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

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T. Nanda Kumar, I.A.S
Secretary
Foreword
The productivity of fruit crops depends on several factors, poor management of canopy
architecture being the most important one. In fact, fruiting potential of the trees is
largely governed by their architecture, canopy density and photosynthetic efficiency. Canopy
management in fruit crops deals with the development and maintenance of their structure
in relation to the size and shape for maximum productivity with quality fruits. Tree canopy
management, especially size control, has become a priority for reducing production cost and
increasing fruit yield and quality. Canopy design and shape influence light interception with
assured higher monetary returns to fruit growers. Therefore, early height control and tree
canopy management are important techniques which should be practised in fruit crops for
higher returns to growers.
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Government of India
Ministry of Agriculture
Department of Agriculture & Cooperation
I am happy that National Horticulture Mission and Technology Mission for Integrated
Development of Horticulture in North-Eastern and Himalayan States have provided the
necessary impetus to area expansion under fruit and plantation crops. However, there
appears to be a missing link in the package of practices to ensure healthy development of
trees for sustainable production. The orchards/plantations since their establishment need
regular and scientific canopy management to facilitate proper development of strong upright
framework of trees with outwardly spreading canopy. Generally, farmers are not aware of the
importance of tree architecture and canopy management, as well as their related techniques.
As a result, a majority of trees attain tall or curved growth structure and canopy marked with
criss cross branches, leading to a dense vegetative growth with very poor infiltration rate of
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