What is pruning?
Pruning refers to the removal of plant parts like shoots, branches, buds to make trees more productive and qualitative fruit.
Pruning is cutting branches for the following reasons.
- To induce the maximum number of new healthy shoots for high fruit bearing capability and good quality fruit.
- Initiating flowers for next season
- To remove the weak, diseased and crisscross branches.
Materials required –
- Secateur
- Pruning Saw
- Bordeaux Mixture/Fungicide
When to prune Apple Ber plant
Initially the plant should be pruned 2 – 3 months after plantation, which is termed as Top Cutting. The process involves heading back of the main stem to the height of 2 ft. from the ground. The new 3-4 branches thus arising post pruning are grown in different direction.
Pruning is done every year to induce a maximum number of new healthy shoots which bear fruit of good quality. The best time for pruning in Apple Ber was observed to be Mid of April under the prevailing climatic conditions of Raipur, Chhattisgarh. In other areas it needs to be tried or consulted with the local KVK.
How to do pruning?
- After harvesting is completed, the plant is headed back to a height of 2 feet from the ground level.
- This practice is recommended to promote vegetative growth and flowering in the next season.
 |  |
| Heading back process | Plants after Head back |
Operation after pruning-
- After pruning, collect all the pruned branches and dispose it off the orchard.
- Apply Bordeaux paste on the cut surface or spray copper oxychloride 2 g/lit after pruning to prevent any fungal infection.
Please ensure the following:
| Always use sharp secateurs and saw for cutting branches. |  |
| Electrical Saw |  |
| Disinfect the implements regularly with ethanol. |  |
| Collect and dispose all plant debris after pruning. |  |
| Apply Bordeaux paste on cut surface or spray copper oxy chloride @ 2gms/litre after pruning to prevent any fungal infection in the same day. |  |
Reason behind pruning of trees:
Architecture & Size:
- Pruning fruit trees limits the size of the tree and establishes its basic architecture.
Sunlight interception:
- The act of pruning makes spaces in the tree canopy that allow sunlight to enter and facilitate photosynthesis in the leaves, as well as the synthesis of carbohydrates and energy that promote the growth of roots, shoots, and fruits.
- The formation of flower buds can be hindered by inadequate sunlight penetration throughout the growth season, which could have an adverse influence on future crop yields.
Air Circulation:
- Pruning can improve air circulation, which minimizes humidity and enhances the coverage of protective products. It also minimize branch crowding and the amount of foliage inside the canopy.
Strength:
- Branches which angles closer to 90° from the central trunk and lateral shoots get stronger. Generally narrow branch have the potential for breaking from the load of developing fruit.
Production:
- Pruning is done to maintain the right balance of the plant, flower production and fruiting.
Tree Health:
- Trees are proved to prevent the spread of disease or insect damage. This includes the removal and destruction of dead and infested wood.
References:
- https://www.agrifarming.in/apple-ber-pruning-methods-season-a-full-guide#time-of-pruning-of-apple-ber-trees
- https://www.jaganhardware.com/falcon-anvil-prunner-economy-m3-lg0157.html
- https://falket.com/en/product/electric-pruning-saw-4010t-e-power/
- https://www.agriculturesolutions.com/tri-edge-13-turbo-saw
- https://www.indiamart.com/proddetail/bordo-mixture-2512092391.html
- https://www.wikihow.com/Disinfect-Gardening-Tools#/Image:Disinfect-Gardening-Tools-Step-10-Version-2.jpg
