canopy management in fruit crops - Department of Agriculture & Co ...

Almond
In many physiological characters,
especially the tree characters,
almond resemble peach. So far its
bearing habit is concerned, it is in
between peach and domestic plums.
The main objective in almonds is to
have a large number of fruits. As the
bearing is on spurs, it is, necessary
to develop the tree in a way that a
large number of spurs are formed.
Almond produces most of its fruits
on short spurs which remain fruitful for about 5 years. Pruning should be planned in such
a way that one fifth of fruiting wood is replaced each year. Therefore, pruning should be
managed in a manner that new spur growth constantly replaces spurs that are no longer
fruitful. Unwanted water sprouts and suckers should be removed.
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Plants are headed back 60-70 cm above the ground level 1-2 months after planting.
Central modified leader system should be adopted by retaining 3-4 scaffold branches
which produce well balanced trees. Strong scaffold limbs can be obtained by maintaining
45-60 crotch angles. In weak crotches, the branches should be tied by strong thread
with pegs. One year old wood is pruned each year in December/January when trees
are in completely dormant stage.
Well managed trees canopies
Trees with less than 10-12 years of age should make 20-25cm annual growth, whereas
older trees should produce 15cm of new shoot growth each year.
In less vigorous older trees, growth can be stimulated by slightly severe pruning. Cut
back the top to large lateral limbs and thin out the smaller and weak wood severely.
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops 5