Training of Apple Ber Plants

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What is training?

Training is a process followed during initial stages (before fruiting) to give desired stature to plants.

Why is training required in Apple Ber?

Training of Apple Ber is done to –

  • Training leads to avail adequate sunshine so the plants get proper nutrition and aeration for proper growth and productivity. It also minimizes the risk of insect – pest and disease infestation.

Materials required –

  • Secateurs

How to train the Apple Ber?

It is trained through 2 methods of training – Traditional and Mandap Method.

  1. Traditional method (Regular Canopy) –
  2. Top-cutting: When a plant reaches a height of 2 feet above the ground, its top is removed. This encourages the plant’s horizontal branches and inhibits its vertical growth.
  3. After top cutting allow 4-6 new branches in different directions.

Head offNew Emergence

  1. Mandap method (Trellis System) –
  2. In this method of training, plants are trained in the Open center system.
  3. The main stem is allowed to grow up to a height of 2-3 feet from the ground surface and top is headed back at 2 feet.
  4. The new 4-6 branches thus selected should be allowed to grow in all directions after top cutting, The selected branches are allowed to grow up to the height of the mandap frame and are tied to it.
  5. The overcrowded branches are pruned and removed from the base on main stem itself.
  6. Structural support is provided to rest the branches for easy harvest. This method contains the height of plants for better service. 

Young plant – New emergenceYoung plant – Thinning of branches needed
Mature Plant – After the removal of crowded branchesMature Plant – Removal of these branches needed

Advantages of Mandap system over Traditional system –

  • Easy for harvesting/hand picking.
  • Easy for controlling pests and diseases infestation.
  • It ensures better sunlight and aeration.
  • Yield is high in mandap system over traditional method.

Methodology of Mandap making

  • Four pillars of 7 ft height will be installed around a plant, the distance between each pillar will be 8 ft and these will be square in shape around the plant.
  • The horizontal pipes/bamboos/wires are tied to pillars which are 8 feet long. As a result, the branches of the plants will rest on these.
  • In this way continuously place the pillars and pipes/bamboos/wires around the plants.
  • Reference of framework is shown in figure below.

References:

https://www.jaganhardware.com/falcon-anvil-prunner-economy-m3-lg0157.html