Pruning in apple trees – Important considerations

Abstract

Pruning is the most important horticultural operation as far as apple production is concerned. Proper pruning not only improves plant shape but also maintains the fruiting area on apple trees. It also aids in the production of a consistently high yield of superior quality fruits. Formative pruning is critical for achieving the ideal shape of the tree and should be performed following the adopted orchard planting system. However, general formative pruning rules should be kept in mind while performing formative pruning. However, fundamental pruning on a bearing tree should be accomplished before moving on to specific pruning. Apple trees should be properly pruned according to the bearing habit of the cultivar. While pruning the apple trees, it is pertinent that growers should have sound knowledge about the bearing habit of cultivar, type of buds, spur, branch collar, the timing of pruning, type of pruning cut, position of pruning cut, the response of pruning cut, pruning tools, etc, so that maximum benefit from this important operation can be harnessed and quality of the product can be maintained to receive the maximum returns.