Too frequently, the pruning required in mature trees involves the correction of mistakes made while training them as young trees. Proper training of young trees will save time and expense in future pruning and produce earlier profitable crops. The greatest pruning skill is required during early tree development. The practices of training and pruning are not easily separated because the training of a young tree will determine how the tree will be pruned as it matures. Trees are pruned to help maintain a balance between vegetative and reproductive growth throughout the tree and to maintain desired tree shape and size with an open tree canopy that allows penetration of sunlight and pesticides. The objectives of tree training and pruning are to develop and maintain small, conical shaped (Christmas tree shape) trees that are capable of early production of large crops of high quality fruit. The central leader system is used for freestanding trees on the relatively vigorous standard and semi-dwarf rootstocks. The training system discussed in this publication is the central leader, which is the most common system in commercial orchards and is easily adapted to non-commercial situa- tions. There are several training systems for apple. Medium- to high-density plantings require greater commitment to detailed training and pruning than low-density orchards and should not be attempted unless such a commitment is made. It is important that orchard designs, objectives, and goals be clearly defined and that pruning principles are developed accordingly. Varieties differ in growth characteristics and response to pruning cuts, rootstocks, soil, and growing conditions. Each tree is an individual and should be treated accordingly.
Successful pruning is an art based upon scientific principles of tree growth and physiology and an experienced under- standing of tree response to various pruning cuts and practices.
Proper training and pruning of trees is a major component of a profitable apple orchard operation.
0 kommentar(er)
