What is pruning and why is it done?
Pruning is a process of removing foliage with different objectives: –
- Canopy management.
- To remove diseased, dry & dead branches.
- To improve light and air penetration.
- To enhance fruit quality and production.
How to do pruning in Dragon Fruit plant?
- Remove branches coming out from the Main Stem
- Remove dry, weak, cross twigs and diseased branches.
- Cut secondary branches leaving 20 – 30 cm long
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TIME OF PRUNING –
- Pruning should be carried after the harvest season is over.
DO’s & DON’Ts
| Do’s | Don’ts |
| Disinfect the implements regularly with ethanol or any fungicides after every intercultural operation. | Do not keep the implements on the soil during operation. |
| Always use sharp secateurs and pruning saw for cutting branches. | Do not use blunt implements for cutting branches. |
| Apply paste of Bordeaux mixture on cut surface or spray copper oxy chloride @ 2gms/lit after pruning on the same day, to prevent any fungal infection. | Do not keep the pruned wound exposed. Do not delay the fungicide spray for the next day. |
| Collect and dispose all plant debris after pruning. | Do not allow plant debris to remain in orchard after pruning. |
