Training of Plants

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What is training?

Training is a process followed during initial stage to impart a desired structure of the plant.

Training is the process conducted during the early stages of plant growth to shape the plant and develop its structure.

Objectives of Training:

Training of Sweet Orange plant is done to:

  1. Allow sunlight to reach all branches and the center of the plant.
  2. Make the plant more accessible for regular observation, services and harvesting.
  3. Improve plant health for better yield.
  4. Reduce the risk of insect and pest infestations.

Materials required for training of Sweet Orange plant:

  • Secateurs (cutter)
  • Jute thread / Sutli
  • Measuring tape

How to do training of Sweet Orange plants?

Sweet Orange Plants are trained by adopting open centre method of training system.

In this method, following steps should be taken care of –

  1. Allow the plant to grow to a height of 2–2.5 feet from the ground, then cut the top at 2 feet.
  2. Let 4–5 horizontal branches grow in different directions.
  3. Look for water sprouts, which can be identified by their distinct appearance. These new shoots grow straight, have flat or square branches, and feature light green leaves. Such branches should be removed as soon as they are spotted.
  4. Remove any branches growing below 1.5 feet from the ground. If left, these branches may touch the ground, providing a pathway for pests to infest the plant. Additionally, they can interfere with intercultural operations at the base.

Suggested Canopy

Suggested CanopySingle Stem at height of 1.5 ft.
DO’sDON’T
Prune branches according to recommendations.
Prune branches as recommended.		Excessive cutting of plant should be avoided. If excess cutting is done, plant becomes bushy and stunted. Bushy plant bears a smaller number of fruits.
Avoid excessive pruning, as it may cause the plant to become bushy and stunted, leading to fewer fruits.
Keep the plant open for proper penetration of sunlight & aeration.
 
Keep the plant open for proper sunlight penetration and aeration.
Do not tie all branches together to protect them from wind; this can hinder plant development.