Horticulture: Pruning and Training Techniques

Study Notes

Pruning And Training

Importance of Pruning

Pruning is a crucial cultivation practice that improves plant growth, productivity, and fruit quality
Removes dead, diseased, or damaged branches, promoting healthy growth and reducing disease spread
Increases air circulation and sunlight penetration, reducing humidity and fungal diseases

Pruning Techniques

Thinning: Removing select branches to allow more sunlight and air to reach fruiting branches
Heading: Cutting back the tip of a branch to encourage bushy growth and more fruiting sites
Tipping: Removing the tip of a branch to control height and promote lateral growth
Renewal pruning: Severely pruning old or unproductive plants to stimulate new growth

Training Systems

Central leader system: A single main stem (leader) is trained upwards, with lateral branches pruned to maintain a central leader
Open center system: The central leader is removed, allowing several main stems to grow and form an open, vase-like structure
Espalier system: Plants are trained to grow along a trellis or wall, with branches pruned to maintain a flat, two-dimensional shape
Lyre system: A combination of central leader and open center systems, with a central leader and multiple main stems

Benefits of Training

Increased fruiting: Training systems can increase fruiting sites and yields
Improved air circulation: Training systems can improve air circulation, reducing disease pressure
Easier harvesting: Trained plants can be easier to harvest, reducing labor costs
Pest and disease management: Trained plants can be more accessible for pest and disease management practices

Description

Learn about the importance of pruning in plant growth and fruit quality, and explore different pruning techniques and training systems used in horticulture. Understand the benefits of training systems, including increased fruiting and easier harvesting.