>canopy</strong><br />
architecture be<strong>in</strong>g the most important one. In fact, <strong>fruit</strong><strong>in</strong>g potential <strong>of</strong> the trees is<br />
largely governed by their architecture, <strong>canopy</strong> density and photosynthetic efficiency. Canopy<br />
<strong>management</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>fruit</strong> <strong>crops</strong> deals with the development and ma<strong>in</strong>tenance <strong>of</strong> their structure<br />
<strong>in</strong> relation to the size and shape for maximum productivity with quality <strong>fruit</strong>s. Tree <strong>canopy</strong><br />
<strong>management</strong>, especially size control, has become a priority for reduc<strong>in</strong>g production cost and<br />
<strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g <strong>fruit</strong> yield and quality. Canopy design and shape <strong>in</strong>fluence light <strong>in</strong>terception with<br />
assured higher monetary returns to <strong>fruit</strong> growers. Therefore, early height control and tree<br />
<strong>canopy</strong> <strong>management</strong> are important techniques which should be practised <strong>in</strong> <strong>fruit</strong> <strong>crops</strong> for<br />
higher returns to growers.<br />
Hkkjr ljdkj<br />
Ñf"k ea=kky;<br />
Ñf"k ,oa lgdkfjrk foHkkx<br />
Government <strong>of</strong> India<br />
M<strong>in</strong>istry <strong>of</strong> <strong>Agriculture</strong><br />
<strong>Department</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Agriculture</strong> & <strong>Co</strong>operation<br />
I am happy that National Horticulture Mission and Technology Mission for Integrated<br />
Development <strong>of</strong> Horticulture <strong>in</strong> North-Eastern and Himalayan States have provided the<br />
necessary impetus to area expansion under <strong>fruit</strong> and plantation <strong>crops</strong>. However, there<br />
appears to be a miss<strong>in</strong>g l<strong>in</strong>k <strong>in</strong> the package <strong>of</strong> practices to ensure healthy development <strong>of</strong><br />
trees for susta<strong>in</strong>able production. The orchards/plantations s<strong>in</strong>ce their establishment need<br />
regular and scientific <strong>canopy</strong> <strong>management</strong> to facilitate proper development <strong>of</strong> strong upright<br />
framework <strong>of</strong> trees with outwardly spread<strong>in</strong>g <strong>canopy</strong>. Generally, farmers are not aware <strong>of</strong> the<br />
importance <strong>of</strong> tree architecture and <strong>canopy</strong> <strong>management</strong>, as well as their related techniques.<br />
As a result, a majority <strong>of</strong> trees atta<strong>in</strong> tall or curved growth structure and <strong>canopy</strong> marked with<br />
criss cross branches, lead<strong>in</strong>g to a dense vegetative growth with very poor <strong>in</strong>filtration rate <strong>of</strong><br />
v
active radiation. Such conditions not only affect the photosynthetic rate but also facilitate<br />
proliferation <strong>of</strong> pests. <strong>Co</strong>nsequently, for want <strong>of</strong> due care <strong>of</strong> tree <strong>canopy</strong> architecture and<br />
pressures <strong>of</strong> pest abundance and poor photosynthetic efficiency over the years, the trees<br />
turn senile (unproductive). The development <strong>of</strong> unproductive orchards <strong>in</strong> vast stretch <strong>in</strong> <strong>fruit</strong><br />
belts has become a common sight. There is a great concern as they have a tell<strong>in</strong>g impact on<br />
socio-economic condition as well as livelihood status <strong>of</strong> farmers <strong>in</strong> the country.<br />
vi<br />
<strong>Co</strong>nsider<strong>in</strong>g the severity <strong>of</strong> problem <strong>of</strong> <strong>in</strong>creased acreage <strong>of</strong> such senile orchards, emphasis<br />
is laid upon <strong>canopy</strong> <strong>management</strong> and tree architectural eng<strong>in</strong>eer<strong>in</strong>g, and <strong>management</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
orchards right from their establishment stage. The advantage with this technology is that every<br />
<strong>in</strong>dividual tree <strong>in</strong> the orchard is subject to proper care for development <strong>of</strong> ideal architecture<br />
with outward spread <strong>of</strong> <strong>canopy</strong> to facilitate more penetration <strong>of</strong> active radiation <strong>in</strong> <strong>canopy</strong>,<br />
thus enhanc<strong>in</strong>g the photosynthetic efficiency and yield. Besides, tree growth is regulated<br />
to manageable height which makes it amenable to pesticidal spray, tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g and prun<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong><br />
branches, and also harvest<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> <strong>fruit</strong>s. A sound architecture <strong>of</strong> trees with open and outward<br />
spread <strong>canopy</strong> is critical for healthy plantation for susta<strong>in</strong>able <strong>fruit</strong> production.<br />
I am happy to note that, this practical manual on Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops will<br />
serve the purpose for a wider dissem<strong>in</strong>ation <strong>of</strong> related <strong>in</strong>formation to the target audience. It<br />
is high time to adopt scientific <strong>canopy</strong> <strong>management</strong> as an important component <strong>in</strong> package <strong>of</strong><br />
cultural practices <strong>of</strong> orchard <strong>management</strong> to promote desired tree <strong>canopy</strong>, s<strong>in</strong>ce establishment<br />
<strong>of</strong> the orchards. I compliment Dr Gorakh S<strong>in</strong>gh, Horticulture <strong>Co</strong>mmissioner, for br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g out this<br />
publication timely which will be beneficial to all those engaged <strong>in</strong> cultivation <strong>of</strong> <strong>fruit</strong> <strong>crops</strong>.<br />
(T. Nanda Kumar)
xksj[k flag<br />
ckxokuh vk;qDr<br />
Gorakh S<strong>in</strong>gh<br />
Horticulture <strong>Co</strong>mmissioner<br />
Preface<br />
India is endowed with vary<strong>in</strong>g climatic conditions, provid<strong>in</strong>g ample opportunities for the<br />
development <strong>of</strong> <strong>fruit</strong> <strong>in</strong>dustry. In the era <strong>of</strong> open economy, it has become <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>gly<br />
necessary that our produce is competitive, both <strong>in</strong> the domestic as well as <strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>ternational<br />
markets. This demands <strong>in</strong>fusion <strong>of</strong> technology for an efficient utilization <strong>of</strong> resources for<br />
deriv<strong>in</strong>g higher output per unit <strong>of</strong> <strong>in</strong>put with excellent quality <strong>of</strong> the produce. This would<br />
be possible only through deployment <strong>of</strong> high-tech application and precision farm<strong>in</strong>g<br />
methods.<br />
Canopy <strong>management</strong> has attracted the attention <strong>of</strong> developed countries for <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
productivity and quality <strong>of</strong> <strong>fruit</strong>s. The concept <strong>of</strong> tree <strong>canopy</strong> <strong>management</strong> is not so popular<br />
s<strong>in</strong>ce <strong>in</strong>ception <strong>of</strong> orchard establishment needs appropriate attention to achieve higher yield<br />
with quality <strong>fruit</strong>s <strong>in</strong> a given time.<br />
Hkkjr ljdkj<br />
Ñf"k ea=kky;<br />
Ñf"k ,oa lgdkfjrk foHkkx<br />
Government <strong>of</strong> India<br />
M<strong>in</strong>istry <strong>of</strong> <strong>Agriculture</strong><br />
<strong>Department</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Agriculture</strong> & <strong>Co</strong>operation<br />
The <strong>canopy</strong> development <strong>in</strong> perennial <strong>fruit</strong> <strong>crops</strong> has a seasonal and lifetime development<br />
pattern. The sum <strong>of</strong> development over <strong>in</strong>dividual season results <strong>in</strong> the f<strong>in</strong>al <strong>canopy</strong> dimension<br />
and form. In general, most <strong>of</strong> the <strong>fruit</strong> orchards are not managed by <strong>in</strong>itial tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g and prun<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
that is why with age<strong>in</strong>g, the trees atta<strong>in</strong> taller size and huge structure, thereby lead<strong>in</strong>g to<br />
higher cost towards orchard <strong>management</strong>. The basic problems with overcrowded orchards<br />
are non availability <strong>of</strong> sufficient light, more <strong>in</strong>cidence <strong>of</strong> pests, etc. There are several systems<br />
vii
to manage tree size and improve light <strong>in</strong>terception and penetration with<strong>in</strong> canopies. Prun<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
an <strong>in</strong>tegral part <strong>of</strong> <strong>management</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>canopy</strong> architecture beg<strong>in</strong>s at an early stage <strong>of</strong> plant<br />
growth and is cont<strong>in</strong>ued till plant starts provid<strong>in</strong>g optimum <strong>fruit</strong><strong>in</strong>g.<br />
viii<br />
I have avoided complicated technical aspects and have presented sequential steps for<br />
tree <strong>canopy</strong> <strong>management</strong> to make this manual more handy and <strong>of</strong> practical use <strong>in</strong> field. This<br />
publication, I hope, will be <strong>of</strong> much value for orchardists.<br />
F<strong>in</strong>ally, I would like to thank one and all who have contributed directly or <strong>in</strong>directly <strong>in</strong><br />
br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g out this manual.<br />
(Gorakh S<strong>in</strong>gh)
Introduction<br />
Canopy <strong>management</strong> is one <strong>of</strong> the most important production factors<br />
confront<strong>in</strong>g the burgeon<strong>in</strong>g <strong>fruit</strong> <strong>in</strong>dustry <strong>in</strong> India. Indeed, <strong>canopy</strong><br />
<strong>management</strong> is the manipulation <strong>of</strong> tree <strong>canopy</strong> to optimize its production<br />
potential with excellent quality <strong>fruit</strong>s. In many <strong>fruit</strong> <strong>crops</strong>, <strong>in</strong>crease <strong>in</strong><br />
production with enhanced <strong>fruit</strong> quality is obta<strong>in</strong>ed by manag<strong>in</strong>g canopies<br />
<strong>of</strong> short statured trees. Small trees capture and convert sunlight <strong>in</strong>to <strong>fruit</strong><br />
production <strong>in</strong> a better way than larger ones. Fruit production <strong>in</strong>volves the<br />
captur<strong>in</strong>g and conversion <strong>of</strong> sunlight <strong>in</strong>to production <strong>of</strong> <strong>fruit</strong> biomass (dry<br />
matter content). The ma<strong>in</strong> controll<strong>in</strong>g factors are amount <strong>of</strong> <strong>in</strong> com<strong>in</strong>g<br />
radiation, and percentage <strong>of</strong> radiation <strong>in</strong>tercepted by tree canopies.<br />
In general, the question always arises as to why the plants may not<br />
be left as such to be governed by the nature itself. The answer is that the<br />
nature’s purposes are not always the same as ours. Nature <strong>in</strong>tends that<br />
a plant should live merely for reproduc<strong>in</strong>g itself <strong>in</strong> as many numbers as<br />
possible. Nature does not care how many good sized, high quality <strong>fruit</strong>s are<br />
born by trees. For commercial <strong>fruit</strong> grow<strong>in</strong>g, the natural form and shape <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>fruit</strong> trees have to be modified through the practice <strong>of</strong> prun<strong>in</strong>g to achieve<br />
the target <strong>of</strong> higher yield and better quality <strong>fruit</strong>s. The <strong>fruit</strong> growers desire<br />
to regulate the growth and development <strong>of</strong> their trees <strong>in</strong> a scientific manner.<br />
This is because it is not always wise to allow a plant to develop naturally,<br />
s<strong>in</strong>ce unwanted portions may develop at the expense <strong>of</strong> those which are<br />
essential from the cultivator's po<strong>in</strong>t <strong>of</strong> view. The removal <strong>of</strong> unwanted parts<br />
<strong>of</strong> plant is thus known as prun<strong>in</strong>g. The practice <strong>of</strong> prun<strong>in</strong>g, as and when<br />
performed <strong>in</strong> an appropriate manner, keeps the plant <strong>in</strong> such shape and<br />
condition as to yield <strong>fruit</strong>s <strong>of</strong> desired quality.<br />
Climate has significant bear<strong>in</strong>g on prun<strong>in</strong>g. The <strong>fruit</strong> <strong>crops</strong> grown <strong>in</strong><br />
different climatic zones — tropical, subtropical and temperate are required<br />
to be tra<strong>in</strong>ed and pruned accord<strong>in</strong>gly, depend<strong>in</strong>g on the type <strong>of</strong> plant and<br />
specific objectives <strong>of</strong> <strong>fruit</strong> growers. Canopy <strong>management</strong> depends on the<br />
nature and growth pattern <strong>of</strong> plant, number <strong>of</strong> plants / ha and prun<strong>in</strong>g<br />
techniques.<br />
Prun<strong>in</strong>g should be done when trees are young to establish their basic<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops 1
shapes and sizes, and cont<strong>in</strong>ued as trees mature. In commercial orchards,<br />
prun<strong>in</strong>g facilitates normal daily operations. Where trees have outgrown<br />
their allotted space, prun<strong>in</strong>g can <strong>in</strong>crease the bear<strong>in</strong>g surface. Trees that<br />
grow too close together shade out the lower <strong>canopy</strong> portions and <strong>in</strong> turn<br />
decrease their <strong>fruit</strong> sett<strong>in</strong>g. When pruned to allow light to reach the top<br />
and lower sides <strong>of</strong> trees, the <strong>in</strong>creased bear<strong>in</strong>g surface results <strong>in</strong> more <strong>fruit</strong><br />
sett<strong>in</strong>g. Any sprouts aris<strong>in</strong>g from the rootstock (i.e. from below the graft<br />
union) should be removed. Prun<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> the scion <strong>of</strong> young trees only delays<br />
growth and extends the juvenility. Prun<strong>in</strong>g is done either to encourage the<br />
growth (th<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g) or to reduce the tree size (head<strong>in</strong>g back). Th<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong><br />
bear<strong>in</strong>g trees encourages vegetative growth, and removes <strong>in</strong>terior branches,<br />
encourag<strong>in</strong>g the outward growth <strong>in</strong>to the allotted area planned for mature<br />
trees to occupy. Head<strong>in</strong>g back reduces the outward <strong>canopy</strong> growth through<br />
topp<strong>in</strong>g and hedg<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> branches.<br />
2<br />
To fulfil the nutritional demand <strong>of</strong> burgeon<strong>in</strong>g population <strong>in</strong> the country<br />
and to meet the global challenge <strong>in</strong> the <strong>in</strong>ternational market, it is need <strong>of</strong><br />
the hour to accommodate almost 10 times more plants per unit area. This<br />
is only possible with the <strong>management</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>canopy</strong> to <strong>in</strong>tercept maximum<br />
light <strong>in</strong> the <strong>in</strong>nermost parts <strong>of</strong> trees. The <strong>canopy</strong> <strong>management</strong> has direct<br />
correlation with dry matter production, flower bud <strong>in</strong>itiation and <strong>fruit</strong><br />
quality.<br />
In this manual, prun<strong>in</strong>g has been dealt with <strong>in</strong> detail, especially <strong>in</strong> respect<br />
<strong>of</strong> its requirement for <strong>in</strong>dividual <strong>fruit</strong> trees. The objectives, pr<strong>in</strong>ciples and<br />
economics <strong>of</strong> prun<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> various <strong>fruit</strong> trees have been comprehensively<br />
expla<strong>in</strong>ed with practical examples and h<strong>in</strong>ts to meet the requirements <strong>of</strong><br />
farmers engaged <strong>in</strong> production <strong>of</strong> a variety <strong>of</strong> <strong>fruit</strong>s <strong>in</strong> the country.<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops
Pr<strong>in</strong>ciples <strong>of</strong> Canopy Management<br />
Canopy <strong>management</strong> is the manipulation <strong>of</strong> tree canopies to optimize<br />
the production <strong>of</strong> quality <strong>fruit</strong>s. The <strong>canopy</strong> <strong>management</strong>, particularly<br />
its components like tree tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g and prun<strong>in</strong>g, affects the quantity <strong>of</strong> sunlight<br />
<strong>in</strong>tercepted by trees, as tree shape determ<strong>in</strong>es the presentation <strong>of</strong> leaf area to <strong>in</strong><br />
com<strong>in</strong>g radiation. An ideal tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g strategy centres around the arrangement <strong>of</strong><br />
plant parts, especially, to develop a better plant architecture that optimizes the<br />
utilization <strong>of</strong> sunlight and promotes productivity.<br />
Light is critical to growth and development <strong>of</strong> trees and their <strong>fruit</strong>s. The<br />
green leaves harvest the sunlight to produce carbohydrates and sugars which<br />
are transported to the sites where they are needed — buds, flowers and <strong>fruit</strong>s.<br />
Better light penetration <strong>in</strong>to the tree <strong>canopy</strong> improves tree growth, productivity,<br />
yield and <strong>fruit</strong> quality. The density and orientation <strong>of</strong> plant<strong>in</strong>g also impact light<br />
penetration <strong>in</strong> an orchard. Generally, <strong>in</strong> close plant<strong>in</strong>g, quicker shad<strong>in</strong>g becomes<br />
a problem. An east-west row orientation results <strong>in</strong> more shad<strong>in</strong>g as compared to<br />
the western and southern orientation <strong>of</strong> trees. Strong bear<strong>in</strong>g branches tend to<br />
produce larger <strong>fruit</strong>s. The problem <strong>of</strong> a <strong>fruit</strong> grower is <strong>in</strong>itially to build up a strong<br />
and balanced framework <strong>of</strong> the trees, then equip them with appropriate <strong>fruit</strong><strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Obviously, prun<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the early years has to be <strong>of</strong> a tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g type to provide strong<br />
and stocky framework with well-spaced limbs or any other desired shape.<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
Some <strong>of</strong> the basic pr<strong>in</strong>ciples <strong>in</strong> <strong>canopy</strong> <strong>management</strong> are:<br />
maximum utilization <strong>of</strong> light<br />
avoidance <strong>of</strong> built-up microclimate congenial for diseases and pest <strong>in</strong>festation<br />
convenience <strong>in</strong> carry<strong>in</strong>g out the cultural practices<br />
maximiz<strong>in</strong>g productivity with quality <strong>fruit</strong> production<br />
• economy <strong>in</strong> obta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g the required <strong>canopy</strong> architecture.<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops 3
Objectives <strong>of</strong> Prun<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Prun<strong>in</strong>g is done with two broad objectives. First, to regulate the shape and growth<br />
<strong>of</strong> a tree and second, to enhance the production and quality <strong>of</strong> <strong>fruit</strong>s. With cultural<br />
practices, the plant is made to grow or behave the way orchardist wants it. With<strong>in</strong> these<br />
broad objectives, prun<strong>in</strong>g is employed to achieve any one <strong>of</strong> the follow<strong>in</strong>g or other<br />
similar purposes. They are to :<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
4<br />
restore shoot : root ratio<br />
prevent formation <strong>of</strong> weak crotches<br />
regulate the number and location <strong>of</strong> ma<strong>in</strong> scaffold limbs<br />
remove cross<strong>in</strong>g and <strong>in</strong>terfer<strong>in</strong>g branches<br />
remove water sprouts / suckers<br />
regulate growth, vigour and direction <strong>of</strong> shoots<br />
open up the tree <strong>canopy</strong><br />
regulate growth and <strong>fruit</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>in</strong>duce regular bear<strong>in</strong>g<br />
control size <strong>of</strong> plants for high-density plant<strong>in</strong>g<br />
regulate exposure to sunlight<br />
<strong>in</strong>crease the size <strong>of</strong> <strong>fruit</strong>s<br />
facilitate orchard operation<br />
<strong>in</strong>crease the age <strong>of</strong> trees<br />
rejuvenate old and senile orchards<br />
control diseases and pests<br />
obta<strong>in</strong> specific forms.<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops
Almond<br />
In many physiological characters,<br />
especially the tree characters,<br />
almond resemble peach. So far its<br />
bear<strong>in</strong>g habit is concerned, it is <strong>in</strong><br />
between peach and domestic plums.<br />
The ma<strong>in</strong> objective <strong>in</strong> almonds is to<br />
have a large number <strong>of</strong> <strong>fruit</strong>s. As the<br />
bear<strong>in</strong>g is on spurs, it is, necessary<br />
to develop the tree <strong>in</strong> a way that a<br />
large number <strong>of</strong> spurs are formed.<br />
Almond produces most <strong>of</strong> its <strong>fruit</strong>s<br />
on short spurs which rema<strong>in</strong> <strong>fruit</strong>ful for about 5 years. Prun<strong>in</strong>g should be planned <strong>in</strong> such<br />
a way that one fifth <strong>of</strong> <strong>fruit</strong><strong>in</strong>g wood is replaced each year. Therefore, prun<strong>in</strong>g should be<br />
managed <strong>in</strong> a manner that new spur growth constantly replaces spurs that are no longer<br />
<strong>fruit</strong>ful. Unwanted water sprouts and suckers should be removed.<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
Plants are headed back 60-70 cm above the ground level 1-2 months after plant<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Central modified leader system should be adopted by reta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g 3-4 scaffold branches<br />
which produce well balanced trees. Strong scaffold limbs can be obta<strong>in</strong>ed by ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
45-60 crotch angles. In weak crotches, the branches should be tied by strong thread<br />
with pegs. One year old wood is pruned each year <strong>in</strong> December/January when trees<br />
are <strong>in</strong> completely dormant stage.<br />
Well managed trees canopies<br />
Trees with less than 10-12 years <strong>of</strong> age should make 20-25cm annual growth, whereas<br />
older trees should produce 15cm <strong>of</strong> new shoot growth each year.<br />
In less vigorous older trees, growth can be stimulated by slightly severe prun<strong>in</strong>g. Cut<br />
back the top to large lateral limbs and th<strong>in</strong> out the smaller and weak wood severely.<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops 5
6<br />
Aonla<br />
Aonla plant should be encouraged to develop a<br />
medium headed tree. In general, its plants are<br />
tra<strong>in</strong>ed to modified central leader system. Regular<br />
prun<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> a bear<strong>in</strong>g aonla tree is not required.<br />
Removal <strong>of</strong> rootstock sprout is very important. As<br />
per growth habit, shedd<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> all determ<strong>in</strong>ate shoots<br />
encourages new growth <strong>in</strong> com<strong>in</strong>g season. However,<br />
dead, <strong>in</strong>fested, broken, weak or overlapp<strong>in</strong>g branches<br />
should be removed regularly.<br />
•<br />
•<br />
Dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>itial year, the ma<strong>in</strong> branches should be<br />
allowed to appear at a height <strong>of</strong> 0.75-1.00 m<br />
above the ground level.<br />
Two to four branches with wide crotch angle,<br />
appear<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the opposite directions are<br />
encouraged <strong>in</strong> early years. The unwanted<br />
branches are p<strong>in</strong>ched <strong>of</strong>f dur<strong>in</strong>g March-April. In the subsequent years, 4-6 branches<br />
are allowed to develop.<br />
Headed back aonla tree<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops<br />
Rejuvenat<strong>in</strong>g Senile Orchards<br />
The re development <strong>of</strong> <strong>canopy</strong> is necessary <strong>in</strong> older<br />
orchards/plantations, when the canopies are overcrowded,<br />
result<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> reduced yield. This is possible by hedg<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong><br />
branches followed by shoot <strong>management</strong> to modify the<br />
tree structure and ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> <strong>canopy</strong> size.<br />
•<br />
The rejuvenation technology <strong>in</strong>volves head<strong>in</strong>g back<br />
(topp<strong>in</strong>g) <strong>of</strong> branches dur<strong>in</strong>g December – January<br />
at a height <strong>of</strong> 2.5-3.0 m above the ground level,<br />
depend<strong>in</strong>g on the structure <strong>of</strong> <strong>in</strong>dividual trees <strong>in</strong> the<br />
orchard.<br />
Tree <strong>management</strong> for<br />
better <strong>canopy</strong>
• Before<br />
rejuvenation prun<strong>in</strong>g, branches are<br />
•<br />
•<br />
marked with a white chalk by mak<strong>in</strong>g a r<strong>in</strong>g<br />
around the branches. The selected branches<br />
should <strong>in</strong>itially be cut from the underside on<br />
the lower side by giv<strong>in</strong>g at least 10 cm deep<br />
cut. Thereafter, cutt<strong>in</strong>g should be done from<br />
the upper surface <strong>of</strong> the branch.<br />
The cut portion <strong>of</strong> branches is then pasted<br />
with cowdung or copper oxychloride to avoid<br />
<strong>in</strong>fection <strong>of</strong> fungal diseases. Immediately<br />
after head<strong>in</strong>g back, pruned wood needs to be removed from the orchard to<br />
prevent the damage by trunk borer.<br />
Better tree <strong>canopy</strong> after shoot th<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and prun<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Dur<strong>in</strong>g May-June, selected shoots are<br />
further pruned out to about 50 % <strong>of</strong><br />
total length for emergence <strong>of</strong> multiple<br />
shoots below the prun<strong>in</strong>g po<strong>in</strong>ts. This is<br />
ma<strong>in</strong>ly done to modify the tree structure<br />
and ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> <strong>canopy</strong> size. Fruit<strong>in</strong>g starts<br />
three years after rejuvenation. The yield<br />
<strong>of</strong> plants dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>itial years is slightly<br />
low, while it <strong>in</strong>creases from third year.<br />
•<br />
•<br />
The new shoots arise on pruned branches<br />
<strong>of</strong> head<strong>in</strong>g back and a few shoots are<br />
reta<strong>in</strong>ed at a proper spac<strong>in</strong>g, grow<strong>in</strong>g<br />
towards periphery <strong>of</strong> trees.<br />
Four to six shoots develop<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> outer<br />
directions on ma<strong>in</strong> limbs should be allowed<br />
to develop. Proper development <strong>of</strong> new<br />
<strong>canopy</strong> <strong>in</strong> horizontal direction should be<br />
kept <strong>in</strong> m<strong>in</strong>d while practis<strong>in</strong>g th<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong><br />
shoots.<br />
Tree grow<strong>in</strong>g vigorously<br />
after head<strong>in</strong>g back<br />
Heavy <strong>fruit</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> rejuvenated tree<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops 7
Rejuvenation by Top Work<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Top work<strong>in</strong>g can be easily done <strong>in</strong> rejuvenated trees to upgrade the old and senile<br />
orchards <strong>of</strong> seedl<strong>in</strong>g trees with superior commercially grown cultivars.<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
8<br />
The plants are headed back dur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
December – January to the extent <strong>of</strong> 2.5-<br />
3.0 m above the ground level. Four to six<br />
shoots from the outer directions <strong>in</strong> ma<strong>in</strong><br />
limbs should be allowed to develop.<br />
Dur<strong>in</strong>g June-July, scion <strong>of</strong> desired variety<br />
is grafted on newly emerged shoots<br />
developed on branches <strong>of</strong> pruned trees<br />
by adopt<strong>in</strong>g r<strong>in</strong>g budd<strong>in</strong>g. After sprout<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
the top portion <strong>of</strong> shoots is removed.<br />
Numerous side shoots, which emerge on<br />
pruned branches after budd<strong>in</strong>g operation,<br />
should be removed regularly as and when they emerge, so that tree <strong>of</strong> pure<br />
commercial variety is obta<strong>in</strong>ed.<br />
Fruit<strong>in</strong>g on a top worked tree<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops<br />
•<br />
S<strong>in</strong>ce aonla is self <strong>in</strong>compatible, i.e. the<br />
pollen gra<strong>in</strong>s <strong>of</strong> the same tree/variety<br />
cannot fertilize its own tree / variety. The<br />
production from mono culture orchards<br />
without appropriate poll<strong>in</strong>iser varieties,<br />
suffers adversely as a result <strong>of</strong> problem<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>fruit</strong> sett<strong>in</strong>g. <strong>Co</strong>nsequently, poll<strong>in</strong>iser<br />
varieties are budded on develop<strong>in</strong>g shoots<br />
<strong>of</strong> pruned trees to strengthen poll<strong>in</strong>ation<br />
process and to enhance <strong>fruit</strong> sett<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
productivity.<br />
Budd<strong>in</strong>g with mixed varieties results <strong>in</strong> better yield. The best comb<strong>in</strong>ations are<br />
NA-6 with NA-7; NA-7 with NA-10 and Kanchan with Krishna. Adequate care should<br />
be taken to manage the <strong>in</strong>sect pest problems as these plants are prone to <strong>in</strong>sects<br />
and sometimes to w<strong>in</strong>d damage.<br />
Better <strong>canopy</strong> after rejuvenation by<br />
top work<strong>in</strong>g
Apple<br />
The plants are tra<strong>in</strong>ed accord<strong>in</strong>g to their growth<br />
habit and vigour <strong>of</strong> rootstocks. Tree tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
helps establish a strong framework <strong>of</strong> scaffold<br />
limbs which are capable <strong>of</strong> support<strong>in</strong>g heavy yield<br />
with quality <strong>fruit</strong>s, regulate annual succession <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>crops</strong>, expose maximum leaf surface to the sun,<br />
direct the growth <strong>of</strong> trees so that various cultural<br />
operations like spray<strong>in</strong>g and harvest<strong>in</strong>g become<br />
economical, protect the trees from sun-burn and<br />
promote early harvest<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
•<br />
•<br />
The plants are topped to 50-60cm above the<br />
ground level at the time <strong>of</strong> plant<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Dur<strong>in</strong>g first year, 2-4 well spaced scaffold<br />
Maximum shoots <strong>in</strong> flower<strong>in</strong>g stage<br />
limbs are<br />
selected with<br />
the lowest at 40 cm above the ground. The growth <strong>of</strong><br />
unwanted shoots is depressed by p<strong>in</strong>ch<strong>in</strong>g 3-5cm <strong>of</strong><br />
shoot tips from mid April to mid May.<br />
•<br />
•<br />
The selected primary scaffold branches are further<br />
headed back (topped) to one fourth to one fifth <strong>of</strong><br />
the growth dur<strong>in</strong>g summer.<br />
Dur<strong>in</strong>g second year dormant prun<strong>in</strong>g, the<br />
central leader and primary scaffold branches<br />
are headed back similar to first dormant<br />
prun<strong>in</strong>g. More scaffold branches are reta<strong>in</strong>ed<br />
on the trunk at the vertical distance <strong>of</strong><br />
50-75cm.<br />
Tree <strong>in</strong> good shape after <strong>in</strong>itial tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops 9
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
10<br />
A total <strong>of</strong> 5-7 secondary branches/tree usually two on each primary scaffold<br />
branches are also selected <strong>in</strong> second dormant prun<strong>in</strong>g which are directed<br />
partially outward.<br />
The primary scaffold branches should have the crotch angle <strong>of</strong> 45 degree with<br />
trunk. The proper crotch angle can be developed by ty<strong>in</strong>g the branches with<br />
ropes or <strong>in</strong>sert<strong>in</strong>g the branch spreaders.<br />
Third year tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g consists <strong>of</strong> th<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g out <strong>of</strong> unwanted branches and head<strong>in</strong>g<br />
back others to desirable side limbs. Secondary branches <strong>of</strong>ten develop spurs<br />
dur<strong>in</strong>g third grow<strong>in</strong>g season.<br />
By fourth year, tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g is largely completed. By this time, the proportional<br />
growth <strong>of</strong> central leader and side scaffold branches is atta<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> a 1:1.5 ratio.<br />
This will help <strong>in</strong> lateral growth rather than upward growth <strong>of</strong> plants favourable<br />
for proper spur development.<br />
When tree atta<strong>in</strong>s the height <strong>of</strong> 4.0-4.5m, the central leader is headed back<br />
near the moderate side, grow<strong>in</strong>g shoots to check the height <strong>of</strong> the plant.<br />
Dwarf plants are tra<strong>in</strong>ed to sp<strong>in</strong>dle bush/slender sp<strong>in</strong>dle, i.e. one year old plant<br />
is headed back to 45-60cm at the time <strong>of</strong> plant<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Dur<strong>in</strong>g first summer, 2-3 laterals or feathers, 30cm from the base are selected<br />
to form ma<strong>in</strong> scaffold branches. The scaffold branches should have wide angle<br />
and be well spaced around the stem. Vigorously grow<strong>in</strong>g laterals are tied down<br />
<strong>in</strong> August when the extension growth has ceased <strong>in</strong> order to develop wide<br />
crotch angle.<br />
Dur<strong>in</strong>g first w<strong>in</strong>ter, 2-3 well spaced laterals are reta<strong>in</strong>ed and unwanted branches<br />
are removed. The scaffold branches are headed back to one third to half <strong>of</strong><br />
the length to a outward grow<strong>in</strong>g bud if the growth is weak. Otherwise, the<br />
ma<strong>in</strong> branches can be left unpruned. The leader is also cut back to more or<br />
less erect but a weak lateral. Any vigorous, upright shoot, grow<strong>in</strong>g near the<br />
form<strong>in</strong>g leader and compet<strong>in</strong>g with it should also be removed.<br />
Dur<strong>in</strong>g August <strong>of</strong> second year, suitable laterals are tied down to form more<br />
scaffold branches.<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
To check excessive vigour <strong>of</strong> central leader, it may aga<strong>in</strong> be cut back to suitably placed<br />
weak grow<strong>in</strong>g lateral which is tra<strong>in</strong>ed to take the place <strong>of</strong> the central leader. Delay <strong>in</strong><br />
prun<strong>in</strong>g until late w<strong>in</strong>ter also helps <strong>in</strong> check<strong>in</strong>g vigour.<br />
The ma<strong>in</strong> branches should be so tra<strong>in</strong>ed and spaced that there is plenty <strong>of</strong> room for<br />
<strong>fruit</strong><strong>in</strong>g laterals and those should not be allowed to form at term<strong>in</strong>al.<br />
In order to keep sufficient wood <strong>in</strong> the sp<strong>in</strong>dle bush while it is be<strong>in</strong>g built up, a small<br />
surplus <strong>of</strong> wide-angled branches is reta<strong>in</strong>ed, which may be cut when branches require<br />
more space and get crowded.<br />
Prun<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Bear<strong>in</strong>g Trees<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
Start prun<strong>in</strong>g at the top <strong>of</strong> the trees<br />
and work downward.<br />
Cut upward grow<strong>in</strong>g limbs back to<br />
strong laterals.<br />
Remove the crowd<strong>in</strong>g branches and<br />
th<strong>in</strong> out the rema<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g ones, leav<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the vigorous <strong>fruit</strong><strong>in</strong>g wood well spaced<br />
along the length <strong>of</strong> limbs.<br />
Remove dead, broken and diseased<br />
wood.<br />
Remove parallel grow<strong>in</strong>g shoots caus<strong>in</strong>g<br />
crowd<strong>in</strong>g and shad<strong>in</strong>g, and opposite<br />
grow<strong>in</strong>g shoots at a po<strong>in</strong>t on the stem.<br />
Branches laden with <strong>fruit</strong>s<br />
Remove all water sprouts except the<br />
occasional ones which may be needed to fill a vacant space <strong>in</strong> the <strong>canopy</strong>.<br />
While remov<strong>in</strong>g a thick branch, first small cut should be made on the underside <strong>of</strong> limb<br />
to avoid bark peel<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Divert branches to open areas by prun<strong>in</strong>g to desirable laterals.<br />
The plants tra<strong>in</strong>ed on sp<strong>in</strong>dle bush system can be pruned<br />
•<br />
Once the central leader has reached its desirable height <strong>of</strong> 2.5m, the extension growth<br />
should be cut back each year to a weaker side branch.<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops 11
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
12<br />
Strong grow<strong>in</strong>g shoots towards the top <strong>of</strong> the tree should be removed<br />
completely. Renewal prun<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> the <strong>fruit</strong><strong>in</strong>g branches should be carried out<br />
each year to ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> vegetative growth and <strong>fruit</strong> quality <strong>in</strong> lower parts <strong>of</strong><br />
the tree.<br />
The branches caus<strong>in</strong>g shade to other lower branches should be removed or<br />
headed back.<br />
In th<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g out <strong>of</strong> branches to ma<strong>in</strong> stem, a stub should be left to encourage<br />
the regrowth <strong>of</strong> moderately vigorous <strong>fruit</strong>ful bud.<br />
Avoid remov<strong>in</strong>g too many branches to get potential <strong>fruit</strong> yield. The ma<strong>in</strong><br />
branches which have lost the vigour can be stimulated by prun<strong>in</strong>g. Worn out<br />
wood <strong>of</strong> heavy cropp<strong>in</strong>g varieties should be removed periodically.<br />
Precautions dur<strong>in</strong>g prun<strong>in</strong>g time<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
When a limb larger than 3cm <strong>in</strong> diameter is removed, the prun<strong>in</strong>g cut should<br />
be made as close as possible to the branch from which the limb arises without<br />
leav<strong>in</strong>g a stub.<br />
Large prun<strong>in</strong>g wounds should be protected with Bordeaux paste or Chaubattia<br />
paste to check the entry <strong>of</strong> rot caus<strong>in</strong>g fungi.<br />
In 1 or 2 year old shoots, head<strong>in</strong>g back can be done to promote growth<br />
<strong>of</strong> side shoots and quick wound heal<strong>in</strong>g. In 3 year old and older shoots,<br />
prun<strong>in</strong>g should be shifted to th<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g out cuts to reduce vegetative growth<br />
and promote <strong>fruit</strong><strong>in</strong>g.<br />
• The compet<strong>in</strong>g branches are th<strong>in</strong>ned out rather than headed back.<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops
Apricot<br />
Apricot <strong>fruit</strong>s are produced on lateral buds on short growth as well as on long shoots.<br />
The bear<strong>in</strong>g habit is more or less like that <strong>of</strong> plum or sour cherry. The <strong>fruit</strong> buds<br />
are usually formed on all nodes from base to tip <strong>of</strong> the shoot.<br />
At the base, each node conta<strong>in</strong>s two to three buds but towards<br />
the apex only one bud is present at each node. However, it has<br />
been observed that the spurs <strong>of</strong> apricots are more short lived<br />
than those <strong>of</strong> plums. They usually live for 2-3 seasons only.<br />
Therefore, this necessitates a slightly more severe prun<strong>in</strong>g so<br />
as to have quick replacements for the old spurs.<br />
The standard apricot trees are tra<strong>in</strong>ed to modified leader<br />
system. The branches <strong>in</strong> apricots sometimes become too long<br />
and cyl<strong>in</strong>drical which need to be properly pruned so as to have<br />
the m<strong>in</strong>imum unbranched area. The prun<strong>in</strong>g should be so<br />
regulated as to have 30 - 75 cm extension growth <strong>in</strong> young plants and 25 - 35 cm<br />
Better <strong>fruit</strong><strong>in</strong>g after<br />
prun<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>in</strong> old plants. This will keep the tree <strong>in</strong> a proper<br />
balance.<br />
•<br />
•<br />
At the time <strong>of</strong> plant<strong>in</strong>g, one year old whip is<br />
headed back at 60-70cm above the ground and<br />
3-5 well spaced shoots are allowed to grow <strong>in</strong><br />
all directions.<br />
Prun<strong>in</strong>g is more important <strong>in</strong> first dormant<br />
season because the framework developed <strong>in</strong> this<br />
period gives ultimate shape to the tree. In first<br />
dormant season, 3-5 primary scaffold branches<br />
aris<strong>in</strong>g at proper angles (45 degree), well<br />
spaced (10-15cm apart) and spirally arranged<br />
around the tree trunk are selected.<br />
A properly tra<strong>in</strong>ed plant<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops 13
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
14<br />
The lowest branch should be 40-45cm above the ground level. All the primary<br />
scaffold branches are headed back to half <strong>of</strong> their growth to get the secondary<br />
branches on them.<br />
Dur<strong>in</strong>g second dormant prun<strong>in</strong>g, 5-7 well spaced secondary scaffold branches are<br />
selected on each primary branch while others are removed. At the end <strong>of</strong> third<br />
year, prun<strong>in</strong>g is conf<strong>in</strong>ed to the th<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> branches which are either overcrowd<strong>in</strong>g<br />
or cross<strong>in</strong>g each other, for proper development <strong>of</strong> the framework and to admit<br />
adequate sunlight <strong>in</strong> the tree <strong>canopy</strong>.<br />
Apricot bears on spurs and laterally on one year old shoots. The spurs have a<br />
short life <strong>of</strong> 3-4 years. Many <strong>of</strong> them are also broken dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>fruit</strong> pluck<strong>in</strong>g. The<br />
production <strong>of</strong> young growth is, therefore, essential for the <strong>in</strong>itiation <strong>of</strong> new spurs<br />
which generally takes place at the base <strong>of</strong> grow<strong>in</strong>g laterals.<br />
In young bear<strong>in</strong>g trees, prun<strong>in</strong>g should be light and <strong>of</strong> corrective type, while<br />
<strong>in</strong> older trees, heavy prun<strong>in</strong>g is done to ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> balance between growth and<br />
<strong>fruit</strong><strong>in</strong>g. In apricot, 25-30% th<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> one year old shoots or one third head<strong>in</strong>g<br />
back is recommended to improve <strong>fruit</strong> size and quality. After prun<strong>in</strong>g, Chaubattia<br />
paste is applied on the cut ends <strong>of</strong> shoots.<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops
Avocado<br />
Young avocado trees should not require<br />
extensive prun<strong>in</strong>g. Whenever possible, allow<br />
trees to develop naturally. Be sure to prune <strong>of</strong>f<br />
any suckers that arise below the graft or bud<br />
union. Prun<strong>in</strong>g and th<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g are not required to<br />
keep avocado trees productive or attractive.<br />
•<br />
•<br />
Like most tropical trees, avocado has a<br />
good natural shape, hence it needs not be<br />
controlled by prun<strong>in</strong>g. But selective and<br />
mild prun<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> dead wood, basal branches<br />
touch<strong>in</strong>g the ground and very old devitalized<br />
branches which have ceased to produce<br />
<strong>fruit</strong>s, should be done.<br />
Severe or unnecessary prun<strong>in</strong>g lowers yield<br />
by elim<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g potential flowers produced on<br />
More <strong>fruit</strong>s are borne on a well managed<br />
<strong>canopy</strong><br />
young branches at the periphery <strong>of</strong> trees.<br />
•<br />
Well managed <strong>canopy</strong> development<br />
In some places, prun<strong>in</strong>g can be done to<br />
keep its trees smaller or more conf<strong>in</strong>ed.<br />
The ideal time is just before bloom<strong>in</strong>g or<br />
just after <strong>fruit</strong> sett<strong>in</strong>g. That way, the tree<br />
can naturally adjust its <strong>fruit</strong> load dur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the June drop. M<strong>in</strong>or prun<strong>in</strong>g can be<br />
done at any time, but avoid late season<br />
prun<strong>in</strong>g, which can stimulate excessive<br />
tender growth.<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops 15
16<br />
Bael<br />
New orchards <strong>of</strong> bael should also be tra<strong>in</strong>ed like mango for proper orientation <strong>of</strong><br />
newly developed shoots and ideal development <strong>of</strong> <strong>canopy</strong>. In bear<strong>in</strong>g orchards, to<br />
reduce the height <strong>of</strong> tree, centrally located, upright grow<strong>in</strong>g branches should be removed<br />
from their place <strong>of</strong> orig<strong>in</strong>. Productivity <strong>of</strong> senile and bael orchards grown from seedl<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
can also be improved by rejuvenation through top work<strong>in</strong>g with improved cultivars.<br />
• Dur<strong>in</strong>g first year after plant<strong>in</strong>g, its plants are<br />
•<br />
headed back at 0.90cm - 1.0m from the ground<br />
level, for emergence <strong>of</strong> new growth below the cut<br />
po<strong>in</strong>ts.<br />
Three to four equally spaced shoots are reta<strong>in</strong>ed<br />
around the stems to form the ma<strong>in</strong> scaffold <strong>of</strong><br />
the trees. These shoots are allowed to grow<br />
approximately for 6-7 months then these selected<br />
shoots are further pruned to 50% <strong>of</strong> their total<br />
length for emergence <strong>of</strong> new shoots below the<br />
cut po<strong>in</strong>t. As a result, new shoots emerge which<br />
are allowed to develop further.<br />
Top Work<strong>in</strong>g<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
For top work<strong>in</strong>g, selected senile trees or trees grown from seedl<strong>in</strong>gs with <strong>in</strong>ferior<br />
<strong>fruit</strong>s should be headed back at a height <strong>of</strong> 1.5-2 m from the ground <strong>in</strong> w<strong>in</strong>ter. This<br />
results <strong>in</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>use sprout<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> shoots near cut ends dur<strong>in</strong>g spr<strong>in</strong>g season.<br />
Like mango, th<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> excessive shoots is also needed. Th<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g should be done<br />
twice at a monthly <strong>in</strong>terval dur<strong>in</strong>g May and June. Th<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> excessive shoots<br />
should be done to keep 6-8 healthy, well developed and well distributed shoots per<br />
branch.<br />
Top work<strong>in</strong>g by patch budd<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> improved cultivars can be done on these shoots dur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
June-July. These shoots develop <strong>in</strong> two years and they start <strong>fruit</strong><strong>in</strong>g afterwards.<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops<br />
Better <strong>canopy</strong> <strong>management</strong> pays
Banana<br />
In most banana grow<strong>in</strong>g<br />
regions, solar radiation is<br />
abundant and productivity <strong>of</strong><br />
banana largely depends upon<br />
the efficient utilization <strong>of</strong> this<br />
resource. In multistorey cropp<strong>in</strong>g<br />
system, banana is grown to<br />
harness maximum light, land<br />
and nutrient availability. Light<br />
<strong>in</strong>terception, soil fertility, climatic<br />
conditions, soil moisture etc. are<br />
important po<strong>in</strong>ts to be considered for lay<strong>in</strong>g out <strong>of</strong> high density plantation.<br />
Heavy bunches develop <strong>in</strong> pruned plants<br />
Prun<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> surplus leaves enhances light <strong>in</strong>terception<br />
• Prun<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> surplus leaves is a<br />
common operation <strong>in</strong> banana<br />
cultivation. Leaf prun<strong>in</strong>g improves<br />
light penetration and reduces<br />
disease spread<strong>in</strong>g through old<br />
and senescent leaves. The micro<br />
climate, especially availability<br />
<strong>of</strong> light and heat is improved by<br />
removal <strong>of</strong> leaf. For optimum crop<br />
production, m<strong>in</strong>imum <strong>of</strong> 12 leaves<br />
are required to be reta<strong>in</strong>ed.<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops 17
18<br />
Ber<br />
Although ber is not popularly grown and is not a commercially important <strong>fruit</strong><br />
crop, it has better adaptability <strong>in</strong> marg<strong>in</strong>al soils <strong>in</strong> arid regions <strong>of</strong> subtropics.<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
After transplant<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the field and<br />
provid<strong>in</strong>g the vertical support dur<strong>in</strong>g its<br />
grow<strong>in</strong>g period, no shoot is allowed to<br />
grow up to 80-90 cm.<br />
The height <strong>of</strong> the head is kept comparatively<br />
more than other <strong>fruit</strong> trees to avoid the<br />
droop<strong>in</strong>g branches reach and spread on<br />
the ground. Beyond this height, 4 - 5 side<br />
shoots which are properly placed, are<br />
selected to form scaffold limbs.<br />
Dur<strong>in</strong>g first 2-3 years after plant<strong>in</strong>g, ber<br />
trees are tra<strong>in</strong>ed to develop a strong<br />
framework. After that, old growth is<br />
beheaded dur<strong>in</strong>g March, keep<strong>in</strong>g 1-2 nodes above the graft union to allow<br />
vigorous new growth.<br />
One upright grow<strong>in</strong>g vigorous shoot is reta<strong>in</strong>ed to develop <strong>in</strong>to ma<strong>in</strong> trunk which<br />
is kept clean <strong>of</strong> secondary branches up to 30cm height from the ground level.<br />
On the ma<strong>in</strong> trunk, 3 or 4 well spaced and favourably located ma<strong>in</strong> branches are<br />
allowed when it is headed back. Dur<strong>in</strong>g second year, these ma<strong>in</strong> branches are<br />
also clipped, reta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g 3-4 secondary branches on each <strong>of</strong> them. This process is<br />
cont<strong>in</strong>ued to develop tertiary branches.<br />
Upward grow<strong>in</strong>g shoots are reta<strong>in</strong>ed at each stage to develop an upright statured<br />
tree. Not more than one upright grow<strong>in</strong>g shoot is reta<strong>in</strong>ed at a node so that<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops<br />
Better tree <strong>canopy</strong> after <strong>in</strong>itial prun<strong>in</strong>g
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
narrow crotches are avoided. This basic frame <strong>of</strong> the tree is ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>ed by<br />
remov<strong>in</strong>g water sprouts as and when they emerge. <strong>Co</strong>rrection <strong>in</strong> the framework<br />
is done at the time <strong>of</strong> annual prun<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Annual prun<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> ber is essential to <strong>in</strong>duce maximum number <strong>of</strong> new healthy<br />
shoots which bear good quality <strong>fruit</strong>s. It is also essential to remove the undesirable,<br />
weak, <strong>in</strong>tercross<strong>in</strong>g, diseased and broken branches to avoid crowd<strong>in</strong>g and to<br />
encourage healthy growth for maximum <strong>fruit</strong> bear<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Prun<strong>in</strong>g is done dur<strong>in</strong>g the hot and dry season when tree sheds leaves and<br />
enters <strong>in</strong>to dormancy. In Tamil Nadu, its trees are pruned dur<strong>in</strong>g January-April <strong>in</strong><br />
Maharashtra, prun<strong>in</strong>g must be completed by the April end, while <strong>in</strong> Haryana by<br />
the May end. Severity <strong>in</strong> prun<strong>in</strong>g also differs at different locations. In general,<br />
light prun<strong>in</strong>g, at about 25 buds, is the best. However, prun<strong>in</strong>g could be done at<br />
15-20 buds under more moderate climatic conditions.<br />
All the secondary shoots should be completely removed. To avoid the occurrence<br />
<strong>of</strong> long, un<strong>fruit</strong>ful basal portions <strong>of</strong> branches caused by light prun<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> several<br />
years, half the past season’s shoots are pruned down to 20 buds, while the<br />
rema<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g half to the basal 1 or 2 nodes.<br />
Spray<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> 3% thiourea or potassium nitrate once <strong>in</strong> 2 days before prun<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>in</strong>duces bud sprout<strong>in</strong>g from maximum number <strong>of</strong> nodes.<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops 19
20<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops<br />
Carambola<br />
In carambola, tree size control is important for reta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>fruit</strong> production <strong>in</strong> the lower<br />
tree canopies and for facilitat<strong>in</strong>g foliar spray<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and harvest<strong>in</strong>g. Currently, there are not many<br />
recommendations for tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g young carambola trees<br />
<strong>in</strong> commercial orchards. However, research on mature<br />
trees has demonstrated that remov<strong>in</strong>g upright limbs<br />
dur<strong>in</strong>g late w<strong>in</strong>ter (February/March) and then remov<strong>in</strong>g<br />
selected new regrowth (shoots) and head<strong>in</strong>g back<br />
rema<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g new shoots to one half <strong>of</strong> their length <strong>in</strong> early<br />
fall (September/October), can ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> desired tree<br />
height without significantly reduc<strong>in</strong>g <strong>fruit</strong> production.<br />
•<br />
•<br />
Dur<strong>in</strong>g the first 1 - 2 years after plant<strong>in</strong>g, young<br />
trees should be pruned by tipp<strong>in</strong>g shoots <strong>in</strong> excess<br />
<strong>of</strong> 40 - 50 cm to <strong>in</strong>crease branch<strong>in</strong>g. If desired, trees<br />
may be tra<strong>in</strong>ed to a modified central leader or open centre configuration.<br />
Mature trees may be selectively pruned to ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> trees at 1.5 - 3.5 m height.<br />
Selectively remov<strong>in</strong>g a few upper limbs back to their orig<strong>in</strong> (crotches) each year will<br />
Better <strong>fruit</strong><strong>in</strong>g after prun<strong>in</strong>g<br />
help prevent the loss <strong>of</strong> the lower tree <strong>canopy</strong> due to<br />
shad<strong>in</strong>g by the upper <strong>canopy</strong>.<br />
•<br />
•<br />
Well ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>ed tree canopies<br />
In addition, ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g a smaller tree facilitates<br />
tree care and <strong>fruit</strong> harvest<strong>in</strong>g, makes it easier to<br />
spray the tree, and greatly reduces possible storm<br />
damage. Do not remove lower tree branches.<br />
Prun<strong>in</strong>g done <strong>in</strong> August may result <strong>in</strong> <strong>fruit</strong><strong>in</strong>g dur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
October, while prun<strong>in</strong>g dur<strong>in</strong>g November-December<br />
allows <strong>fruit</strong><strong>in</strong>g dur<strong>in</strong>g February-April or June.
Cashew<br />
Canopy <strong>in</strong> cashew, a fast grow<strong>in</strong>g woody perennial, is characterized by spread<strong>in</strong>g<br />
branches and irregular shape. Plantations hav<strong>in</strong>g trees <strong>of</strong> irregular <strong>canopy</strong> shape<br />
and size are difficult to manage and thus result <strong>in</strong> poor nut yield <strong>in</strong> later years. Plants<br />
should be meticulously tra<strong>in</strong>ed from the first year <strong>of</strong> orchard life itself so as to derive<br />
maximum benefit <strong>of</strong> high density system <strong>of</strong> plant<strong>in</strong>g and avoid th<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> plants. It<br />
is advisable to adopt modified leader system or open centre system <strong>of</strong> tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g for<br />
plantations with wider spac<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> order to avoid overlapp<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> canopies at later stage<br />
<strong>of</strong> orchard life.<br />
Initially, grafts are allowed to grow with a clear s<strong>in</strong>gle stem up to a height <strong>of</strong> 75-<br />
100 cm by remov<strong>in</strong>g all side branches. Thereafter, branch<strong>in</strong>g is allowed <strong>in</strong> all directions<br />
<strong>in</strong> different whorls up to a height <strong>of</strong> 3-4 m and subsequently, the central leader is<br />
detopped at a height <strong>of</strong> half <strong>of</strong> the spac<strong>in</strong>g given between the plants to ensure a<br />
semi globular <strong>canopy</strong> shape. Further, regular trimm<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> branches and removal <strong>of</strong><br />
criss cross and low spread<strong>in</strong>g branches should<br />
be resorted to <strong>in</strong> order to ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> the <strong>canopy</strong><br />
size and shape.<br />
• In Modified Leader System, the side<br />
sprouts on leaf axils <strong>of</strong> young grafts are<br />
removed periodically dur<strong>in</strong>g the first year<br />
as and when arise and a clear s<strong>in</strong>gle stem<br />
<strong>of</strong> 0.5-0.75 m from the ground level is<br />
ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>ed and later the trunk is allowed<br />
to branch <strong>in</strong> all the directions. The central<br />
leader is detopped at a height <strong>of</strong> 3-3.5 m<br />
and a clear semi globular <strong>canopy</strong> should be<br />
allowed to form. Height <strong>of</strong> detopp<strong>in</strong>g may<br />
be decided depend<strong>in</strong>g on spac<strong>in</strong>g allotted to<br />
plants. Less spaced plants are detopped at a lower height.<br />
Modified leader system<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops 21
• The <strong>canopy</strong> needs<br />
annual ma<strong>in</strong>tenance by m<strong>in</strong>imum trimm<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> the over growth<br />
22<br />
after harvest<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> <strong>fruit</strong>s. This k<strong>in</strong>d <strong>of</strong> <strong>canopy</strong> helps <strong>in</strong> tapp<strong>in</strong>g maximum sunlight<br />
and helps <strong>in</strong> reduc<strong>in</strong>g the dead wood and water shoot development. The system<br />
is well suited for plants spaced at a spac<strong>in</strong>g closer than 5m x 5m.<br />
• In Open Centre System, the plant<br />
•<br />
is allowed to grow up to a height <strong>of</strong><br />
0.30-0.45 m height from the ground<br />
with a clear s<strong>in</strong>gle stem and then<br />
the ma<strong>in</strong> stem is p<strong>in</strong>ched <strong>of</strong>f <strong>in</strong> this<br />
system. The lateral shoots <strong>in</strong> all<br />
directions are encouraged to grow<br />
and form a vase shape.<br />
Canopy shape is ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>ed by<br />
m<strong>in</strong>imum trimm<strong>in</strong>g annually. This<br />
shape helps <strong>in</strong> flower<strong>in</strong>g and sett<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong><br />
nuts both <strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>ner and outer surfaces<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>canopy</strong> and covers the allotted space faster. For plantations hav<strong>in</strong>g wider spac<strong>in</strong>g<br />
(8m x 8m), the system is adoptable but it cannot be adopted <strong>in</strong> very closely<br />
planted plantations.<br />
Prun<strong>in</strong>g to Bush Shape<br />
•<br />
•<br />
These tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g systems can be adopted <strong>in</strong> closely spaced plantations and need to<br />
be attempted from the <strong>in</strong>itial years <strong>of</strong> plant<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
In closely planted plantations under high density system, <strong>canopy</strong> development<br />
with<strong>in</strong> the manageable size is most essential. Plants can be pruned to bush shape<br />
at a height <strong>of</strong> 0.75-1.00 m.<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops<br />
Open centre system
• The yield <strong>of</strong> bush pruned plants is superior even at a closer spac<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> 2.5m x<br />
2.5m dur<strong>in</strong>g several years at the beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g. Thus, a yield <strong>of</strong> more than 4 tonnes/<br />
ha can be achieved.<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Productive Orchards<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
Cashew responds very well and gives<br />
higher yield when exposed to bright<br />
sunlight. Well ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>ed cashew<br />
plants need annual prun<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
trimm<strong>in</strong>g to get proper shape and to tap<br />
maximum sunlight which lead to better<br />
photosynthesis.<br />
In a plantation, <strong>in</strong>ter-m<strong>in</strong>gl<strong>in</strong>g branches<br />
with neighbour<strong>in</strong>g trees need to be<br />
trimmed every year and a clear gap <strong>of</strong><br />
m<strong>in</strong>imum one foot may be ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>ed<br />
for tapp<strong>in</strong>g the <strong>in</strong>termittent light.<br />
Depend<strong>in</strong>g on the spac<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> plantation,<br />
the height <strong>of</strong> tree <strong>canopy</strong> should<br />
Good canopies after prun<strong>in</strong>g<br />
High density plant<strong>in</strong>g with better<br />
tree canopies<br />
be regulated so as to overcome<br />
the shad<strong>in</strong>g effect <strong>of</strong> plants over<br />
neighbour<strong>in</strong>g plants. For example,<br />
height <strong>of</strong> plants spaced at 5m x 5m<br />
be conta<strong>in</strong>ed at 2.5 m. Similarly, <strong>in</strong> the<br />
plantations <strong>of</strong> 8m x 8m spac<strong>in</strong>g, the<br />
plants are detopped at 4m height.<br />
• While attend<strong>in</strong>g the annual prun<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
the criss cross branches, dead wood<br />
and branches which touch the<br />
ground, can also be removed.<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops 23
Rejuvenation <strong>of</strong> Senile Orchard<br />
• The re development<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>canopy</strong> is<br />
•<br />
•<br />
24<br />
necessary <strong>in</strong> older plantations,<br />
where canopies are overcrowded<br />
result<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> reduction <strong>in</strong> yield.<br />
This is possible by head<strong>in</strong>g back<br />
exhausted <strong>canopy</strong> at 1.0 - 1.50<br />
m height from the ground level.<br />
Immediately after head<strong>in</strong>g back,<br />
pruned wood needs to be removed<br />
from the plant so as to prevent the<br />
damage by shoot borer.<br />
Rema<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g portion <strong>of</strong> the trunk and<br />
exposed part <strong>of</strong> roots is to be swabbed with 0.2 % chlorpyriphos at least 2-3<br />
times after behead<strong>in</strong>g till new <strong>canopy</strong> is developed. Regular check<strong>in</strong>g for damage<br />
by cashew stem and root borer is to be done and managed.<br />
The cut ends <strong>of</strong> branches should be smeared with 10% Bordeaux paste to prevent<br />
the gummosis and entry <strong>of</strong> any pathogens. The best season for head<strong>in</strong>g back is<br />
May-June, i.e. immediately after harvest<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> annual crop.<br />
Fruit<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> rejuvenated tree<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
Senile tree develops <strong>in</strong>to a<br />
heavy bear<strong>in</strong>g one<br />
The new flushes arise from the<br />
dormant buds on the trunk. These<br />
new sprouts form the <strong>canopy</strong> with<strong>in</strong><br />
a period <strong>of</strong> 6-7 months depend<strong>in</strong>g<br />
on the variety.<br />
The yield dur<strong>in</strong>g the first season<br />
after prun<strong>in</strong>g is slightly lower, while<br />
from second season onwards it is<br />
better than the unpruned plants.<br />
Good phytosanitary procedures<br />
should be adopted to manage the<br />
rejuvenated plants.
• If plants<br />
are properly protected, the <strong>canopy</strong> re development can help <strong>in</strong> enhanc<strong>in</strong>g<br />
•<br />
the nut yield to its full potential after 2-3 years.<br />
The limb pruned trees should be pruned or trimmed as and when required <strong>in</strong><br />
subsequent years. It may be noted that yield <strong>of</strong> limb pruned trees is much better<br />
than freshly planted cashew grafts due to better root system.<br />
Top Work<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Mostly old cashew plantations are <strong>of</strong> seedl<strong>in</strong>g orig<strong>in</strong> and have been developed <strong>in</strong>to<br />
senile stage. Such trees can be rejuvenated by graft<strong>in</strong>g with scion sticks <strong>of</strong> improved<br />
and high yield<strong>in</strong>g varieties on new shoots aris<strong>in</strong>g on beheaded stumps. Top worked<br />
trees start flower<strong>in</strong>g and <strong>fruit</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the very next year after graft<strong>in</strong>g with new vigour.<br />
Po<strong>in</strong>ts to be considered Before Top Work<strong>in</strong>g<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
Trees should be with<strong>in</strong> 15-20<br />
years age. They should have<br />
smooth bark and should not<br />
have many crevices on the<br />
bark at collar region. The<br />
colour <strong>of</strong> trunk should be<br />
brown or ash not black.<br />
Trees should not have been<br />
damaged by cashew stem<br />
and root borer. The trunk<br />
or exposed root portion on<br />
ground should be free from<br />
stem borer damage. Its<br />
symptoms can be ascerta<strong>in</strong>ed from the ooz<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> gum or powdery mass fallen near<br />
the entry po<strong>in</strong>t <strong>of</strong> <strong>in</strong>sects.<br />
Trees should be healthy enough with spread<strong>in</strong>g lower branches. It should have well<br />
developed root system and capacity to cope up with the growth <strong>of</strong> new <strong>canopy</strong>.<br />
Method <strong>of</strong> Top Work<strong>in</strong>g<br />
•<br />
Top worked trees<br />
Top work<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>volves two steps: (i) behead<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> trees and (ii) graft<strong>in</strong>g with an elite<br />
material on new flushes emerg<strong>in</strong>g out on the stumps <strong>of</strong> beheaded tree.<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops 25
Behead<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> Trees<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
26<br />
The most suitable time for behead<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> trees is April-May, i.e. immediately after<br />
harvest<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> <strong>fruit</strong>s. It also depends on <strong>fruit</strong> bear<strong>in</strong>g pattern <strong>of</strong> trees (early, mid and<br />
late season) <strong>in</strong> different varieties.<br />
After select<strong>in</strong>g trees for behead<strong>in</strong>g, cut the limbs and reduce the weight <strong>of</strong> crown and<br />
f<strong>in</strong>ally reta<strong>in</strong> the stumps <strong>of</strong> plants at 1.0-1.5 m height. While prun<strong>in</strong>g limbs, care should<br />
be taken so that the bark should not have split or damaged on reta<strong>in</strong>ed stump.<br />
Immediately after behead<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> trees, treat the cut wounds with 10% Bordeaux paste<br />
so that there should not be any gummosis and fungal <strong>in</strong>fection <strong>in</strong> wound.<br />
Graft<strong>in</strong>g Operation<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
Graft<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> new flushes emerg<strong>in</strong>g<br />
from the trunk <strong>of</strong> the cut tree<br />
can be taken up after 45-60 days<br />
onwards. About 200-300 shoots<br />
emerge from the trunk below the<br />
cut end depend<strong>in</strong>g on the size <strong>of</strong><br />
the rema<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g trunk.<br />
On a cut tree about 15-20 shoots<br />
<strong>of</strong> different branches <strong>in</strong> different<br />
directions may be selected and<br />
graft<strong>in</strong>g by s<strong>of</strong>twood graft<strong>in</strong>g<br />
technique may be taken with the<br />
scion material <strong>of</strong> required or elite varieties.<br />
The period between June and August is most suitable for top work<strong>in</strong>g. After successful<br />
graft<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> the shoots, rema<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g ungrafted shoots need to be gradually removed <strong>in</strong> a<br />
phased manner.<br />
After about 4-5 months <strong>of</strong> graft<strong>in</strong>g, only about 10-12 successful grafts <strong>in</strong> various<br />
branches <strong>in</strong> different directions may be reta<strong>in</strong>ed and rest may be removed. The new<br />
flushes emerg<strong>in</strong>g from the trunk subsequently should be frequently removed. From<br />
second year <strong>of</strong> graft<strong>in</strong>g, the plant will grow <strong>in</strong>to a tree and give flowers and <strong>fruit</strong>s like<br />
a normal tree.<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops<br />
Shoots develop <strong>in</strong> top worked trees
Cherry<br />
Cherry plants require more corrective prun<strong>in</strong>g rather than too much head<strong>in</strong>g<br />
back <strong>of</strong> branches. Bear<strong>in</strong>g trees need some prun<strong>in</strong>g to keep the centre <strong>of</strong><br />
the tree open. The top is kept fairly low to generate new growth.<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
Cherry plants are tra<strong>in</strong>ed on<br />
modified leader system. They<br />
are headed back at 60-80cm<br />
at the time <strong>of</strong> plant<strong>in</strong>g. The<br />
central leader is reta<strong>in</strong>ed and<br />
3-5 wide angled branches,<br />
20-25cm apart spirally around<br />
the tree, are selected <strong>in</strong> first<br />
dormant prun<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
The lowest branch should be<br />
40-60cm above the ground<br />
level. The selected scaffold branches are headed back to m<strong>in</strong>imum and only<br />
one fourth <strong>of</strong> the growth is pruned <strong>of</strong>f.<br />
In second dormant prun<strong>in</strong>g, 3-4 well spaced ma<strong>in</strong> branches are selected<br />
whose one fourth growth is pruned <strong>of</strong>f and, on each ma<strong>in</strong> scaffolds well<br />
spaced 3-4 secondary branches are selected. After 3-4 years, central leader<br />
is headed back and lateral branches are allowed to grow, result<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the<br />
development <strong>of</strong> a strong and moderately spread<strong>in</strong>g tree.<br />
Prun<strong>in</strong>g is restricted to elim<strong>in</strong>ate the dead, diseased and <strong>in</strong>tercross<strong>in</strong>g<br />
branches. Fruits are borne laterally on spurs <strong>of</strong> one year old shoots. The<br />
average productive life <strong>of</strong> these spurs is 1-12 years, requir<strong>in</strong>g less renewal<br />
prun<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> spurs.<br />
Good <strong>canopy</strong> shape<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops 27
28<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops<br />
Citrus<br />
Citrus trees typically have 3-5 growth flushes a year depend<strong>in</strong>g on grow<strong>in</strong>g<br />
conditions. Each new growth flush is added onto the previous growth flush,<br />
result<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> a drift <strong>of</strong> young bear<strong>in</strong>g wood to outsides <strong>of</strong> tree <strong>canopy</strong>. Over the time,<br />
this results <strong>in</strong> larger trees with <strong>in</strong>creased shad<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>side the <strong>canopy</strong>, develop<strong>in</strong>g<br />
most <strong>of</strong> the <strong>fruit</strong>s on the tops and outsides <strong>of</strong> trees.<br />
Most <strong>of</strong> the <strong>fruit</strong>s <strong>in</strong> Citrus are born on foliage about 90 cm along from centre<br />
where light is adequate for <strong>fruit</strong> bud formation, while <strong>in</strong>side area is occupied ma<strong>in</strong>ly<br />
by support<strong>in</strong>g structure without <strong>fruit</strong>s.<br />
Growth rates are highly variable depend<strong>in</strong>g on climate, cultural practices, tree<br />
spac<strong>in</strong>g, scion, and rootstock. Younger trees (approximately 5–10 years old) have<br />
higher growth rate <strong>in</strong> relation to tree size. Once the tree reaches desired height,<br />
annual prun<strong>in</strong>g may be required to ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> the height, th<strong>in</strong> the growth, and<br />
promote prolific <strong>fruit</strong><strong>in</strong>g. Maximum <strong>fruit</strong>s are set on wood that is less than 2 years<br />
old. Prun<strong>in</strong>g is least damag<strong>in</strong>g to tree yields when done on a regular basis to wood<br />
on the outside <strong>of</strong> the <strong>canopy</strong>.<br />
Prun<strong>in</strong>g is done when trees are young to establish their basic shape and cont<strong>in</strong>ues<br />
as trees mature. In commercial orchards, prun<strong>in</strong>g facilitates normal daily operations,<br />
<strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g the yield. Where trees have outgrown their allotted space, prun<strong>in</strong>g can<br />
<strong>in</strong>crease the bear<strong>in</strong>g surface. Trees that grow too close together shade out the lower<br />
<strong>canopy</strong> portions and, <strong>in</strong> return, decrease <strong>fruit</strong> sett<strong>in</strong>g. If pruned to allow light to<br />
reach the top and lower sides <strong>of</strong> tree, the <strong>in</strong>creased bear<strong>in</strong>g surface results <strong>in</strong> <strong>fruit</strong><br />
sett<strong>in</strong>g. Any sprouts aris<strong>in</strong>g from rootstock (i.e. from below the graft union) should<br />
be removed.
Grape<strong>fruit</strong><br />
The grape<strong>fruit</strong> plants are spread<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> nature.<br />
The formation <strong>of</strong> upright branches is negligible.<br />
The foliage, is quite dense. The only precautions<br />
need to be taken are to check or th<strong>in</strong> out the<br />
dense foliage, to the extent sufficient for lett<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the light and air to the <strong>in</strong>terior parts <strong>of</strong> the plant.<br />
Lemon<br />
Lemon trees have a more willowy or weep<strong>in</strong>g tree structure than that <strong>of</strong> most orange<br />
and mandar<strong>in</strong> trees.<br />
•<br />
The branches and limbs are more easily broken by strong w<strong>in</strong>ds when the crop load<br />
is heavy.<br />
Initial tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g for better <strong>fruit</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
Overall lemon tree branches are longer, th<strong>in</strong>ner and<br />
more flexible than those <strong>of</strong> orange trees. Prun<strong>in</strong>g<br />
should aim to shorten these branches.<br />
Prun<strong>in</strong>g should be done to encourage <strong>fruit</strong><br />
development on the <strong>in</strong>sides <strong>of</strong> trees where it is more<br />
protected from w<strong>in</strong>d.<br />
Lemons also have a tendency to produce strong,<br />
vigorous upright water shoots that are usually<br />
thorny. These are normally unproductive and should<br />
be removed as early as possible.<br />
Fruit<strong>in</strong>g on managed plant<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops 29
Young Tree Formation<br />
•<br />
30<br />
Prun<strong>in</strong>g normally starts when trees are 1-2 year old. At this stage, prun<strong>in</strong>g is done to<br />
develop a good framework. Its aim is to<br />
have 3-5 ma<strong>in</strong> limbs, with lowest branch<br />
start<strong>in</strong>g at least 65cm above the ground.<br />
Prun<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Bear<strong>in</strong>g Trees<br />
A more regular prun<strong>in</strong>g should be done<br />
when trees start to give <strong>fruit</strong>s regularly. Thus,<br />
prun<strong>in</strong>g is undertaken to:<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
Remove diseased, dead, weak or old<br />
growth.<br />
Remove crossed over branches or branches<br />
<strong>in</strong> wrong directions.<br />
Th<strong>in</strong> out and open up the tree <strong>canopy</strong> to<br />
improve light and air penetration to reduce<br />
or manipulate flower<strong>in</strong>g or crop load.<br />
Reduce tree height or width.<br />
Improve spray coverage.<br />
Trees <strong>in</strong> good shape after rejuvenation<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops<br />
Rejuvenation <strong>of</strong> Old Trees<br />
•<br />
This type <strong>of</strong> prun<strong>in</strong>g is normally undertaken<br />
<strong>in</strong> old trees which are still healthy to<br />
improve their yield potential. In this type <strong>of</strong><br />
prun<strong>in</strong>g, major limbs are normally removed<br />
(skeletoniz<strong>in</strong>g) to encourage replacement<br />
with new young branches. This type <strong>of</strong><br />
prun<strong>in</strong>g should be undertaken over a<br />
number <strong>of</strong> years. Typically, trees are pruned<br />
<strong>in</strong>itially on one side so that some <strong>fruit</strong> yield<br />
is reta<strong>in</strong>ed, the other side is then pruned 1-2<br />
years later.<br />
A block <strong>of</strong> hedged trees
Prun<strong>in</strong>g Tips<br />
• Prun<strong>in</strong>g should be a regular part <strong>of</strong> orchard <strong>management</strong>.<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
The blades should be sterilised after prun<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> a block or a variety, with a sterilis<strong>in</strong>g solution<br />
<strong>of</strong> 3 % sodium hypochloride.<br />
Heavy prun<strong>in</strong>g should not be carried out <strong>in</strong> hot weather to avoid sun burn <strong>of</strong> branches or<br />
<strong>fruit</strong>s.<br />
In frost prone areas, prun<strong>in</strong>g should not be done on young flush growth, because it is<br />
susceptible to frost damage.<br />
Heavy prun<strong>in</strong>g at wrong time can result <strong>in</strong> excessive vegetative growth.<br />
Prun<strong>in</strong>g dur<strong>in</strong>g budbreak or flower<strong>in</strong>g affects <strong>fruit</strong> load.<br />
• The heavier you prune, the longer time it takes for trees to recover and give <strong>fruit</strong>s.<br />
Lime<br />
Acid lime plants may be tra<strong>in</strong>ed to modified central leader system, with a smooth trunk up<br />
to 75-100cm height from the ground level and 4-5 well spaced and well spread branches,<br />
as scaffold<strong>in</strong>g branches.<br />
• All sprouts appear<strong>in</strong>g on the trunk up to a height <strong>of</strong> 75-100cm should be removed. Similarly<br />
on grown up trees, the water suckers appear<strong>in</strong>g on<br />
ma<strong>in</strong> trunk and scaffold<strong>in</strong>g branches should be removed<br />
promptly.<br />
• Once a young plant is tra<strong>in</strong>ed to a desired shape, it<br />
requires very little prun<strong>in</strong>g. Light prun<strong>in</strong>g may be given<br />
dur<strong>in</strong>g later years.<br />
• Lightly pruned young trees make more development<br />
<strong>of</strong> roots and shoots, produc<strong>in</strong>g <strong>fruit</strong>s earlier that those<br />
pruned heavily. Prun<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> bear<strong>in</strong>g trees though differs<br />
with variety, chiefly consists <strong>of</strong> removal <strong>of</strong> dead, dried,<br />
diseased, broken and criss cross branches, whose<br />
existence is detrimental to the health <strong>of</strong> trees. Removal<br />
<strong>of</strong> water suckers is also essential.<br />
• Prun<strong>in</strong>g may be done just after harvest<strong>in</strong>g. Soon after Initial tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g for better <strong>canopy</strong><br />
prun<strong>in</strong>g, the cut ends may be smeared with Bordeaux paste or Blitox.<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops 31
32<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops<br />
Mandar<strong>in</strong><br />
The trees at plant<strong>in</strong>g time are headed<br />
back more severely to a height <strong>of</strong><br />
70-80cm from the ground level.<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
Usually, 3-5 well spread laterals<br />
are selected as the future scaffold<br />
limbs.<br />
Further, these shoots are aga<strong>in</strong><br />
pruned for <strong>in</strong>itiation <strong>of</strong> new shoots<br />
below the cut po<strong>in</strong>ts.<br />
These shoots are more prone to<br />
flower<strong>in</strong>g and <strong>fruit</strong><strong>in</strong>g.<br />
In bear<strong>in</strong>g, mandar<strong>in</strong>s are considered to be over bearers and also alternate bearers to<br />
some extent.<br />
Prun<strong>in</strong>g or cutt<strong>in</strong>g back <strong>of</strong> one year old shoot to half length (50% <strong>of</strong> the total) or to<br />
Heavy <strong>fruit</strong><strong>in</strong>g on managed <strong>canopy</strong><br />
full length is recommended for obta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
proper yield <strong>of</strong> high quality <strong>fruit</strong>s. The<br />
prun<strong>in</strong>g, therefore, is done to keep the<br />
balance between <strong>fruit</strong><strong>in</strong>g and vegetative<br />
growth.<br />
•<br />
Initial tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g for better tree shape<br />
The prun<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> some <strong>of</strong> the shoots<br />
certa<strong>in</strong>ly removes a part <strong>of</strong> <strong>fruit</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
area and helps ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> regular<br />
cropp<strong>in</strong>g. The dried up branches<br />
found <strong>in</strong> the lower part <strong>of</strong> the plant<br />
too are removed.
Sweet Orange<br />
Sweet orange trees are tra<strong>in</strong>ed to<br />
a s<strong>in</strong>gle system and any shoot<br />
emerg<strong>in</strong>g from the portion below the<br />
bud union is nipped <strong>of</strong>f regularly. The<br />
first year growth beyond height <strong>of</strong> 0.7-<br />
1.0 m is headed back to develop side<br />
shoots.<br />
•<br />
Only 4-6 branches hav<strong>in</strong>g wide angle<br />
with the ma<strong>in</strong> trunk are allowed to<br />
grow up to 2.5-3.0 m. Thereafter, no<br />
tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g is required. Tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> plants<br />
is completed <strong>in</strong> 3 years so that plants<br />
atta<strong>in</strong> a mechanically strong <strong>canopy</strong>.<br />
The prun<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> pre bear<strong>in</strong>g trees is<br />
done at any time avoid<strong>in</strong>g the peak w<strong>in</strong>ter.<br />
Prun<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> Bear<strong>in</strong>g Trees<br />
•<br />
•<br />
It consists <strong>of</strong> removal <strong>of</strong> dead, diseased, criss cross and weak branches. Removal <strong>of</strong><br />
water sprouts and suckers from each rootstock below the bud union is also essential.<br />
It is done regularly along with th<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> shoots for better penetration <strong>of</strong> sunlight and<br />
aeration.<br />
The cut ends after prun<strong>in</strong>g are treated with Bordeaux paste to avoid fungal <strong>in</strong>fection.<br />
The best time for prun<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> bear<strong>in</strong>g trees is after harvest<strong>in</strong>g dur<strong>in</strong>g late w<strong>in</strong>ter or<br />
early spr<strong>in</strong>g. After each prun<strong>in</strong>g, spray<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> Bavist<strong>in</strong> (1ml/litre <strong>of</strong> water) is beneficial<br />
to avoid any secondary <strong>in</strong>fection.<br />
Well managed tree <strong>in</strong> <strong>fruit</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops 33
34<br />
<strong>Co</strong>coa<br />
<strong>Co</strong>coa plants start to develop the first jorquette when they are 14<br />
months old. It is, therefore, necessary to regulate the <strong>canopy</strong><br />
size and shape <strong>of</strong> plants so that the ma<strong>in</strong> crop is not affected.<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
It is desirable to restrict the jorquett<strong>in</strong>g height to 1.0-1.5 m<br />
under the <strong>in</strong>tercropp<strong>in</strong>g by nipp<strong>in</strong>g the fan branches aris<strong>in</strong>g at<br />
lower level and only one chupon shoot may be allowed to grow<br />
up and jorquette.<br />
There should be only one ma<strong>in</strong> chupon stem and additional<br />
chupons arise from the ma<strong>in</strong> chupon are to be removed<br />
periodically.<br />
Vertical growth <strong>of</strong> the plant is to be restricted to a s<strong>in</strong>gle tier<br />
system. However, a second tier may be allowed to develop, if the first tier is damaged.<br />
Further, extension <strong>of</strong> vertical growth can be restricted by remov<strong>in</strong>g chupons that develop<br />
from below the jorquette and this process has to be cont<strong>in</strong>ued as the normal tendency <strong>of</strong> the<br />
plant is to put forth new chupons.<br />
The droop<strong>in</strong>g fan branches may be cut <strong>of</strong>f at a suitable distance from the jorquette once a<br />
year preferably when the crop load is low.<br />
The preferred time <strong>of</strong> prun<strong>in</strong>g would be July-August and December-January.<br />
Quality pods develop on<br />
pruned trees<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops<br />
•<br />
Center<strong>in</strong>g as a part <strong>of</strong> prun<strong>in</strong>g is also recommended. This<br />
<strong>in</strong>volves removal <strong>of</strong> all lateral fan branches that arise on the<br />
fans to a distance <strong>of</strong> 30-50 cm around the jorquette. This<br />
allows entry <strong>of</strong> sunlight on the ma<strong>in</strong> stem and around it. It is<br />
beneficial for enhanc<strong>in</strong>g flower<strong>in</strong>g on the ma<strong>in</strong> stem.<br />
Sanitary Prun<strong>in</strong>g<br />
• Diseased or unwanted branches with vascular die back and<br />
water shoots are removed to ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> the health and vigour<br />
<strong>of</strong> trees. It <strong>in</strong>cludes remov<strong>in</strong>g all unnecessary chupons,<br />
dead branches, epiphytes, climb<strong>in</strong>g plants, ant nests, rodent<br />
damaged and over ripe pods.<br />
Initial tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g for<br />
better shape
Custard apple<br />
Custard apple requires more corrective prun<strong>in</strong>g. Initially, it is essential to<br />
develop a good growth and better yield over a long period <strong>of</strong> time. Without<br />
prun<strong>in</strong>g, its plants become bushy and<br />
their bear<strong>in</strong>g efficiency comes down.<br />
Severe prun<strong>in</strong>g is detrimental for the<br />
plant growth. Yellow<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> leaves<br />
starts as the harvest<strong>in</strong>g season <strong>of</strong> the<br />
<strong>fruit</strong>s ends. The leaves beg<strong>in</strong> to drop<br />
with the onset <strong>of</strong> w<strong>in</strong>ter and fresh<br />
growth occurs <strong>in</strong> spr<strong>in</strong>g. Flower<strong>in</strong>g<br />
occurs s<strong>in</strong>gly or, rarely, <strong>in</strong> small clusters<br />
mostly on current season’s growth and,<br />
occasionally, on old wood. Tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g to<br />
a s<strong>in</strong>gle stem is the only option when<br />
rootstock is employed.<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
Young plants need tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g for the<br />
development <strong>of</strong> framework. Keep<br />
the ma<strong>in</strong> stem clean up to 50-60 cm<br />
height from the ground level.<br />
Timely removal <strong>of</strong> misplaced limbs<br />
is necessary to build a strong<br />
framework.<br />
Four to five scaffold branches with wide crotch angle are encouraged to grow<br />
<strong>in</strong> different directions dur<strong>in</strong>g early years <strong>of</strong> orchard establishment.<br />
Prun<strong>in</strong>g dur<strong>in</strong>g March-April is done to encourage new growth on which flower<br />
buds are generally formed. Tree height is generally ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>ed up to 3 m.<br />
Prun<strong>in</strong>g is also done to remove dead wood and old branches which bear fewer<br />
<strong>fruit</strong>s.<br />
Properly tra<strong>in</strong>ed plants develop <strong>in</strong>to a good<br />
framework<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops 35
36<br />
Durian<br />
Durian is neither pruned <strong>in</strong> nursery<br />
nor after plant<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the field. It<br />
usually takes a pyramidal shape by itself.<br />
However after harvest<strong>in</strong>g, trees are<br />
cleared <strong>of</strong> dried and old twigs.<br />
In some places, prun<strong>in</strong>g is done after<br />
harvest<strong>in</strong>g to prepare the trees for the<br />
next <strong>fruit</strong><strong>in</strong>g season. This process aids<br />
<strong>in</strong> improv<strong>in</strong>g the quality <strong>of</strong> <strong>fruit</strong>s, hav<strong>in</strong>g<br />
desired size and shape <strong>of</strong> crown, and<br />
remov<strong>in</strong>g unwanted branches.<br />
Prun<strong>in</strong>g develops better <strong>canopy</strong><br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops<br />
Egg Fruit<br />
Shoot <strong>management</strong> for better tree shape<br />
In early stages <strong>of</strong> plant growth, mild prun<strong>in</strong>g is<br />
necessary to provide tree a good and strong<br />
framework, with several well spaced branches.<br />
Ultimately, such prun<strong>in</strong>g produces a well balanced<br />
and symmetrical tree with an open <strong>canopy</strong>. Prun<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>in</strong> subsequent years is limited to elim<strong>in</strong>ation <strong>of</strong><br />
malformed, dead or diseased branches.
Fig<br />
Fig plants require annual prun<strong>in</strong>g to<br />
keep them <strong>in</strong> normal production. The<br />
plants are preferably tra<strong>in</strong>ed to a modified<br />
leader system. Four to five ma<strong>in</strong> limbs<br />
are placed especially <strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>itial tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
around the stem which, on suppress<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the leader to a side lateral, results <strong>in</strong>to<br />
a well balanced prun<strong>in</strong>g. It is practised<br />
annually to stimulate production <strong>of</strong> new<br />
growth and bear<strong>in</strong>g <strong>fruit</strong>s. However, time<br />
and type <strong>of</strong> prun<strong>in</strong>g vary with location,<br />
variety and number <strong>of</strong> pick<strong>in</strong>gs.<br />
•<br />
•<br />
In general, fig plants are tra<strong>in</strong>ed to<br />
a s<strong>in</strong>gle stem and laterals are<br />
allowed at a height <strong>of</strong> 1.0-1.5 m. In<br />
Northern India, the plants are headed back to a height <strong>of</strong> 30-40 cm above the ground<br />
level, whereas <strong>in</strong> Pune head<strong>in</strong>g back to about 1.0-1.5 m is usually done from the<br />
ground level. As the fig tree normally bears 2 <strong>crops</strong> <strong>in</strong> a year, the first (known as<br />
‘Breba’) on the wood <strong>of</strong> previous season and the second crop on new wood <strong>of</strong> current<br />
season, the time and amount <strong>of</strong> prun<strong>in</strong>g are adjusted accord<strong>in</strong>g to growth habit and<br />
bear<strong>in</strong>g capacity <strong>of</strong> the tree.<br />
Prun<strong>in</strong>g for better <strong>fruit</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
In Pune, light prun<strong>in</strong>g is given just after <strong>fruit</strong>s are harvested. In Uttar Pradesh, severe<br />
prun<strong>in</strong>g is done <strong>in</strong> December, leav<strong>in</strong>g only 3-4 buds on shoots <strong>of</strong> previous year’s growth.<br />
In Karnataka, fig plants are headed back every year <strong>in</strong> January-February to about 2<br />
buds on each shoot <strong>of</strong> previous season’s growth to obta<strong>in</strong> <strong>fruit</strong>s <strong>in</strong> July-October.<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops 37
• Some growers prefer to prune its trees <strong>in</strong> October to get<br />
<strong>fruit</strong>s <strong>in</strong> the follow<strong>in</strong>g<br />
•<br />
•<br />
38<br />
summer. Little or no prun<strong>in</strong>g is done <strong>in</strong> Tamil Nadu.<br />
The highest yield is obta<strong>in</strong>ed with slight p<strong>in</strong>ch<strong>in</strong>g (only the term<strong>in</strong>al bud and one leaf<br />
removed). Notch<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the form <strong>of</strong> a slant<strong>in</strong>g cut is another practice performed <strong>in</strong> July<br />
on at least 8 month old shoots. The depth and width <strong>of</strong> the notch vary accord<strong>in</strong>g to<br />
size <strong>of</strong> the branch.<br />
A comb<strong>in</strong>ation <strong>of</strong> prun<strong>in</strong>g and notch<strong>in</strong>g is effective to accelerate more laterals and<br />
<strong>in</strong>duces more <strong>fruit</strong>s on new growth than <strong>in</strong> prun<strong>in</strong>g or notch<strong>in</strong>g alone.<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops
Grape<br />
Canopy <strong>of</strong> grapev<strong>in</strong>e <strong>in</strong>cludes parts <strong>of</strong> v<strong>in</strong>e visible above the ground: trunk, cordons,<br />
stems, shoots, leaves, flowers and <strong>fruit</strong>s. Canopy <strong>management</strong> is an important<br />
aspect <strong>of</strong> viticulture due to its effect on grape<br />
vigour, prevention <strong>of</strong> disease, yield and quality.<br />
Various problems, viz. uneven berry and<br />
bunch size, low <strong>fruit</strong>fulness, uneven ripen<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and sunburn can be checked by skilful <strong>canopy</strong><br />
<strong>management</strong>.<br />
•<br />
The <strong>canopy</strong> is <strong>of</strong>ten managed on trellis by<br />
tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g, prun<strong>in</strong>g and leaf removal to adjust<br />
its growth, and assist ongo<strong>in</strong>g <strong>management</strong><br />
and harvest<strong>in</strong>g. The height <strong>of</strong> trunk varies<br />
depend<strong>in</strong>g on variety and type <strong>of</strong> trellis<br />
system be<strong>in</strong>g used, and can range from<br />
0.6 m for w<strong>in</strong>e grapes to 1.3 m for table grapes.<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Young V<strong>in</strong>es<br />
Tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g for harvest<strong>in</strong>g maximum sunlight<br />
Initial tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g system<br />
• New<br />
plantation needs to be taken care<br />
right from the plant<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> grape rootstock<br />
<strong>in</strong> the field. Tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> rootstock on<br />
bamboo with the help <strong>of</strong> jute thread <strong>in</strong><br />
the beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g can help the v<strong>in</strong>e to grow<br />
straight upright without bend<strong>in</strong>g. The<br />
rootstock after graft<strong>in</strong>g is aga<strong>in</strong> to be tied<br />
straight on bamboo stick to have an erect<br />
growth <strong>of</strong> plant and to reduce the chances<br />
<strong>of</strong> sun burn/dead wood <strong>of</strong> trunk.<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops 39
Medium Young V<strong>in</strong>es<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
40<br />
The v<strong>in</strong>es after re cut come under this category. The re cut <strong>in</strong> grafted v<strong>in</strong>es is taken<br />
dur<strong>in</strong>g February for framework development. The new growth aris<strong>in</strong>g after re cut is<br />
then tra<strong>in</strong>ed on bamboo to form the trunk as it is followed <strong>in</strong> new plants.<br />
In this process, the grow<strong>in</strong>g shoots are cut back at the first wire and the side shoots<br />
aris<strong>in</strong>g are tied with the help <strong>of</strong> a jute rope to get upward growth and straight trunk.<br />
This helps <strong>in</strong> formation <strong>of</strong> appropriate number <strong>of</strong> cordons on a v<strong>in</strong>e that bear the<br />
shoots which are more efficient <strong>in</strong> photosynthetic activity.<br />
The cordons or arms <strong>of</strong> grapev<strong>in</strong>e extend from the trunk are the part from where<br />
additional arms, and eventually leaves and grape clusters extend. The cordons are<br />
usually tra<strong>in</strong>ed along wires as part <strong>of</strong> trellis system.<br />
Mature V<strong>in</strong>es<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
The mature v<strong>in</strong>es have<br />
permanent framework <strong>of</strong> stem<br />
(trunk), primary arms and<br />
secondary arms (cordons). The<br />
stem <strong>of</strong> grapev<strong>in</strong>e extend<strong>in</strong>g<br />
from cordon is called shoot<br />
and this part is pruned twice<br />
<strong>in</strong> a year, i.e. March – April<br />
and September – October for<br />
vegetative growth and <strong>fruit</strong><strong>in</strong>g,<br />
respectively, <strong>in</strong> tropical region.<br />
Canopy <strong>management</strong> <strong>in</strong> this<br />
type <strong>of</strong> v<strong>in</strong>es starts from back<br />
prun<strong>in</strong>g where mature shoots are pruned, leav<strong>in</strong>g 1 or 2 buds on it. After back prun<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
major cultural operations are followed for <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g the rate <strong>of</strong> photosynthetic v<strong>in</strong>e<br />
and its <strong>fruit</strong>fulness. Shoot th<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g, shoot p<strong>in</strong>ch<strong>in</strong>g and spray<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> growth retardant<br />
are followed <strong>in</strong> grape v<strong>in</strong>eyard. This helps <strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g the efficiency <strong>of</strong> a v<strong>in</strong>e and also<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g the yield. This helps <strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g the efficiency <strong>of</strong> v<strong>in</strong>e <strong>in</strong> stor<strong>in</strong>g the food<br />
material <strong>in</strong> the form <strong>of</strong> carbohydrates <strong>in</strong> canes, cordons and trunk.<br />
The shoots aris<strong>in</strong>g from sprouted buds after back prun<strong>in</strong>g are, by and large, more<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops<br />
Prun<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> mature grape v<strong>in</strong>es
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
than the requirement. Hence, shoot<br />
retention is done based on specific quality<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>fruit</strong>s and accord<strong>in</strong>gly the ground area<br />
is allocated to each v<strong>in</strong>e.<br />
The shoot th<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g is done at 6-7 leaf stage<br />
after back prun<strong>in</strong>g. This helps <strong>in</strong> achiev<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the quality yield per v<strong>in</strong>e <strong>in</strong> a given unit<br />
area. The grow<strong>in</strong>g shoots are then tied<br />
on the wire with the help <strong>of</strong> a jute rope.<br />
This helps <strong>in</strong> effective photosynthesis<br />
and aeration to m<strong>in</strong>imize the disease and<br />
<strong>in</strong>sect <strong>in</strong>cidence.<br />
In forward prun<strong>in</strong>g, shoots are pruned at<br />
a particular position on the cane. Before<br />
prun<strong>in</strong>g the v<strong>in</strong>e, bud test<strong>in</strong>g is done to know the actual bud position <strong>of</strong> <strong>fruit</strong>ful buds<br />
that can bear good quality <strong>of</strong> bunch.<br />
After the bunch emergence, the appropriate number <strong>of</strong> bunches and shoots are<br />
reta<strong>in</strong>ed on area <strong>of</strong> land allotted to each v<strong>in</strong>e <strong>in</strong> the field. The shoots from the berry<br />
set are tra<strong>in</strong>ed on wire <strong>in</strong> a trellis <strong>in</strong> such a way that every leaf on each shoot harvests<br />
maximum sunlight for photosynthesis and helps the bunch to develop and protect<br />
from sunlight to have uniform green colour.<br />
Rejuvenation <strong>of</strong> Old V<strong>in</strong>e<br />
•<br />
•<br />
The life span <strong>of</strong> a grapev<strong>in</strong>e is 12-14 years <strong>in</strong> tropical areas. This, generally, depends<br />
upon type <strong>of</strong> soil, irrigation water and plant type.<br />
In majority <strong>of</strong> grape gardens, v<strong>in</strong>es are uprooted and new rootstock <strong>of</strong> own rooted<br />
plants are planted <strong>in</strong> the field. However <strong>in</strong> some cases, rootstock is cut from the base<br />
and new suckers are allowed to grow. From new suckers, 2-3 healthy and straight<br />
grow<strong>in</strong>g shoots are selected and tied to bamboo. Then wedge graft<strong>in</strong>g is done dur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
August – September. The new shoots are then tra<strong>in</strong>ed to a tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g system erected <strong>in</strong><br />
field. Thus, a good framework is developed.<br />
Full bear<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> grape after prun<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops 41
42<br />
Guava<br />
Untra<strong>in</strong>ed or unpruned guava trees become huge<br />
and unmanageable after a few years <strong>of</strong> growth.<br />
The bear<strong>in</strong>g area is reduced and the <strong>in</strong>terior <strong>of</strong> plants<br />
become entirely without <strong>fruit</strong>s.<br />
•<br />
Trees are topped to a uniform height <strong>of</strong><br />
60-70 cm from the ground level, 2 - 3 months<br />
after plant<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>in</strong>duce the emergence<br />
<strong>of</strong> new growth below the cut po<strong>in</strong>ts. Early shoot <strong>management</strong> for better<br />
<strong>canopy</strong>, unpruned (left) and pruned<br />
trees (right)<br />
• Three to four equally spaced shoots are reta<strong>in</strong>ed<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops<br />
around the stem to form the ma<strong>in</strong> scaffold<br />
limbs <strong>of</strong> tree. These shoots are allowed to grow<br />
for 4-5 months after topp<strong>in</strong>g until they atta<strong>in</strong> a<br />
length <strong>of</strong> 40 - 50 cm.<br />
• The selected shoots are further pruned to 50% <strong>of</strong><br />
their length for <strong>in</strong>duc<strong>in</strong>g multiple shoots from the<br />
buds below the cut end. Newly emerged shoots are<br />
allowed to grow up to 40-50 cm and pruned once<br />
aga<strong>in</strong> for<br />
emergence <strong>of</strong> new shoots. This is chiefly done to<br />
obta<strong>in</strong> the desired shape.<br />
•<br />
Flower<strong>in</strong>g through shoot prun<strong>in</strong>g<br />
The prun<strong>in</strong>g operations cont<strong>in</strong>ue dur<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
second year after plant<strong>in</strong>g. After two years,<br />
short branches with<strong>in</strong> the tree <strong>canopy</strong> produce a<br />
compact and strong structure. All the plants are<br />
conf<strong>in</strong>ed to a hedge shape <strong>of</strong> 2m <strong>in</strong>ter row width<br />
and 2.5m height for which prun<strong>in</strong>g is performed<br />
<strong>in</strong> January and May-June every year.<br />
Heavy <strong>fruit</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> well managed tree
Establish<strong>in</strong>g Meadow Orchard<br />
• In this<br />
system, plant<strong>in</strong>g is done at 2.0 m (row to<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
row) x 1.0 m (plant to plant), accommodat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
5,000 plants / ha. Initially, trees are pruned<br />
and tra<strong>in</strong>ed to allow maximum production <strong>of</strong><br />
quality <strong>fruit</strong>s dur<strong>in</strong>g first year.<br />
A s<strong>in</strong>gle trunk tree with no <strong>in</strong>terfer<strong>in</strong>g branches<br />
up to 30 - 40 cm from the ground level is<br />
desirable to make dwarf tree architecture.<br />
After a period <strong>of</strong> 1-2 months <strong>of</strong> plant<strong>in</strong>g, all the<br />
trees are topped at a uniform height <strong>of</strong> 30-40<br />
cm from the ground level for <strong>in</strong>itiation <strong>of</strong> new<br />
growth below the cut ends.<br />
No side shoots or branches should rema<strong>in</strong> after topp<strong>in</strong>g. This is done to make a s<strong>in</strong>gle<br />
trunk straight up to 40 cm height. After 15-20 days <strong>of</strong> topp<strong>in</strong>g, new shoots emerge.<br />
Good <strong>canopy</strong> with heavy <strong>fruit</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
In general, 3-4 shoots are reta<strong>in</strong>ed<br />
below the cut po<strong>in</strong>t after topp<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
•<br />
•<br />
As shoots mature, generally<br />
after a period <strong>of</strong> 3-4 months,<br />
they are reduced by 50 %<br />
<strong>of</strong> their total length so that<br />
new shoots emerge below<br />
the cut po<strong>in</strong>t. This is done to<br />
atta<strong>in</strong> the desired tree <strong>canopy</strong><br />
architecture and strong<br />
framework.<br />
The emerged shoots are<br />
allowed to grow for 3 - 4 months before they are aga<strong>in</strong> pruned by 50%. After prun<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
new shoots emerge on which flower<strong>in</strong>g takes place.<br />
Row orientation <strong>in</strong> meadow orchard<strong>in</strong>g<br />
It is emphasized that prun<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> shoot is done thrice a year. This leads to desired<br />
<strong>canopy</strong> development. Though <strong>fruit</strong><strong>in</strong>g starts <strong>in</strong> the same year, one cannot expect <strong>fruit</strong>s<br />
on each and every shoot. Prun<strong>in</strong>g is cont<strong>in</strong>ued so that plants rema<strong>in</strong> dwarf.<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops 43
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
44<br />
After a year, prun<strong>in</strong>g operation<br />
is done especially <strong>in</strong> May-<br />
June, September-October and<br />
January-February.<br />
New shoots emerge after<br />
prun<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> shoots dur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
January-February. On these<br />
shoots, flower<strong>in</strong>g takes place<br />
and <strong>fruit</strong><strong>in</strong>g is obta<strong>in</strong>ed dur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
July-September. Second time<br />
prun<strong>in</strong>g is done <strong>in</strong> May-June.<br />
After prun<strong>in</strong>g, once aga<strong>in</strong> shoots<br />
emerge and flower<strong>in</strong>g takes place, which yields <strong>fruit</strong>s dur<strong>in</strong>g December-February.<br />
These shoots are further pruned for the third time <strong>in</strong> September-October. It is done<br />
primarily for better <strong>canopy</strong> development. As a result <strong>of</strong> prun<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> October, <strong>fruit</strong><strong>in</strong>g is<br />
obta<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> March-April. This is the technique for ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g a meadow orchard for<br />
optimum yield and dwarf tree size.<br />
Rejuvenation <strong>of</strong> Senile Orchards<br />
•<br />
The rejuvenation technology <strong>in</strong>volves head<strong>in</strong>g back <strong>of</strong> exhausted trees (show<strong>in</strong>g marked<br />
decl<strong>in</strong>e <strong>in</strong> annual production) to the extent <strong>of</strong> 1.0-1.5 m height above the ground level,<br />
dur<strong>in</strong>g May-June or December-February to facilitate production <strong>of</strong> new shoots below cut<br />
po<strong>in</strong>ts and allow the development <strong>of</strong> fresh <strong>canopy</strong> <strong>of</strong> healthy shoots.<br />
New shoots develop on beheaded trees<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops<br />
Growth and <strong>fruit</strong><strong>in</strong>g under meadow orchard<strong>in</strong>g<br />
• The newly emerg<strong>in</strong>g shoots are<br />
allowed to grow up to a length <strong>of</strong> about<br />
40-50 cm, which could be atta<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong><br />
4-5 months <strong>of</strong> rejuvenation prun<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
• These shoots are further pruned out<br />
to about 50% <strong>of</strong> their total length for<br />
emergence <strong>of</strong> multiple shoots. This<br />
is ma<strong>in</strong>ly done to modify the tree<br />
structure and ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> proper <strong>canopy</strong><br />
size.
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
The multiple shoots<br />
developed as a result<br />
<strong>of</strong> prun<strong>in</strong>g are capable<br />
<strong>of</strong> produc<strong>in</strong>g flower<br />
buds for the ra<strong>in</strong>y<br />
season crop.<br />
The farmers who are<br />
keen to take ra<strong>in</strong>y<br />
season crop can allow<br />
the shoots to bear buds<br />
and <strong>fruit</strong>s. However,<br />
as the w<strong>in</strong>ter crop has<br />
more market<strong>in</strong>g edge<br />
and value, due to<br />
quality, taste and <strong>fruit</strong>s<br />
be<strong>in</strong>g free <strong>of</strong> pest, it is<br />
desirable to promote <strong>fruit</strong> load <strong>in</strong> w<strong>in</strong>ter season. Hence, to check the onset <strong>of</strong> the ra<strong>in</strong>y<br />
season crop, shoot prun<strong>in</strong>g (50%) is done aga<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> May-June.<br />
The new shoots emerg<strong>in</strong>g after May-June prun<strong>in</strong>g are found to have better flower<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and <strong>fruit</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> w<strong>in</strong>ter crop. This technology <strong>of</strong> sequential and periodic prun<strong>in</strong>g is<br />
cont<strong>in</strong>ued every year for proper shape and <strong>canopy</strong> development to ensure enhanced<br />
production <strong>of</strong> quality <strong>fruit</strong>s.<br />
Rejuvenated trees bear more <strong>fruit</strong>s<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops 45
Tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> jack<strong>fruit</strong> <strong>in</strong> early<br />
stage to build strong<br />
framework and to avoid weak<br />
crotches is necessary. Plants<br />
<strong>of</strong> jack<strong>fruit</strong> should be tra<strong>in</strong>ed<br />
on s<strong>in</strong>gle stem. Apical growth<br />
needs to be controlled with<strong>in</strong><br />
first year <strong>of</strong> plant<strong>in</strong>g for better<br />
<strong>canopy</strong> architecture.<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
46<br />
Plants are topped (headed<br />
back) to a uniform height<br />
<strong>of</strong> 70 - 80 cm from the<br />
ground level, 3-4 months<br />
after plant<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>in</strong>duce the<br />
emergence <strong>of</strong> new growth.<br />
Three to four well-spaced<br />
limbs are reta<strong>in</strong>ed around<br />
the ma<strong>in</strong> stem to form the<br />
scaffold limbs <strong>of</strong> the plant.<br />
Additional unwanted shoots<br />
are removed from time to<br />
time to give the plant desired shape.<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops<br />
Jack<strong>fruit</strong><br />
Strong framework develops after tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g
Jamun<br />
Jamun plants need to be tra<strong>in</strong>ed from <strong>in</strong>itial stage <strong>of</strong><br />
plant<strong>in</strong>g. Young plants need tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g for the development<br />
<strong>of</strong> a good framework.<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
Keep the ma<strong>in</strong> stem or trunk clean up to a height <strong>of</strong><br />
60-90cm from the ground level by remov<strong>in</strong>g the basal<br />
branches and sprouts.<br />
After emergence <strong>of</strong> new shoots below the cut po<strong>in</strong>t,<br />
allow 3-4 shoots equally spaced <strong>in</strong> different directions.<br />
When these shoots atta<strong>in</strong> a height <strong>of</strong> 50-60 cm, 50% <strong>of</strong><br />
their total length should be pruned out for emergence<br />
<strong>of</strong> new shoots.<br />
In general, its plants do not require any prun<strong>in</strong>g when<br />
it comes <strong>in</strong> bear<strong>in</strong>g except remov<strong>in</strong>g diseased, dry<br />
and criss cross twigs.<br />
A properly tra<strong>in</strong>ed plant<br />
Karonda<br />
Young plant <strong>in</strong> a good framework<br />
Karonda plants can be tra<strong>in</strong>ed on s<strong>in</strong>gle or double stems.<br />
For proper tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g, lateral shoots (15-20 cm long) are<br />
removed from the ground level. Shoots should not be allowed<br />
to grow below this po<strong>in</strong>t. This forms the ma<strong>in</strong> stem.<br />
Additional unwanted shoots or laterals are removed from<br />
time to time to give the plant desired shape. Bear<strong>in</strong>g plants<br />
normally do not require any prun<strong>in</strong>g. Suckers aris<strong>in</strong>g from the<br />
ground, and diseased and dry twigs should be removed.<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops 47
48<br />
Kiwi <strong>fruit</strong><br />
Tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> kiwi v<strong>in</strong>e is very important, requir<strong>in</strong>g constant attention. The ma<strong>in</strong> aim <strong>of</strong><br />
its tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g is to establish and ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> a well formed framework <strong>of</strong> ma<strong>in</strong> branches<br />
and <strong>fruit</strong><strong>in</strong>g arms. S<strong>in</strong>ce vegetative growth and<br />
<strong>fruit</strong> load <strong>in</strong> kiwi <strong>fruit</strong>s are heavier than grape,<br />
they require stronger support<strong>in</strong>g structure and<br />
heavier prun<strong>in</strong>g to produce quality <strong>fruit</strong>s with<br />
regular yield every year.<br />
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A s<strong>in</strong>gle wire fence commonly adopted<br />
through another wire is sometimes provided<br />
by some growers and then structure takes<br />
the form <strong>of</strong> kniff<strong>in</strong> system at 2m height<br />
above the ground on concrete pillars.<br />
A cross arm (1.5m) on the pole also carries two outrigger wires.<br />
This tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g is known as T-bar or overhead trellis / telephone system.<br />
Strong trunk laden with <strong>fruit</strong>s<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops<br />
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The laterals aris<strong>in</strong>g from the ma<strong>in</strong> branch are<br />
tra<strong>in</strong>ed on <strong>canopy</strong> <strong>of</strong> 3 wires. A flat topped<br />
network or criss-cross wires is prepared to<br />
tra<strong>in</strong> v<strong>in</strong>es on pergola or bower system.<br />
The system is costly and difficult to manage<br />
but gives higher yield.<br />
Initial tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g system<br />
A strong grow<strong>in</strong>g shoot is selected as a ma<strong>in</strong><br />
trunk to carry the v<strong>in</strong>e up to the wire. The<br />
trunk is staked to provide support and tied<br />
at frequent <strong>in</strong>tervals, so that it does not twist<br />
around and grows straight.<br />
When the v<strong>in</strong>e atta<strong>in</strong>s a height <strong>of</strong> 2m and reaches near the wire, one permanent<br />
leader can be allowed to grow out <strong>in</strong> each direction along with central wire.
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To achieve this, the leader can be tra<strong>in</strong>ed one way along the wire and suitably placed<br />
shoot can be tra<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> opposite direction as the second leader. Alternately, the <strong>in</strong>itial<br />
shoot can be cut just below the wire to force the production <strong>of</strong> 2 leaders which can be<br />
tra<strong>in</strong>ed as leaders along the wire.<br />
From the permanent leaders, a system <strong>of</strong> temporary <strong>fruit</strong><strong>in</strong>g arms 25-40cm apart is<br />
developed, at right angle along both sides <strong>of</strong> each leader. These arms are tied down<br />
to outrigger wires to hold them <strong>in</strong> position tak<strong>in</strong>g care not to break them out at<br />
their bases.<br />
The leader is not allowed to twist tightly around the wire or a restriction <strong>of</strong> sap<br />
flow <strong>in</strong> future could result <strong>in</strong> weaken<strong>in</strong>g the v<strong>in</strong>e. Us<strong>in</strong>g substantial tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g as<br />
leader hastens full development <strong>of</strong> <strong>fruit</strong><strong>in</strong>g arms and time <strong>of</strong> full production.<br />
Growth may be relatively slow dur<strong>in</strong>g first season but with<strong>in</strong> 3-4 years the fence<br />
should be furnished with strong leaders and <strong>fruit</strong><strong>in</strong>g arms <strong>in</strong> each direction.<br />
Tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> v<strong>in</strong>es over a pergola is similar to that <strong>of</strong> T-bar fence. The v<strong>in</strong>es are<br />
grown as straight, s<strong>in</strong>gle trunk until they reach a height <strong>of</strong> 2m near the top <strong>of</strong><br />
the structure.<br />
A s<strong>in</strong>gle, strong, permanent leader is then allowed to grow <strong>in</strong> each direction along the ma<strong>in</strong><br />
wire.<br />
To form the <strong>canopy</strong> <strong>of</strong> pergola, a system <strong>of</strong> <strong>fruit</strong><strong>in</strong>g arm is developed from the leaders at<br />
right angle to the wire. Fruit<strong>in</strong>g arms can be reta<strong>in</strong>ed longer on pergolas and may be more<br />
permanent than on T-bar. On more permanent <strong>fruit</strong><strong>in</strong>g arms, temporary <strong>fruit</strong><strong>in</strong>g laterals are<br />
allowed to develop. It usually takes up to 7 years for a pergola to become fully furnished<br />
with v<strong>in</strong>e growth.<br />
Rejuvenation <strong>in</strong> Kiwi<br />
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Knowledge <strong>of</strong> growth and <strong>fruit</strong><strong>in</strong>g habit <strong>of</strong> kiwi v<strong>in</strong>e is essential for its prun<strong>in</strong>g. The<br />
v<strong>in</strong>e grows 2-4m every year which may become over crowded and unmanageable if<br />
not controlled by both summer and w<strong>in</strong>ter prun<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
The <strong>fruit</strong>s develop only on current season’s growth, aris<strong>in</strong>g from the buds developed<br />
<strong>in</strong> previous year. Only basal 3-6 buds <strong>of</strong> current season’s growth are productive. The<br />
shoots developed on older wood, by head<strong>in</strong>g back, do not <strong>fruit</strong> normally <strong>in</strong> first season.<br />
Good quality <strong>fruit</strong>s develop on the exposed v<strong>in</strong>es. A shoot dies gradually if it is pruned<br />
just beyond the <strong>fruit</strong><strong>in</strong>g bud.<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops 49
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50<br />
Prun<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> kiwi should be carried out <strong>in</strong> such a way that <strong>fruit</strong><strong>in</strong>g areas are available<br />
every year, requir<strong>in</strong>g the wood to be young. This is achieved by follow<strong>in</strong>g a 3-4 year<br />
lateral replacement system which becomes a prun<strong>in</strong>g cycle.<br />
In the beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g, a lateral aris<strong>in</strong>g from ma<strong>in</strong> rod is cut back <strong>in</strong> w<strong>in</strong>ter to provide<br />
enough space for 4-5 <strong>fruit</strong><strong>in</strong>g shoots at 4-5 bud <strong>in</strong>terval between 2 such shoots.<br />
The strong uprights or shoots aris<strong>in</strong>g at undesirable po<strong>in</strong>ts are pruned <strong>in</strong> spr<strong>in</strong>g season<br />
when they have not grown too long. This is more applicable to Hayward variety, <strong>in</strong><br />
which shoots <strong>of</strong> only medium vigour bear <strong>fruit</strong>s.<br />
In others, vigorous shoots can be pulled back to horizontal position to convert them<br />
<strong>in</strong>to <strong>fruit</strong><strong>in</strong>g wood. Thus, summer prun<strong>in</strong>g constitutes <strong>in</strong> shorten<strong>in</strong>g back <strong>of</strong> <strong>fruit</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
arms, th<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g out <strong>of</strong> criss cross and shad<strong>in</strong>g shoots.<br />
The secret <strong>of</strong> successful summer prun<strong>in</strong>g is <strong>in</strong> the selection and encouragement <strong>of</strong><br />
correct laterals to bear <strong>fruit</strong>s <strong>in</strong> the next year and expose v<strong>in</strong>e to sunlight.<br />
In dormant prun<strong>in</strong>g, the <strong>fruit</strong><strong>in</strong>g lateral is cut back to 2 vegetative buds beyond the last<br />
<strong>fruit</strong>. In second year, these vegetative buds produce <strong>fruit</strong><strong>in</strong>g shoots which are pruned<br />
aga<strong>in</strong>.<br />
The arms on the lateral shoots are allowed to <strong>fruit</strong> dur<strong>in</strong>g third or fourth year. After<br />
this, the laterals are removed from the ma<strong>in</strong> branches, while other laterals are selected<br />
and pruned accord<strong>in</strong>gly, so that the balance between vegetative and reproductive<br />
growth is ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>ed for cont<strong>in</strong>uity <strong>in</strong> <strong>fruit</strong> production.<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops
Litchi<br />
Management <strong>of</strong> optimum stature <strong>of</strong> litchi tree with compact and stereo bear<strong>in</strong>g <strong>canopy</strong><br />
is an important aspect <strong>of</strong> orchard <strong>management</strong>. Generally, litchi trees grow unstopped<br />
and develop <strong>in</strong>to larger <strong>canopy</strong>. But <strong>in</strong> systematic orchard<strong>in</strong>g, promotion <strong>of</strong> large bear<strong>in</strong>g<br />
area, accommodation <strong>of</strong> more number <strong>of</strong> plants/unit area, <strong>management</strong> <strong>of</strong> tree height,<br />
<strong>canopy</strong> concentration to provide more <strong>fruit</strong><strong>in</strong>g branches and penetration <strong>of</strong> more light to<br />
<strong>in</strong>ner portion become more relevant. Hence, giv<strong>in</strong>g proper shape to trees from <strong>in</strong>itial stage<br />
and prun<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> branches after harvest<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> bear<strong>in</strong>g trees is essential. S<strong>in</strong>ce more shoot<br />
sprout<strong>in</strong>g takes place <strong>in</strong> young plants, proper shape is quite convenient at this stage.<br />
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S<strong>in</strong>gle stem air layered plants should be raised <strong>in</strong><br />
bags and allowed to grow up to 40-50 cm. The air<br />
layered plants have strong tendency to produce<br />
branches at the ground level which are p<strong>in</strong>ched or<br />
pruned.<br />
Further, strong, well spaced outshoots are allowed<br />
to form the ma<strong>in</strong> branches. It is necessary to<br />
cont<strong>in</strong>ue shap<strong>in</strong>g by remov<strong>in</strong>g all the branches<br />
form<strong>in</strong>g crotches with ma<strong>in</strong> branches as and when<br />
they grow.<br />
To develop good and compact <strong>canopy</strong>, 25-30 cm<br />
<strong>fruit</strong> bear<strong>in</strong>g shoots at the time <strong>of</strong> harvest<strong>in</strong>g are<br />
removed. In this way, 2-3 new term<strong>in</strong>als develop<br />
which consequently develop <strong>in</strong>to <strong>fruit</strong><strong>in</strong>g branches<br />
next season.<br />
Unproductive trees are pruned heavily to develop new <strong>fruit</strong>ful shoots. In such cases,<br />
heavy reiterative prun<strong>in</strong>g, usually up to limbs at a height <strong>of</strong> 4-5m is commonly followed,<br />
supplemented with heavy application <strong>of</strong> nutrients.<br />
Further, supplementary prun<strong>in</strong>g is done to reta<strong>in</strong> 4-6 healthy, well-placed shoots <strong>in</strong><br />
each limbs.<br />
These new shoots start <strong>fruit</strong><strong>in</strong>g 2-3 years after prun<strong>in</strong>g. Thereafter, general prun<strong>in</strong>g is<br />
followed to ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> ideal vigour and productivity <strong>of</strong> trees.<br />
Tree <strong>in</strong> improved shape<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops 51
Rejuvenation <strong>of</strong> Senile Orchard<br />
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52<br />
Topp<strong>in</strong>g is done at a height <strong>of</strong><br />
2-3 m depend<strong>in</strong>g on the tree<br />
structure. After topp<strong>in</strong>g, 3-5<br />
ma<strong>in</strong> branches with outward<br />
growth from the base are<br />
marked for prun<strong>in</strong>g as required<br />
for reiterative prun<strong>in</strong>g for<br />
rejuvenation <strong>in</strong> phased manner<br />
start<strong>in</strong>g from the top light<br />
prun<strong>in</strong>g to reduce weight up to<br />
the f<strong>in</strong>al po<strong>in</strong>t.<br />
Aftercare is very important for successful rejuvenation. To avoid any external<br />
<strong>in</strong>fection at the cut portion, it should be pasted with Bordeaux mixture or<br />
Canopy development after head<strong>in</strong>g back<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops<br />
copper oxychloride (Blitox) immediately after<br />
prun<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
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By adopt<strong>in</strong>g and follow<strong>in</strong>g all the required<br />
scientific procedures, the best time to go<br />
for reiterative prun<strong>in</strong>g for rejuvenation<br />
is August-September, i.e. ma<strong>in</strong>ly after<br />
the ra<strong>in</strong>y season. Rejuvenation is done<br />
<strong>in</strong> August-September for achiev<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
desired <strong>canopy</strong>.<br />
Headed back trees<br />
The pruned trunk/branches dur<strong>in</strong>g August<br />
starts putt<strong>in</strong>g forth vegetative sprouts<br />
just after 25-30 days <strong>in</strong> Shahi litchi and<br />
40-45 days <strong>in</strong> Ch<strong>in</strong>a litchi. A number <strong>of</strong><br />
branches come out and cover the entire<br />
body <strong>of</strong> pruned plant.<br />
At this juncture, careful th<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g is done with the ultimate aim <strong>of</strong> develop<strong>in</strong>g<br />
solid, semi-circular or open umbrella type <strong>canopy</strong>. For this, remove sucker
•<br />
growth around the bottom <strong>of</strong> trunk and th<strong>in</strong><br />
out excessive branches as well, keep<strong>in</strong>g only<br />
3-4 nearly top side portion on each pruned<br />
limbs <strong>of</strong> the trunk project<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> all directions<br />
and further tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g for acquir<strong>in</strong>g the desired<br />
shape.<br />
The air and light must have access to all parts<br />
<strong>of</strong> trees. The horizontally develop<strong>in</strong>g limbs<br />
should be cut back to the po<strong>in</strong>t where they<br />
do not hang under the weight <strong>of</strong> <strong>fruit</strong>s <strong>in</strong>to<br />
row or to the ground on lower limbs.<br />
Loquat<br />
The flowers are borne on current year’s growth. The trees start flower<strong>in</strong>g dur<strong>in</strong>g July-<br />
August and cont<strong>in</strong>ue up to January-February. There are 3 flushes. Flowers appear<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>in</strong> first flush are mostly shed, while the <strong>fruit</strong> load<br />
Prun<strong>in</strong>g judiciously br<strong>in</strong>gs more <strong>fruit</strong>s<br />
from the third flower<strong>in</strong>g is generally poor. The major<br />
<strong>fruit</strong> yield is obta<strong>in</strong>ed mostly from the second flush<br />
(October-November) <strong>of</strong> flowers.<br />
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Central leader or open system is usually<br />
followed to tra<strong>in</strong> loquat trees. The bear<strong>in</strong>g trees<br />
get benefits from annual prun<strong>in</strong>g to regulate<br />
the crop.<br />
Rejuvenated litchi tree <strong>in</strong><br />
bear<strong>in</strong>g stage<br />
• Timely and judicious<br />
prun<strong>in</strong>g should be done<br />
by snipp<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong>f 5cm below the tips towards the<br />
May end. Heavy prun<strong>in</strong>g should be avoided, as<br />
it seriously hampers the yield.<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops 53
54<br />
Macadamia<br />
Prun<strong>in</strong>g to form a tree with a s<strong>in</strong>gle ma<strong>in</strong><br />
stem and framework <strong>of</strong> horizontal branches,<br />
start<strong>in</strong>g at above the ground and from there, at<br />
an <strong>in</strong>terval <strong>of</strong> half a meter is recommended. In<br />
each <strong>of</strong> the 3 leaf axils <strong>of</strong> a node, 3 buds are<br />
found <strong>in</strong> a vertical row. All the 3 upper buds get<br />
activated and start grow<strong>in</strong>g straight when a stem<br />
is pruned. One <strong>of</strong> these is allowed to grow, while<br />
other two are clipped <strong>of</strong>f which <strong>in</strong>duce the buds<br />
below them to grow <strong>in</strong> a horizontal direction.<br />
Remove weak and damaged branches, if any, from time to time.<br />
Mahua<br />
Tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g is very essential to develop the<br />
framework <strong>of</strong> mahua plants. Plants are allowed<br />
to grow straight with the help <strong>of</strong> stakes. The<br />
framework should be developed by encourag<strong>in</strong>g<br />
the growth <strong>of</strong> 3-4 well spaced branches on the<br />
trunk at a height <strong>of</strong> 90cm from the ground level.<br />
Prun<strong>in</strong>g is not done regularly <strong>in</strong> mahua plants<br />
except removal <strong>of</strong> dead, diseased and criss<br />
cross<strong>in</strong>g branches.<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops<br />
Well managed <strong>canopy</strong> development<br />
Initial tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g gives trees better shape
Mango<br />
Tree <strong>canopy</strong> <strong>management</strong>, especially size control, has become a priority for reduc<strong>in</strong>g<br />
production cost and <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g <strong>fruit</strong> yield and quality. However, unlike temperate <strong>fruit</strong>s,<br />
where tree <strong>management</strong> technologies have been developed and ref<strong>in</strong>ed for over a century,<br />
the similar tools and experiences can be applied with a few modifications <strong>in</strong> mango. Tree<br />
<strong>management</strong> techniques, specifically for mango have been developed and are be<strong>in</strong>g used <strong>in</strong><br />
different parts <strong>of</strong> the world, which can be adopted after certa<strong>in</strong> modifications <strong>in</strong> different mango<br />
grow<strong>in</strong>g regions. Early height control and tree <strong>canopy</strong> <strong>management</strong> are important techniques<br />
and should be practised <strong>in</strong> India.<br />
Similarly, the problem <strong>of</strong> large tree size <strong>in</strong> mango can be tackled by us<strong>in</strong>g topp<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
hedg<strong>in</strong>g because large and crowded trees pose many disadvantages. Appropriate height,<br />
topp<strong>in</strong>g and hedg<strong>in</strong>g, cutt<strong>in</strong>g angles, as well as time and frequency <strong>of</strong> hedg<strong>in</strong>g determ<strong>in</strong>ed for<br />
mango, which are common practices <strong>in</strong> Israel, USA, Australia and South Africa, can be used for<br />
<strong>in</strong>creased efficiency and production <strong>in</strong> India. Shap<strong>in</strong>g the mango tree immediately after plant<strong>in</strong>g<br />
has its own importance for keep<strong>in</strong>g desirable plant height at first branch<strong>in</strong>g, so that proper<br />
clearance for equipment is possible.<br />
New Orchard<br />
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Head<strong>in</strong>g back <strong>of</strong> plants when they atta<strong>in</strong> the age <strong>of</strong> one<br />
year.<br />
Head<strong>in</strong>g back should be done with a sharp secateur to give<br />
a sharp and smooth cut dur<strong>in</strong>g October-December.<br />
Height <strong>of</strong> head<strong>in</strong>g back should be 60-70 cm from the<br />
ground.<br />
Head<strong>in</strong>g back results <strong>in</strong> emergence <strong>of</strong> new shoots dur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
March - April (spr<strong>in</strong>g season).<br />
For development <strong>of</strong> ideal open <strong>canopy</strong>, th<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong><br />
excessive shoots is needed dur<strong>in</strong>g May. Th<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g should<br />
New shoots develop after<br />
head<strong>in</strong>g back<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops 55
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56<br />
be done <strong>in</strong> such a manner as to reta<strong>in</strong> four well<br />
distributed shoots <strong>in</strong> all directions. These shoots<br />
develop as primary branches<br />
If crotch angle <strong>of</strong> reta<strong>in</strong>ed shoots is smaller,<br />
then bend<strong>in</strong>g should be done at this stage to<br />
<strong>in</strong>crease the crotch angle <strong>of</strong> newly developed<br />
shoots. It should be done with a jute rope (use<br />
<strong>of</strong> nylon or poly threads should be avoided).<br />
Second cutt<strong>in</strong>g is required when these shoots<br />
atta<strong>in</strong> maturity. Shoot maturity <strong>in</strong> mango is<br />
determ<strong>in</strong>ed by colour change <strong>of</strong> shoots from<br />
green to brown. Generally, this stage comes after<br />
7-8 months <strong>of</strong> shoot growth <strong>in</strong> north India.<br />
Thus, second cutt<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> primary branches is done <strong>in</strong> October-November. This cutt<strong>in</strong>g also<br />
<strong>in</strong>duces new growth dur<strong>in</strong>g ensu<strong>in</strong>g spr<strong>in</strong>g season.<br />
Aga<strong>in</strong>, th<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> excessive shoots should be done to ensure 2-3 shoots per primary branch.<br />
These shoots develop as secondary branches.<br />
This <strong>in</strong>itial tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g results <strong>in</strong> open and spread<strong>in</strong>g <strong>canopy</strong> <strong>of</strong> trees.<br />
Initial <strong>canopy</strong> <strong>management</strong> br<strong>in</strong>gs maximum<br />
shoots <strong>in</strong> <strong>fruit</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops<br />
Bear<strong>in</strong>g Mango Orchards<br />
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Shoot <strong>management</strong> for better <strong>canopy</strong><br />
In bear<strong>in</strong>g mango trees, for <strong>management</strong><br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>canopy</strong> and enhanc<strong>in</strong>g their<br />
productivity, identify uprightly grow<strong>in</strong>g<br />
branches <strong>in</strong> each tree and th<strong>in</strong> them out<br />
for <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g the productivity.<br />
Remove only one or two uprightly grow<strong>in</strong>g<br />
branches from centre <strong>of</strong> tree to reduce<br />
tree height significantly and <strong>in</strong>crease<br />
availability <strong>of</strong> light <strong>in</strong>side the <strong>canopy</strong> for<br />
better photosynthesis.<br />
Cutt<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> uprightly grow<strong>in</strong>g branches<br />
should be done dur<strong>in</strong>g October -<br />
December from the base <strong>of</strong> their orig<strong>in</strong>.
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Dur<strong>in</strong>g removal <strong>of</strong> branches, first cut should be given on lower side <strong>of</strong> branch to give<br />
a smooth cut and avoid bark splitt<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Protect branches with wide crotch angle as they are more productive.<br />
In bear<strong>in</strong>g mango trees, not more than 25% biomass should be removed at a time for<br />
better <strong>canopy</strong> <strong>management</strong>, otherwise it results <strong>in</strong> excessive vegetative growth.<br />
Under high density plant<strong>in</strong>g system, remove 10-15% biomass annually dur<strong>in</strong>g October-<br />
December to <strong>in</strong>crease light penetration <strong>in</strong>side the <strong>canopy</strong>. Removal <strong>of</strong> 10-15% biomass<br />
should <strong>in</strong>clude cris cross branches, dead wood and diseased shoots.<br />
Rejuvenation <strong>of</strong> Senile Orchards<br />
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Identify senile orchards by survey and bear<strong>in</strong>g behaviour.<br />
Mark the branches which are to be removed.<br />
Mark those branches which are to be kept for future <strong>canopy</strong> development at an<br />
approximate height <strong>of</strong> 2.0 – 2.5 m from the ground.<br />
Head<strong>in</strong>g back operation should be done <strong>in</strong> November – December.<br />
At the time <strong>of</strong> head<strong>in</strong>g back, first cut should be given from underside <strong>of</strong> branch to<br />
avoid bark splitt<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Good <strong>canopy</strong> <strong>in</strong> headed back trees<br />
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In long and upright branches, head<strong>in</strong>g<br />
back can be done <strong>in</strong> two or more splits<br />
to avoid <strong>in</strong>convenience.<br />
Cut should be sharp and slant. It is very<br />
important.<br />
All the pruned wood should be removed<br />
from orchard after head<strong>in</strong>g back. This<br />
is required for mak<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> bas<strong>in</strong>s for<br />
fertilizer and water application. This<br />
should be completed by January.<br />
February is time for fertilizer application<br />
<strong>in</strong> headed back trees.<br />
Application <strong>of</strong> 2.5 kg urea, 3 kg s<strong>in</strong>gle superphosphate and 1.5 kg muriate <strong>of</strong> potash is<br />
recommended for each pruned tree. Half dose <strong>of</strong> urea with full <strong>of</strong> s<strong>in</strong>gle superphosphate<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops 57
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58<br />
and muriate <strong>of</strong> potash needs to be applied dur<strong>in</strong>g February end. After that, light<br />
irrigation is required.<br />
The rema<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g half dose <strong>of</strong> urea is applied dur<strong>in</strong>g June end.<br />
Manures and fertilizers should be applied <strong>in</strong> the bas<strong>in</strong>s prepared around trees, leav<strong>in</strong>g<br />
about 1.5 m radius around the base <strong>of</strong> tree trunk. The fertilizer should be mixed<br />
thoroughly <strong>in</strong> soil up to the depth <strong>of</strong> about 15-20 cm.<br />
Full dose <strong>of</strong> well decomposed FYM (120 kg/ tree) should be applied dur<strong>in</strong>g first week<br />
<strong>of</strong> July. Hoe<strong>in</strong>g and weed<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> bas<strong>in</strong>s must be done before application <strong>of</strong> manures<br />
and fertilizers.<br />
Rejuvenated trees bear<strong>in</strong>g <strong>fruit</strong>s<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops<br />
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Bas<strong>in</strong> irrigation is followed at an <strong>in</strong>terval <strong>of</strong><br />
15 days from April to onset <strong>of</strong> monsoon.<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>use emergence <strong>of</strong> new shoots starts<br />
April onwards on pruned branches which<br />
requires th<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> excessive shoots.<br />
About 8-10 healthy shoots with outwardly<br />
growth are reta<strong>in</strong>ed per branch and<br />
rema<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g shoots are removed. Th<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g<br />
operation is followed <strong>in</strong> June and if<br />
required, <strong>in</strong> August. Spray<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> copper<br />
oxychloride (3g/litre <strong>of</strong> water) should be<br />
done after th<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Proper <strong>in</strong>spection is needed for <strong>management</strong> <strong>of</strong> stem borer <strong>in</strong>sect. If there is<br />
any symptom <strong>of</strong> stem borer <strong>in</strong> the form <strong>of</strong> wooden frass on any tree / branch, its<br />
<strong>management</strong> is required immediately.<br />
Grub/larvae <strong>of</strong> <strong>in</strong>sect can be pulled out from the hole by us<strong>in</strong>g a th<strong>in</strong> wire or cycle<br />
spoke. They can be traced from hole hav<strong>in</strong>g wooden dust accumulated on adjo<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
bark and gum ooz<strong>in</strong>g spots along the tunnel made by them <strong>in</strong> branches.<br />
<strong>Co</strong>tton swab, soaked with Nuvan (hav<strong>in</strong>g fumigant action) <strong>in</strong>secticide, could also be<br />
<strong>in</strong>serted <strong>in</strong> holes to effectively elim<strong>in</strong>ate and control the grub/larvae <strong>in</strong> the tunnel itself.<br />
After plac<strong>in</strong>g the swab, the hole might be plastered with mud so that the fumes <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong>secticide could not escape.<br />
Leaf cutt<strong>in</strong>g weevil affects new shoots, especially dur<strong>in</strong>g monsoon season. It
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could cause significant damage to the new flush, if the <strong>in</strong>festation is severe and<br />
is not managed effectively. The <strong>in</strong>sect could be controlled with two sprays <strong>of</strong><br />
Carbaryl (0.2%, i.e. 3 g <strong>in</strong>secticide per litre <strong>of</strong> water) at an <strong>in</strong>terval <strong>of</strong> 15 days.<br />
Top work<strong>in</strong>g can also be adopted <strong>in</strong> pruned trees to upgrade seedl<strong>in</strong>g plantations<br />
and <strong>in</strong>ferior varieties with superior commercial cultivars. Scions <strong>of</strong> desired<br />
variety can be grafted on the newly emerged shoots developed on branches<br />
<strong>of</strong> pruned trees by adopt<strong>in</strong>g veneer or s<strong>of</strong>t wood graft<strong>in</strong>g dur<strong>in</strong>g June- July.<br />
Prun<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> trees makes the orchard space open with more availability <strong>of</strong> sunlight.<br />
Interspaces between the rows <strong>of</strong> trees can be successfully utilized for <strong>in</strong>tercropp<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
It is highly desirable, ow<strong>in</strong>g to multiple advantages, i.e. secur<strong>in</strong>g additional <strong>in</strong>come<br />
dur<strong>in</strong>g the gestation period without sacrific<strong>in</strong>g the ma<strong>in</strong> crop, replenish<strong>in</strong>g nutrients <strong>in</strong><br />
soil through legum<strong>in</strong>ous <strong>crops</strong> or through fertilizer applied to <strong>in</strong>ter<strong>crops</strong>, and to keep<br />
orchard healthy with year round <strong>in</strong>ter culture operations.<br />
• Flowers (marigold, tuberose, gladiolus, etc.), vegetables (cucurbits, lobia etc.<br />
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dur<strong>in</strong>g kharif season and potato, pea, cauliflower, cabbage etc. dur<strong>in</strong>g rabi season)<br />
and spices (g<strong>in</strong>ger and turmeric) are ideal <strong>in</strong>ter<strong>crops</strong> for mango orchards.<br />
The shoots, which emerge on the pruned trees, are longer and have higher girth, <strong>in</strong>dicat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
that shoots are healthier and thereby have more yield potential. However, if <strong>canopy</strong> is<br />
condensed after sometime, 2-3 twigs may be removed from the central zone <strong>of</strong> trees to<br />
facilitate better light <strong>in</strong>filtration.<br />
This ensures <strong>in</strong>creased photosynthetic efficiency, result<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to higher susta<strong>in</strong>ed<br />
production over a long period <strong>of</strong> time from the rejuvenated trees.<br />
Properly managed trees start bear<strong>in</strong>g from third year onwards with quality <strong>fruit</strong>s.<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops 59
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Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops<br />
Mangosteen<br />
In mangosteen, no elaborate prun<strong>in</strong>g is advocated for<br />
general adoption by farmers. However, it is a good<br />
practice to prune old, diseased and damaged branches, and<br />
the branches that touch the soil, and the suckers that grow<br />
up from the base <strong>of</strong> the trunk. Severe prun<strong>in</strong>g and removal<br />
<strong>of</strong> grow<strong>in</strong>g tips or branches should be avoided. It is better to<br />
prune when tree does not have flowers, <strong>fruit</strong>s or new flushes<br />
<strong>of</strong> leaves.<br />
Olive<br />
At the time <strong>of</strong> plant<strong>in</strong>g, a support system <strong>of</strong> about 10 feet is erected. In a feathered<br />
tree, develop a clean stem to a height <strong>of</strong> 45cm from the ground and select one branch<br />
each to the left and right which can be tied to lowermost wire. Remove weak laterals.<br />
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In the second grow<strong>in</strong>g season, develop another set <strong>of</strong> scaffolds on the next higher<br />
wire and repeat the process.<br />
Elim<strong>in</strong>ate all other undesirable scaffold branches. In third grow<strong>in</strong>g season, another<br />
pair <strong>of</strong> lateral scaffold branches are developed to next higher wire.<br />
The secondary scaffold branches are allowed to develop on ma<strong>in</strong> scaffold branches but<br />
if they become over vigorous, they should be headed back.<br />
All upright grow<strong>in</strong>g shoots which either compete with the leader branch or arise from<br />
ma<strong>in</strong> scaffold limbs are elim<strong>in</strong>ated soon after their emergence. When tree atta<strong>in</strong>s a<br />
height <strong>of</strong> 4m, it is headed back to a weak lateral. The <strong>in</strong>tensity <strong>of</strong> prun<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> later years<br />
is kept m<strong>in</strong>imum until tree atta<strong>in</strong>s bear<strong>in</strong>g age.<br />
Pruned trees develop <strong>in</strong><br />
better <strong>canopy</strong>
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Young non bear<strong>in</strong>g trees<br />
are pruned any time <strong>of</strong><br />
the year if weather is clear<br />
and free from <strong>in</strong>termittent<br />
ra<strong>in</strong>s. However, prun<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>of</strong> trees is avoided when<br />
prolonged drought period<br />
coupled with acute water<br />
stress prevails. In bear<strong>in</strong>g<br />
trees, prun<strong>in</strong>g is carried<br />
out immediately after<br />
harvest<strong>in</strong>g to encourage<br />
new growth for <strong>in</strong>itiat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
floral buds for the next<br />
season.<br />
The <strong>in</strong>tensity <strong>of</strong> prun<strong>in</strong>g depends upon vigour <strong>of</strong> cultivar, age <strong>of</strong> tree, availability <strong>of</strong><br />
irrigation and bear<strong>in</strong>g behaviour <strong>of</strong> the tree. Dur<strong>in</strong>g transitional phase, only light<br />
prun<strong>in</strong>g is adopted but as the tree becomes older, the <strong>in</strong>tensity <strong>of</strong> prun<strong>in</strong>g is to be<br />
<strong>in</strong>creased accord<strong>in</strong>gly.<br />
In old trees, rejuvenat<strong>in</strong>g type <strong>of</strong> prun<strong>in</strong>g is required which <strong>in</strong>volves head<strong>in</strong>g back <strong>of</strong><br />
ma<strong>in</strong> scaffold limbs to encourage new vigorous shoots which beg<strong>in</strong> <strong>fruit</strong><strong>in</strong>g after 2<br />
years.<br />
In young plants, only corrective prun<strong>in</strong>g should be done as and when necessary. Prun<strong>in</strong>g<br />
dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>itial 2-3 years is not advisable. However, occasional removal <strong>of</strong> water sprouts,<br />
dead or mechanically <strong>in</strong>jured branches is carried out regularly. A clean trunk devoid <strong>of</strong><br />
any feathers should be developed up to a height <strong>of</strong> 40cm above the ground.<br />
The higher <strong>in</strong>tensity <strong>of</strong> prun<strong>in</strong>g dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>itial years stimulates strong vegetative growth.<br />
The prun<strong>in</strong>g wounds should be immediately dis<strong>in</strong>fected with Boardeaux paste. This<br />
m<strong>in</strong>imizes the chances <strong>of</strong> various pathogens enter<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to the plants and also hastens<br />
the process <strong>of</strong> heal<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Well managed canopies<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops 61
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Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops<br />
Passion <strong>fruit</strong><br />
S<strong>in</strong>ce passion <strong>fruit</strong> v<strong>in</strong>e bears <strong>fruit</strong>s<br />
only on current season’s growth,<br />
systematic prun<strong>in</strong>g encourages new<br />
growth. Prun<strong>in</strong>g should be done after<br />
harvest<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> April and November-<br />
December.<br />
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It is done by cutt<strong>in</strong>g back <strong>of</strong> laterals to<br />
the nearest active bud as, otherwise<br />
with <strong>in</strong>crease <strong>in</strong> age <strong>of</strong> the lateral,<br />
the basal buds become dormant or<br />
sterile.<br />
Indiscrim<strong>in</strong>ate and drastic prun<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> <strong>in</strong>active or dormant v<strong>in</strong>e may lead to a<br />
setback <strong>in</strong> growth, result<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> lower yield.<br />
Skilful trellis<strong>in</strong>g is quite important <strong>in</strong> regulat<strong>in</strong>g yield as it has to support a<br />
considerable weight for 5 years. Weak and faulty construction <strong>of</strong> trellis result <strong>in</strong><br />
sagg<strong>in</strong>g and loss <strong>of</strong> v<strong>in</strong>es. Two arm kniff<strong>in</strong> system is ideal.<br />
The trellis should always run across the slope or <strong>in</strong> north-south direction to facilitate<br />
even exposure to the sunlight. Once the v<strong>in</strong>es reach the wire, the tips are p<strong>in</strong>ched<br />
to facilitate leader formation.<br />
Two leaders are directed on either side <strong>of</strong> the wire <strong>in</strong> opposite direction which <strong>in</strong><br />
turn develop laterals. These laterals are tra<strong>in</strong>ed downwards hang<strong>in</strong>g from the wire<br />
and form the <strong>fruit</strong><strong>in</strong>g area <strong>of</strong> the v<strong>in</strong>e.<br />
Well managed canopies
Peach<br />
Peach <strong>fruit</strong> is ma<strong>in</strong>ly borne on one year old wood that has not grown too vigorous.<br />
Lateral <strong>fruit</strong> buds are formed on current season's growth. After <strong>fruit</strong><strong>in</strong>g, this branch<br />
becomes barren. No flower bud differentiation or<br />
subsequent <strong>fruit</strong> formation takes place <strong>in</strong> this part <strong>of</strong><br />
the branch. Each branch, which has produced <strong>fruit</strong><br />
needs to be pruned, otherwise the tree will cont<strong>in</strong>ue<br />
add<strong>in</strong>g barren wood year after year.<br />
Tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g is usually practised to give the shape<br />
or build a strong framework <strong>of</strong> the tree <strong>in</strong> order to<br />
support maximum crop load <strong>of</strong> quality <strong>fruit</strong>s. The<br />
peach <strong>canopy</strong> develops accord<strong>in</strong>g to the agroclimatic<br />
condition. In Indian situation, where sunlight<strong>in</strong>g is<br />
not a limit<strong>in</strong>g factor, modified tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g system is preferred. On the contrary, where it is a<br />
limit<strong>in</strong>g factor, vase or open centre is advocated over conventional vase and central leader<br />
peach trees generally grow faster and carry most <strong>of</strong> their <strong>fruit</strong>s ripen at the earliest.<br />
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Heavy <strong>fruit</strong> laden plants<br />
•<br />
In modified leader system (first year), trees are<br />
cut back to a height <strong>of</strong> 80 - 100 cm.<br />
• After emergence <strong>of</strong> new shoots below the cut<br />
po<strong>in</strong>ts, all the shoots are allowed to develop for 3<br />
- 4 weeks and thereafter, 4 - 5 <strong>of</strong> them which are<br />
well spread around the ma<strong>in</strong> trunk, are reta<strong>in</strong>ed<br />
while the rest are removed from their po<strong>in</strong>ts <strong>of</strong><br />
orig<strong>in</strong>. The uppermost lateral thus selected is<br />
reta<strong>in</strong>ed as the leader.<br />
In open centre system (first year), the trees at plant<strong>in</strong>g time are headed back to a<br />
height <strong>of</strong> 50 - 75 cm from the ground level.<br />
Properly tra<strong>in</strong>ed plants with<br />
heavy flower<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops 63
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64<br />
Usually, 3-5 well spread laterals are selected as the future scaffold limbs. They<br />
are headed back systematically to short spurs, with two bud each.<br />
This enables new growth at wider angles, which helps <strong>in</strong> formation <strong>of</strong> 3-5 ma<strong>in</strong> limbs,<br />
with reasonably wide angles and strong crotches.<br />
Too many laterals should not be reta<strong>in</strong>ed and crowd<strong>in</strong>g should be avoided.<br />
In second year, 5-7 secondary limbs on ma<strong>in</strong> scaffolds are selected and headed back.<br />
On secondary scaffold, diseased, weak and dry shoots are th<strong>in</strong>ned out and 2 or 3<br />
secondary laterals are selected at this stage.<br />
All the side branches which grow towards the ground, centre <strong>of</strong> the tree or vertically<br />
straight, should be th<strong>in</strong>ned out. The ma<strong>in</strong> stem is kept clear up to 45cm above the<br />
ground.<br />
Peachs require heavy and regular prun<strong>in</strong>g because <strong>fruit</strong><strong>in</strong>g occurs laterally only<br />
on previous season’s growth which bears only once <strong>in</strong> its life time.<br />
The prun<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> peach has two important components, i.e. th<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g out and head<strong>in</strong>g<br />
back <strong>of</strong> shoots. Prun<strong>in</strong>g should be done so as to produce 25-50cm <strong>of</strong> growth annually<br />
under temperate condition, which is sufficient for ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g optimum productivity.<br />
Dur<strong>in</strong>g early bear<strong>in</strong>g, the selected shoots should be lightly pruned by remov<strong>in</strong>g 20-<br />
30% l<strong>in</strong>ear growth after corrective prun<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> trees.<br />
After 7-8 years <strong>of</strong> bear<strong>in</strong>g, corrective prun<strong>in</strong>g is followed by removal <strong>of</strong> l<strong>in</strong>ear<br />
extension growth to the extent <strong>of</strong> 70-80%.<br />
The rema<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g 50% <strong>of</strong> selected shoots are headed back by remov<strong>in</strong>g 20-30% l<strong>in</strong>ear<br />
growth.<br />
In general, <strong>fruit</strong> bear<strong>in</strong>g shoots are lightly pruned and alternate ones severely<br />
headed back to get sufficient yield and follow<strong>in</strong>g year’s growth, respectively.<br />
In subsequent years, the prun<strong>in</strong>g severities <strong>in</strong> these two branches are changed<br />
which ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> the trees <strong>in</strong> grow<strong>in</strong>g and <strong>fruit</strong><strong>in</strong>g condition.<br />
In July Elberta peach, prun<strong>in</strong>g is done to reta<strong>in</strong> 40 <strong>fruit</strong><strong>in</strong>g shoots and each shoot<br />
is headed back to 15 nodes. Where heavy prun<strong>in</strong>g is required, three fourths<br />
head<strong>in</strong>g back plus 40% th<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g out is recommended. Mid w<strong>in</strong>ter is best time <strong>of</strong><br />
prun<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops
Pear<br />
Proper tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g and prun<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> pear trees<br />
are essential for the development <strong>of</strong> strong<br />
framework, to ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> vigour and growth, spread<br />
the <strong>fruit</strong><strong>in</strong>g branches uniformly, secure <strong>fruit</strong>s <strong>of</strong><br />
good size and quality, encourage regular bear<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
and provide convenience while prun<strong>in</strong>g, spray<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and harvest<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
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Pear trees are usually tra<strong>in</strong>ed accord<strong>in</strong>g to<br />
Modified Central Leader method. In this<br />
method, 4 or 5 well spaced limbs are developed<br />
dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>itial 3-4 years and then the leader is<br />
headed <strong>of</strong>f.<br />
In first year, plants are headed back at 90cm <strong>in</strong><br />
low headed trees and at 125cm <strong>in</strong> high headed<br />
trees at the time <strong>of</strong> plant<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Canopy <strong>management</strong> for more<br />
<strong>fruit</strong> production<br />
• The lowest branch is allowed to develop at a<br />
•<br />
height <strong>of</strong> 60cm from the ground level. Four or<br />
five primary scaffold branches aris<strong>in</strong>g at wider<br />
angle, well spaced, 10-15cm apart and spirally<br />
arranged around the tree trunk are selected.<br />
Two to three secondary branches are selected<br />
on primary scaffold dur<strong>in</strong>g second dormant<br />
prun<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Proper tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g provides better<br />
tree shape<br />
Dur<strong>in</strong>g subsequent years, tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g consists <strong>of</strong><br />
th<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g out unwanted branches and cutt<strong>in</strong>g<br />
others to desirable side limbs. The leader is<br />
removed to keep a well placed, outward grow<strong>in</strong>g<br />
lateral <strong>in</strong> the fourth year <strong>of</strong> tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops 65
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66<br />
Prun<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> bear<strong>in</strong>g trees, a certa<strong>in</strong> amount <strong>of</strong> th<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g out and head<strong>in</strong>g back <strong>of</strong> outward<br />
grow<strong>in</strong>g laterals are considered adequate.<br />
A balance is required to be ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>ed between <strong>fruit</strong> production and vegetative growth.<br />
Prun<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>tensity varies with the bear<strong>in</strong>g habit <strong>of</strong> a cultivar and vigour <strong>of</strong> a tree.<br />
Pear trees bear <strong>fruit</strong>s on spurs on 2 year old wood and a spur cont<strong>in</strong>ues to bear for<br />
more than 6 years. The limbs with spurs over 6-8 years old need to be removed <strong>in</strong> a<br />
phased manner.<br />
The branches and new shoots are headed back to <strong>in</strong>duce new growths, while old <strong>fruit</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
branches and spurs are th<strong>in</strong>ned out to ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> the vigour <strong>of</strong> reta<strong>in</strong>ed ones.<br />
Vigorous growth is more susceptible to fire blight. Therefore, <strong>in</strong> areas <strong>of</strong> heavy blight<br />
<strong>in</strong>fection, prun<strong>in</strong>g should be carried out <strong>in</strong> such a way that the trees make a thrifty growth.<br />
Light prun<strong>in</strong>g reduces cork spot and <strong>in</strong>creases yield <strong>of</strong> desirable <strong>fruit</strong> size.<br />
In hills, dormant season, when the danger <strong>of</strong> heavy snowfall is over, is the best time<br />
<strong>of</strong> prun<strong>in</strong>g. Early prun<strong>in</strong>g may result <strong>in</strong> severe cold <strong>in</strong>jury.<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops
Persimmon<br />
Persimmon plants are tra<strong>in</strong>ed to form a low head. They are headed back at a height<br />
<strong>of</strong> 60-70 cm from the ground at the time <strong>of</strong> plant<strong>in</strong>g to<br />
develop a framework <strong>of</strong> strong branches. In general, cultivars<br />
differ markedly <strong>in</strong> vigour and growth habit. Some cultivars are<br />
dwarf and highly precocious, whereas others are vigorous,<br />
upright and late matur<strong>in</strong>g. The dwarf and semi dwarf cultivars<br />
are tra<strong>in</strong>ed to a modified central leader system.<br />
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More vigorous, upright, narrow crotch angle types are<br />
tra<strong>in</strong>ed to a vase or palmette system. The prun<strong>in</strong>g is done<br />
dur<strong>in</strong>g w<strong>in</strong>ter season when trees are dormant, especially<br />
<strong>in</strong> January.<br />
Pecan nut<br />
Pecan nut plants are generally tra<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> central leader system.<br />
The lowest branch is kept at a height <strong>of</strong> 1m from the ground<br />
level, while subsequent branches are spaced spirally at a distance <strong>of</strong><br />
Plant <strong>in</strong> flower<strong>in</strong>g<br />
stage<br />
30-35cm from one above the other. Once the<br />
framework is established, very little prun<strong>in</strong>g<br />
is done <strong>in</strong> mature trees. S<strong>in</strong>ce pecan nut<br />
is a term<strong>in</strong>al bearer, it requires only light to<br />
moderate prun<strong>in</strong>g. Heavy prun<strong>in</strong>g results <strong>in</strong><br />
extremely vigorous growth with no production,<br />
so only dried and broken branches are removed<br />
and overcrowded branches are th<strong>in</strong>ned.<br />
Plants <strong>in</strong> a strong<br />
framework<br />
Fruit<strong>in</strong>g after prun<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Tra<strong>in</strong>ed plants<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops 67
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68<br />
Summer prun<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> mature trees may thicken laterals, <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g <strong>fruit</strong> size<br />
and colour. With more vigorous and less precocious cultivars, techniques<br />
such as c<strong>in</strong>ctur<strong>in</strong>g and limb spread<strong>in</strong>g may be beneficial to achieve higher<br />
and earlier <strong>fruit</strong> production.<br />
In grown up trees, practically no prun<strong>in</strong>g is done except for remov<strong>in</strong>g weak,<br />
<strong>in</strong>terfer<strong>in</strong>g, discarded or <strong>in</strong>sect damaged shoots and branches.<br />
Phalsa<br />
Phalsa plant is allowed to develop as a bush, hence no <strong>in</strong>itial tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g is practised.<br />
However, prun<strong>in</strong>g is an<br />
essential annual operation<br />
for obta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g quality <strong>fruit</strong>s.<br />
In general, severe (cutt<strong>in</strong>g<br />
closure to the ground level)<br />
and very light prun<strong>in</strong>g affect<br />
the crop yield.<br />
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The desirable height <strong>of</strong><br />
prun<strong>in</strong>g varies from 50 to<br />
100cm from the ground<br />
level.<br />
In north India, plants<br />
shed their leaves slowly<br />
after the middle <strong>of</strong> w<strong>in</strong>ter<br />
(December-January) and they are pruned at this stage.<br />
In south India, plants are allowed to grow taller and light prun<strong>in</strong>g is done.<br />
Pruned phalsa canes can be utilized for mak<strong>in</strong>g baskets to transport <strong>fruit</strong>s and<br />
vegetables, and as stakes for support <strong>of</strong> vegetable <strong>crops</strong>.<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops<br />
Prun<strong>in</strong>g provides quality <strong>fruit</strong>s
Plum<br />
Plum plants are slower than that <strong>of</strong> peach and they take longer time to come <strong>in</strong>to<br />
bear<strong>in</strong>g. Therefore, their framework should be developed similar to that <strong>of</strong> apple with<br />
modified leader system. Prun<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> mature trees should <strong>in</strong>clude removal <strong>of</strong> diseased and<br />
dried wood, removal <strong>of</strong> brush wood, elim<strong>in</strong>ation<br />
<strong>of</strong> weak crotches, th<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g out <strong>of</strong> bear<strong>in</strong>g wood<br />
to allow penetration <strong>of</strong> light, spray materials, etc.<br />
keep<strong>in</strong>g the trees at reasonable height to facilitate<br />
harvest<strong>in</strong>g. Head<strong>in</strong>g back and th<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g out <strong>of</strong><br />
shoots may also be done to develop either new<br />
growth or spurs for <strong>fruit</strong><strong>in</strong>g, as the case may be,<br />
with different varieties.<br />
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Plum plants are generally tra<strong>in</strong>ed accord<strong>in</strong>g to<br />
their growth habit and vigour <strong>of</strong> rootstock.<br />
Tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g is done to give a proper shape and to develop a strong framework <strong>of</strong><br />
branches.<br />
Plum trees are mostly tra<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> open centre leader and modified centre <strong>canopy</strong>.<br />
The top <strong>of</strong> plant is headed back to 60-80cm to stimulate the growth <strong>of</strong> lateral branches<br />
at the time <strong>of</strong> plant<strong>in</strong>g. Dur<strong>in</strong>g first summer, 3-5 scaffold branches around the ma<strong>in</strong><br />
stem are selected.<br />
Lowest scaffold branches should be about 30cm above the ground level, while other<br />
scaffolds should be 15cm apart <strong>in</strong> spiral order. Only wide angled branches should be<br />
selected, while rema<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g ones are p<strong>in</strong>ched <strong>of</strong>f.<br />
In the first dormant prun<strong>in</strong>g, central leader is headed back and scaffold branches<br />
are allowed to grow whose one third growth is removed. Other weak and unwanted<br />
branches on the ma<strong>in</strong> stem are also pruned <strong>of</strong>f.<br />
Well tra<strong>in</strong>ed plants<br />
In the second dormant prun<strong>in</strong>g, 2-3 well spaced secondary branches are selected on<br />
each primary scaffold whose one third to one fourth portion is pruned <strong>of</strong>f.<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops 69
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70<br />
Rema<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g weak, unwanted and <strong>in</strong>ter<br />
cross<strong>in</strong>g branches are removed.<br />
Third year tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g consists <strong>of</strong> head<strong>in</strong>g<br />
back and th<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g out <strong>of</strong> unwanted,<br />
diseased and <strong>in</strong>terfer<strong>in</strong>g branches. It is<br />
completed dur<strong>in</strong>g fourth year. Dur<strong>in</strong>g this<br />
period, only light prun<strong>in</strong>g with head<strong>in</strong>g<br />
back <strong>of</strong> branches is done.<br />
Bear<strong>in</strong>g trees are pruned to ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong><br />
a balance between vegetative and<br />
reproductive growth. Prun<strong>in</strong>g dur<strong>in</strong>g pre<br />
bear<strong>in</strong>g period is usually kept light and<br />
corrective.<br />
Light head<strong>in</strong>g back and removal <strong>of</strong> water sprouts, dead, diseased, and <strong>in</strong>terfer<strong>in</strong>g<br />
branches are practised.<br />
Heavy head<strong>in</strong>g back <strong>of</strong> shoots should be avoided as it encourages development<br />
<strong>of</strong> long upright water sprouts.<br />
Plum generally bears on spurs but some <strong>fruit</strong>s are produced laterally on 1 year<br />
old shoots. The life span <strong>of</strong> plum spurs is 5-6 years. Prun<strong>in</strong>g is necessary for spur<br />
renewal and 75-80% removal <strong>of</strong> new growth <strong>in</strong> each season.<br />
Plum requires 25-30cm <strong>of</strong> annual extension growth for proper <strong>fruit</strong><strong>in</strong>g. Therefore,<br />
25-30% th<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g along with one third to half head<strong>in</strong>g back <strong>of</strong> shoots is<br />
recommended on Santa Rosa plum <strong>of</strong> Himachal Pradesh.<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops<br />
Managed plant develop more <strong>fruit</strong>s
Pomegranate<br />
Pomegranate has wide range <strong>of</strong> adaptability. It is a deciduous plant under sub<br />
tropics where it is cultivated quite extensively. But under tropical conditions,<br />
pomegranate is an evergreen plant and<br />
thus adds cont<strong>in</strong>uous growth. Under both<br />
situations, this <strong>fruit</strong> tree needs to be tra<strong>in</strong>ed<br />
properly and pruned regularly for better <strong>fruit</strong><br />
production.<br />
For a bush, the plants are tra<strong>in</strong>ed not as<br />
a s<strong>in</strong>gle stem as <strong>in</strong> other <strong>fruit</strong> plants but as<br />
a multi stem. Immediately after plant<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><br />
the field, it should be headed back to 30-40<br />
cm, assur<strong>in</strong>g the availability <strong>of</strong> a number <strong>of</strong><br />
buds below. Dur<strong>in</strong>g the first grow<strong>in</strong>g season,<br />
about four shoots may be selected which will<br />
form the ma<strong>in</strong> limbs <strong>of</strong> the plant.<br />
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If its plants are to be tra<strong>in</strong>ed to s<strong>in</strong>gle<br />
stem then head<strong>in</strong>g back <strong>in</strong> the field after plantation is done at about 70 cm.<br />
Dur<strong>in</strong>g first year’s growth, 5-6 shoots are selected to form the scaffold limbs.<br />
The ma<strong>in</strong> stem is kept free without any branch up to 40 cm and any shoot, therefore,<br />
com<strong>in</strong>g from below this po<strong>in</strong>t is removed.<br />
The pomegranate has a tendency to put forth many suckers, which need to be<br />
removed right from the beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> case <strong>of</strong> s<strong>in</strong>gle stem tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Pomegranate plants do not require prun<strong>in</strong>g except removal <strong>of</strong> ground suckers, water<br />
shoots, cross branches, dead and diseased twigs, giv<strong>in</strong>g a shape to the tree.<br />
Pomegranate <strong>fruit</strong>s are borne term<strong>in</strong>ally on short spurs, aris<strong>in</strong>g from mature shoots,<br />
which have the capacity to bear <strong>fruit</strong>s for 3-4 years. With advance <strong>in</strong> age they decl<strong>in</strong>e.<br />
A little th<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g and prun<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> old spurs to encourage growth <strong>of</strong> new ones are<br />
required.<br />
Better flower<strong>in</strong>g on properly tra<strong>in</strong>ed plants<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops 71
Useful Tips<br />
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72<br />
Fruitful and differentiated buds are located<br />
at the distant portion <strong>of</strong> branches.<br />
Prun<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> term<strong>in</strong>al portion <strong>of</strong> a branch<br />
lowers down the total flower production.<br />
Prun<strong>in</strong>g does not affect sex ratio and <strong>fruit</strong><br />
quality.<br />
Prun<strong>in</strong>g affects production <strong>of</strong> total <strong>fruit</strong>s,<br />
and marketable and unmarketable <strong>fruit</strong>s<br />
significantly. Fruit size and yield <strong>of</strong> higher<br />
grade <strong>fruit</strong>s are more with high <strong>in</strong>tensity<br />
prun<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Prun<strong>in</strong>g m<strong>in</strong>imizes the bend<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong><br />
branches and stak<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops<br />
Rambutan<br />
An ideal rambutan tree should have a wide crown with the ma<strong>in</strong> branches well separated,<br />
and the <strong>in</strong>terior should be free from dead, diseased, broken branches and suckers.<br />
Like litchi, rambutan produces its <strong>fruit</strong>s near the periphery <strong>of</strong> crown, hence one should go<br />
for a m<strong>in</strong>imum prun<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Trees hav<strong>in</strong>g good crown<br />
Tra<strong>in</strong>ed plant provides more <strong>fruit</strong>s<br />
Better <strong>fruit</strong><strong>in</strong>g on well managed plants
Sapota<br />
Sapota be<strong>in</strong>g an evergreen tree requires<br />
no regular prun<strong>in</strong>g but regulation <strong>of</strong><br />
vegetative growth to improve productivity<br />
and quality <strong>of</strong> <strong>fruit</strong>s.<br />
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A seedl<strong>in</strong>g tree grows excellently giv<strong>in</strong>g<br />
a shape <strong>of</strong> an umbrella. However,<br />
plants raised through require tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />
for appropriate shape and framework<br />
development.<br />
No def<strong>in</strong>ite system <strong>of</strong> tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g has<br />
been developed for sapota. Most trees<br />
are tra<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> central leader system.<br />
Dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>itial year, plants are topped<br />
to 60-70 cm above the ground level.<br />
After emergence <strong>of</strong> new shoots below<br />
the cut po<strong>in</strong>t, 3-4 well spaced scaffold<br />
Quality <strong>fruit</strong> production from<br />
well managed tree<br />
limbs are selected and allowed to grow to make a<br />
strong framework.<br />
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At times, th<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> branches is affected <strong>in</strong> old<br />
plantation. Prun<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> sapota is conf<strong>in</strong>ed to open<br />
tree to light, and remove dead and diseased<br />
branches.<br />
Prun<strong>in</strong>g results <strong>in</strong> better <strong>canopy</strong> shape<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops 73
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Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops<br />
Strawberry<br />
There are 4 tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g systems — matted row, spaced row, hill system and plastic<br />
mulch <strong>in</strong> strawberry. Generally, matted row system is followed <strong>in</strong> our country.<br />
• Matted row: This is the simplest and least expensive method. The runners are usually<br />
planted at 90cm x 45cm spac<strong>in</strong>g. In Himachal Pradesh, a spac<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> 60cm x 25cm for<br />
Chandler is optimum. After the <strong>in</strong>itial growth<br />
<strong>of</strong> the first year, runners are allowed to cover<br />
the vacant space all around the mother plants<br />
ultimately followed <strong>in</strong> heavy soils which<br />
are free from weeds. In this system, more<br />
number <strong>of</strong> plants can be accommodated/unit<br />
area which give a higher yield under suitable<br />
conditions. The overcrowd<strong>in</strong>g may cause<br />
higher <strong>fruit</strong> rot. Thus, care must be taken<br />
to ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> the optimum number <strong>of</strong> plants Well managed strawberry field<br />
without overcrowd<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
• Spaced row: This system is suitable for cultivars that are moderate to weak <strong>in</strong> produc<strong>in</strong>g<br />
runners. The daughter plants are spaced at def<strong>in</strong>ite distances by cover<strong>in</strong>g the selected tips<br />
<strong>of</strong> runners with soil which become plants. This is done till the desired number <strong>of</strong> daughter<br />
plants are obta<strong>in</strong>ed for each mother plant. The runners formed later on are removed.<br />
• Hill system: This system is followed for cultivars develop<strong>in</strong>g only a few runners. All<br />
runners are removed from the mother plants. The <strong>in</strong>dividual plants become large and<br />
bear more than those <strong>in</strong> matted row. The plants are planted 25-30cm apart <strong>in</strong> tw<strong>in</strong> rows<br />
20-30cm apart and 100-110cm spac<strong>in</strong>g between tw<strong>in</strong> rows. A small tractor can be used<br />
for tillage. Where cultivation is done manually, the rows can be spaced closer at 60cm. In<br />
some cases, triple rows are set.<br />
• Plastic mulch: Green or black plastic film is used as a mulch for hill system to control<br />
weeds and conserve moisture, but on hot days, some scald<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> berries takes place.<br />
In this system, berries are kept clean, and rot and mold are reduced. The plants bloom<br />
earlier. These are prone to damage by frost.
Walnut<br />
Modified central leader system is ideal for tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g s<strong>in</strong>ce it provides very good<br />
strength to its framework.<br />
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Trees are tra<strong>in</strong>ed on a s<strong>in</strong>gle stem up to 1-2m, on which 5-6 scaffold branches<br />
are reta<strong>in</strong>ed at almost uniform distance spirally.<br />
Excess buds are p<strong>in</strong>ched dur<strong>in</strong>g first<br />
year.<br />
Prun<strong>in</strong>g is not be<strong>in</strong>g practised <strong>in</strong> our<br />
country, as almost entire plantation is<br />
<strong>of</strong> seedl<strong>in</strong>g orig<strong>in</strong>, atta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g giant size<br />
which makes prun<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> later years<br />
almost impossible.<br />
However with grafted plants, prun<strong>in</strong>g<br />
is required which can help <strong>in</strong>crease the<br />
productivity and improve the quality.<br />
Trees grown from seedl<strong>in</strong>gs receive<br />
some k<strong>in</strong>d <strong>of</strong> prun<strong>in</strong>g while harvest<strong>in</strong>g<br />
by thrash<strong>in</strong>g the limbs with wooden<br />
poles. It is, however, a crude method<br />
which needs to be modified.<br />
Walnut tra<strong>in</strong>ed on a s<strong>in</strong>gle stem<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops 75
Management <strong>of</strong> <strong>canopy</strong> architecture is<br />
one <strong>of</strong> the predom<strong>in</strong>ant technologies<br />
by which huge and unmanageable<br />
trees are properly managed to<br />
make them more productive<br />
76<br />
Canopy Management <strong>in</strong> Fruit Crops