canopy management in fruit crops - Department of Agriculture & Co ...

CANOPY MANAGEMENT
IN
FRUIT CROPS
DR GORAKH SINGH
HORTICULTURE COMMISSIONER
PRACTICAL MANUAL
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE & COOPERATION
MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
NEW DELHI 110 001

First edition, January 2010
Published by
Department of Agriculture & Cooperation
Ministry of Agriculture
Government of India
Krishi Bhavan
New Delhi - 110 001
© Publisher
All Rights Reserved
Bibliographic Citation
Singh, Gorakh (2010). Practical Manual on Canopy Management in Fruit Crops
Cover design
Dr Gorakh Singh

Contents
Foreword ........................................................................................................................... i
Preface............................................................................................................................. iii
Introduction ...................................................................................................................... 1
Principles of Canopy Management .................................................................................. 3
Objectives of Pruning ....................................................................................................... 4
1. Almond.......................................................................................................................
5
2. Aonla .......................................................................................................................... 6
3. Apple .......................................................................................................................... 9
4. Apricot......................................................................................................................
13
5. Avocado....................................................................................................................
15
6. Bael...........................................................................................................................
16
7. Banana......................................................................................................................
17
8. Ber ............................................................................................................................ 18
9. Carambola ................................................................................................................ 20
10. Cashew ..................................................................................................................... 21
11. Cherry.......................................................................................................................
27
12. Citrus ........................................................................................................................ 28
(i) Grapefruit .................................................................................................................. 29
(ii) Lemon ....................................................................................................................... 29
(iii) Lime ......................................................................................................................... 31
(iv) Mandarin ................................................................................................................. 32
(v) Sweet Orange ............................................................................................................ 33
13. Cocoa........................................................................................................................
34
14. Custard apple ........................................................................................................... 35
15. Durian.......................................................................................................................
36
iii

16. Egg fruit .................................................................................................................... 36
17. Fig ............................................................................................................................. 37
18. Grape........................................................................................................................
39
19. Guava........................................................................................................................
42
20. Jackfruit .................................................................................................................... 46
21. Jamun ....................................................................................................................... 47
22. Karonda .................................................................................................................... 47
23. Kiwifruit .................................................................................................................... 48
24. Litchi ......................................................................................................................... 51
25. Loquat ...................................................................................................................... 53
26. Macadamia...............................................................................................................
54
27. Mahua ...................................................................................................................... 54
28. Mango ...................................................................................................................... 55
29. Mangosteen ............................................................................................................. 60
30. Olive ......................................................................................................................... 61
31. Passionfruit...............................................................................................................
62
32. Peach ........................................................................................................................ 63
33. Pear .......................................................................................................................... 65
34. Pecan nut..................................................................................................................
67
35. Persimmon ............................................................................................................... 67
36. Phalsa ....................................................................................................................... 68
37. Plum ......................................................................................................................... 69
38. Pomegranate ............................................................................................................ 71
39. Rambutan.................................................................................................................
72
40. Sapota.......................................................................................................................
73
41. Strawberry................................................................................................................
74
42. Walnut......................................................................................................................
75
iv

Vh- uUn dqekj] vkbZ-,-,llfpo
T. Nanda Kumar, I.A.S
Secretary
Foreword
The productivity of fruit crops depends on several factors, poor management of canopy
architecture being the most important one. In fact, fruiting potential of the trees is
largely governed by their architecture, canopy density and photosynthetic efficiency. Canopy
management in fruit crops deals with the development and maintenance of their structure
in relation to the size and shape for maximum productivity with quality fruits. Tree canopy
management, especially size control, has become a priority for reducing production cost and
increasing fruit yield and quality. Canopy design and shape influence light interception with
assured higher monetary returns to fruit growers. Therefore, early height control and tree
canopy management are important techniques which should be practised in fruit crops for
higher returns to growers.
Hkkjr ljdkj
Ñf"k ea=kky;
Ñf"k ,oa lgdkfjrk foHkkx
Government of India
Ministry of Agriculture
Department of Agriculture & Cooperation
I am happy that National Horticulture Mission and Technology Mission for Integrated
Development of Horticulture in North-Eastern and Himalayan States have provided the
necessary impetus to area expansion under fruit and plantation crops. However, there
appears to be a missing link in the package of practices to ensure healthy development of
trees for sustainable production. The orchards/plantations since their establishment need
regular and scientific canopy management to facilitate proper development of strong upright
framework of trees with outwardly spreading canopy. Generally, farmers are not aware of the
importance of tree architecture and canopy management, as well as their related techniques.
As a result, a majority of trees attain tall or curved growth structure and canopy marked with
criss cross branches, leading to a dense vegetative growth with very poor infiltration rate of
v

active radiation. Such conditions not only affect the photosynthetic rate but also facilitate
proliferation of pests. Consequently, for want of due care of tree canopy architecture and
pressures of pest abundance and poor photosynthetic efficiency over the years, the trees
turn senile (unproductive). The development of unproductive orchards in vast stretch in fruit
belts has become a common sight. There is a great concern as they have a telling impact on
socio-economic condition as well as livelihood status of farmers in the country.
vi
Considering the severity of problem of increased acreage of such senile orchards, emphasis
is laid upon canopy management and tree architectural engineering, and management of
orchards right from their establishment stage. The advantage with this technology is that every
individual tree in the orchard is subject to proper care for development of ideal architecture
with outward spread of canopy to facilitate more penetration of active radiation in canopy,
thus enhancing the photosynthetic efficiency and yield. Besides, tree growth is regulated
to manageable height which makes it amenable to pesticidal spray, training and pruning of
branches, and also harvesting of fruits. A sound architecture of trees with open and outward
spread canopy is critical for healthy plantation for sustainable fruit production.
I am happy to note that, this practical manual on Canopy Management in Fruit Crops will
serve the purpose for a wider dissemination of related information to the target audience. It
is high time to adopt scientific canopy management as an important component in package of
cultural practices of orchard management to promote desired tree canopy, since establishment
of the orchards. I compliment Dr Gorakh Singh, Horticulture Commissioner, for bringing out this
publication timely which will be beneficial to all those engaged in cultivation of fruit crops.
(T. Nanda Kumar)

xksj[k flag
ckxokuh vk;qDr
Gorakh Singh
Horticulture Commissioner
Preface
India is endowed with varying climatic conditions, providing ample opportunities for the
development of fruit industry. In the era of open economy, it has become increasingly
necessary that our produce is competitive, both in the domestic as well as in international
markets. This demands infusion of technology for an efficient utilization of resources for
deriving higher output per unit of input with excellent quality of the produce. This would
be possible only through deployment of high-tech application and precision farming
methods.
Canopy management has attracted the attention of developed countries for increasing the
productivity and quality of fruits. The concept of tree canopy management is not so popular
since inception of orchard establishment needs appropriate attention to achieve higher yield
with quality fruits in a given time.
Hkkjr ljdkj
Ñf"k ea=kky;
Ñf"k ,oa lgdkfjrk foHkkx
Government of India
Ministry of Agriculture
Department of Agriculture & Cooperation
The canopy development in perennial fruit crops has a seasonal and lifetime development
pattern. The sum of development over individual season results in the final canopy dimension
and form. In general, most of the fruit orchards are not managed by initial training and pruning,
that is why with ageing, the trees attain taller size and huge structure, thereby leading to
higher cost towards orchard management. The basic problems with overcrowded orchards
are non availability of sufficient light, more incidence of pests, etc. There are several systems
vii

to manage tree size and improve light interception and penetration within canopies. Pruning,
an integral part of management of canopy architecture begins at an early stage of plant
growth and is continued till plant starts providing optimum fruiting.
viii
I have avoided complicated technical aspects and have presented sequential steps for
tree canopy management to make this manual more handy and of practical use in field. This
publication, I hope, will be of much value for orchardists.
Finally, I would like to thank one and all who have contributed directly or indirectly in
bringing out this manual.
(Gorakh Singh)

Introduction
Canopy management is one of the most important production factors
confronting the burgeoning fruit industry in India. Indeed, canopy
management is the manipulation of tree canopy to optimize its production
potential with excellent quality fruits. In many fruit crops, increase in
production with enhanced fruit quality is obtained by managing canopies
of short statured trees. Small trees capture and convert sunlight into fruit
production in a better way than larger ones. Fruit production involves the
capturing and conversion of sunlight into production of fruit biomass (dry
matter content). The main controlling factors are amount of in coming
radiation, and percentage of radiation intercepted by tree canopies.
In general, the question always arises as to why the plants may not
be left as such to be governed by the nature itself. The answer is that the
nature’s purposes are not always the same as ours. Nature intends that
a plant should live merely for reproducing itself in as many numbers as
possible. Nature does not care how many good sized, high quality fruits are
born by trees. For commercial fruit growing, the natural form and shape of
fruit trees have to be modified through the practice of pruning to achieve
the target of higher yield and better quality fruits. The fruit growers desire
to regulate the growth and development of their trees in a scientific manner.
This is because it is not always wise to allow a plant to develop naturally,
since unwanted portions may develop at the expense of those which are
essential from the cultivator's point of view. The removal of unwanted parts
of plant is thus known as pruning. The practice of pruning, as and when
performed in an appropriate manner, keeps the plant in such shape and
condition as to yield fruits of desired quality.
Climate has significant bearing on pruning. The fruit crops grown in
different climatic zones — tropical, subtropical and temperate are required
to be trained and pruned accordingly, depending on the type of plant and
specific objectives of fruit growers. Canopy management depends on the
nature and growth pattern of plant, number of plants / ha and pruning
techniques.
Pruning should be done when trees are young to establish their basic
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops 1

shapes and sizes, and continued as trees mature. In commercial orchards,
pruning facilitates normal daily operations. Where trees have outgrown
their allotted space, pruning can increase the bearing surface. Trees that
grow too close together shade out the lower canopy portions and in turn
decrease their fruit setting. When pruned to allow light to reach the top
and lower sides of trees, the increased bearing surface results in more fruit
setting. Any sprouts arising from the rootstock (i.e. from below the graft
union) should be removed. Pruning of the scion of young trees only delays
growth and extends the juvenility. Pruning is done either to encourage the
growth (thinning) or to reduce the tree size (heading back). Thinning of
bearing trees encourages vegetative growth, and removes interior branches,
encouraging the outward growth into the allotted area planned for mature
trees to occupy. Heading back reduces the outward canopy growth through
topping and hedging of branches.
2
To fulfil the nutritional demand of burgeoning population in the country
and to meet the global challenge in the international market, it is need of
the hour to accommodate almost 10 times more plants per unit area. This
is only possible with the management of canopy to intercept maximum
light in the innermost parts of trees. The canopy management has direct
correlation with dry matter production, flower bud initiation and fruit
quality.
In this manual, pruning has been dealt with in detail, especially in respect
of its requirement for individual fruit trees. The objectives, principles and
economics of pruning of various fruit trees have been comprehensively
explained with practical examples and hints to meet the requirements of
farmers engaged in production of a variety of fruits in the country.
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops

Principles of Canopy Management
Canopy management is the manipulation of tree canopies to optimize
the production of quality fruits. The canopy management, particularly
its components like tree training and pruning, affects the quantity of sunlight
intercepted by trees, as tree shape determines the presentation of leaf area to in
coming radiation. An ideal training strategy centres around the arrangement of
plant parts, especially, to develop a better plant architecture that optimizes the
utilization of sunlight and promotes productivity.
Light is critical to growth and development of trees and their fruits. The
green leaves harvest the sunlight to produce carbohydrates and sugars which
are transported to the sites where they are needed — buds, flowers and fruits.
Better light penetration into the tree canopy improves tree growth, productivity,
yield and fruit quality. The density and orientation of planting also impact light
penetration in an orchard. Generally, in close planting, quicker shading becomes
a problem. An east-west row orientation results in more shading as compared to
the western and southern orientation of trees. Strong bearing branches tend to
produce larger fruits. The problem of a fruit grower is initially to build up a strong
and balanced framework of the trees, then equip them with appropriate fruiting.
Obviously, pruning in the early years has to be of a training type to provide strong
and stocky framework with well-spaced limbs or any other desired shape.
•
•
•
•
Some of the basic principles in canopy management are:
maximum utilization of light
avoidance of built-up microclimate congenial for diseases and pest infestation
convenience in carrying out the cultural practices
maximizing productivity with quality fruit production
• economy in obtaining the required canopy architecture.
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops 3

Objectives of Pruning
Pruning is done with two broad objectives. First, to regulate the shape and growth
of a tree and second, to enhance the production and quality of fruits. With cultural
practices, the plant is made to grow or behave the way orchardist wants it. Within these
broad objectives, pruning is employed to achieve any one of the following or other
similar purposes. They are to :
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
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•
•
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4
restore shoot : root ratio
prevent formation of weak crotches
regulate the number and location of main scaffold limbs
remove crossing and interfering branches
remove water sprouts / suckers
regulate growth, vigour and direction of shoots
open up the tree canopy
regulate growth and fruiting
induce regular bearing
control size of plants for high-density planting
regulate exposure to sunlight
increase the size of fruits
facilitate orchard operation
increase the age of trees
rejuvenate old and senile orchards
control diseases and pests
obtain specific forms.
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops

Almond
In many physiological characters,
especially the tree characters,
almond resemble peach. So far its
bearing habit is concerned, it is in
between peach and domestic plums.
The main objective in almonds is to
have a large number of fruits. As the
bearing is on spurs, it is, necessary
to develop the tree in a way that a
large number of spurs are formed.
Almond produces most of its fruits
on short spurs which remain fruitful for about 5 years. Pruning should be planned in such
a way that one fifth of fruiting wood is replaced each year. Therefore, pruning should be
managed in a manner that new spur growth constantly replaces spurs that are no longer
fruitful. Unwanted water sprouts and suckers should be removed.
•
•
•
•
Plants are headed back 60-70 cm above the ground level 1-2 months after planting.
Central modified leader system should be adopted by retaining 3-4 scaffold branches
which produce well balanced trees. Strong scaffold limbs can be obtained by maintaining
45-60 crotch angles. In weak crotches, the branches should be tied by strong thread
with pegs. One year old wood is pruned each year in December/January when trees
are in completely dormant stage.
Well managed trees canopies
Trees with less than 10-12 years of age should make 20-25cm annual growth, whereas
older trees should produce 15cm of new shoot growth each year.
In less vigorous older trees, growth can be stimulated by slightly severe pruning. Cut
back the top to large lateral limbs and thin out the smaller and weak wood severely.
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops 5

6
Aonla
Aonla plant should be encouraged to develop a
medium headed tree. In general, its plants are
trained to modified central leader system. Regular
pruning of a bearing aonla tree is not required.
Removal of rootstock sprout is very important. As
per growth habit, shedding of all determinate shoots
encourages new growth in coming season. However,
dead, infested, broken, weak or overlapping branches
should be removed regularly.
•
•
During initial year, the main branches should be
allowed to appear at a height of 0.75-1.00 m
above the ground level.
Two to four branches with wide crotch angle,
appearing in the opposite directions are
encouraged in early years. The unwanted
branches are pinched off during March-April. In the subsequent years, 4-6 branches
are allowed to develop.
Headed back aonla tree
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops
Rejuvenating Senile Orchards
The re development of canopy is necessary in older
orchards/plantations, when the canopies are overcrowded,
resulting in reduced yield. This is possible by hedging of
branches followed by shoot management to modify the
tree structure and maintain canopy size.
•
The rejuvenation technology involves heading back
(topping) of branches during December – January
at a height of 2.5-3.0 m above the ground level,
depending on the structure of individual trees in the
orchard.
Tree management for
better canopy

• Before
rejuvenation pruning, branches are
•
•
marked with a white chalk by making a ring
around the branches. The selected branches
should initially be cut from the underside on
the lower side by giving at least 10 cm deep
cut. Thereafter, cutting should be done from
the upper surface of the branch.
The cut portion of branches is then pasted
with cowdung or copper oxychloride to avoid
infection of fungal diseases. Immediately
after heading back, pruned wood needs to be removed from the orchard to
prevent the damage by trunk borer.
Better tree canopy after shoot thinning
and pruning
During May-June, selected shoots are
further pruned out to about 50 % of
total length for emergence of multiple
shoots below the pruning points. This is
mainly done to modify the tree structure
and maintain canopy size. Fruiting starts
three years after rejuvenation. The yield
of plants during initial years is slightly
low, while it increases from third year.
•
•
The new shoots arise on pruned branches
of heading back and a few shoots are
retained at a proper spacing, growing
towards periphery of trees.
Four to six shoots developing in outer
directions on main limbs should be allowed
to develop. Proper development of new
canopy in horizontal direction should be
kept in mind while practising thinning of
shoots.
Tree growing vigorously
after heading back
Heavy fruiting in rejuvenated tree
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops 7

Rejuvenation by Top Working
Top working can be easily done in rejuvenated trees to upgrade the old and senile
orchards of seedling trees with superior commercially grown cultivars.
•
•
•
8
The plants are headed back during
December – January to the extent of 2.5-
3.0 m above the ground level. Four to six
shoots from the outer directions in main
limbs should be allowed to develop.
During June-July, scion of desired variety
is grafted on newly emerged shoots
developed on branches of pruned trees
by adopting ring budding. After sprouting,
the top portion of shoots is removed.
Numerous side shoots, which emerge on
pruned branches after budding operation,
should be removed regularly as and when they emerge, so that tree of pure
commercial variety is obtained.
Fruiting on a top worked tree
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops
•
Since aonla is self incompatible, i.e. the
pollen grains of the same tree/variety
cannot fertilize its own tree / variety. The
production from mono culture orchards
without appropriate polliniser varieties,
suffers adversely as a result of problem
of fruit setting. Consequently, polliniser
varieties are budded on developing shoots
of pruned trees to strengthen pollination
process and to enhance fruit setting and
productivity.
Budding with mixed varieties results in better yield. The best combinations are
NA-6 with NA-7; NA-7 with NA-10 and Kanchan with Krishna. Adequate care should
be taken to manage the insect pest problems as these plants are prone to insects
and sometimes to wind damage.
Better canopy after rejuvenation by
top working

Apple
The plants are trained according to their growth
habit and vigour of rootstocks. Tree training
helps establish a strong framework of scaffold
limbs which are capable of supporting heavy yield
with quality fruits, regulate annual succession of
crops, expose maximum leaf surface to the sun,
direct the growth of trees so that various cultural
operations like spraying and harvesting become
economical, protect the trees from sun-burn and
promote early harvesting.
•
•
The plants are topped to 50-60cm above the
ground level at the time of planting.
During first year, 2-4 well spaced scaffold
Maximum shoots in flowering stage
limbs are
selected with
the lowest at 40 cm above the ground. The growth of
unwanted shoots is depressed by pinching 3-5cm of
shoot tips from mid April to mid May.
•
•
The selected primary scaffold branches are further
headed back (topped) to one fourth to one fifth of
the growth during summer.
During second year dormant pruning, the
central leader and primary scaffold branches
are headed back similar to first dormant
pruning. More scaffold branches are retained
on the trunk at the vertical distance of
50-75cm.
Tree in good shape after initial training
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops 9

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10
A total of 5-7 secondary branches/tree usually two on each primary scaffold
branches are also selected in second dormant pruning which are directed
partially outward.
The primary scaffold branches should have the crotch angle of 45 degree with
trunk. The proper crotch angle can be developed by tying the branches with
ropes or inserting the branch spreaders.
Third year training consists of thinning out of unwanted branches and heading
back others to desirable side limbs. Secondary branches often develop spurs
during third growing season.
By fourth year, training is largely completed. By this time, the proportional
growth of central leader and side scaffold branches is attained in a 1:1.5 ratio.
This will help in lateral growth rather than upward growth of plants favourable
for proper spur development.
When tree attains the height of 4.0-4.5m, the central leader is headed back
near the moderate side, growing shoots to check the height of the plant.
Dwarf plants are trained to spindle bush/slender spindle, i.e. one year old plant
is headed back to 45-60cm at the time of planting.
During first summer, 2-3 laterals or feathers, 30cm from the base are selected
to form main scaffold branches. The scaffold branches should have wide angle
and be well spaced around the stem. Vigorously growing laterals are tied down
in August when the extension growth has ceased in order to develop wide
crotch angle.
During first winter, 2-3 well spaced laterals are retained and unwanted branches
are removed. The scaffold branches are headed back to one third to half of
the length to a outward growing bud if the growth is weak. Otherwise, the
main branches can be left unpruned. The leader is also cut back to more or
less erect but a weak lateral. Any vigorous, upright shoot, growing near the
forming leader and competing with it should also be removed.
During August of second year, suitable laterals are tied down to form more
scaffold branches.
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops

•
•
•
To check excessive vigour of central leader, it may again be cut back to suitably placed
weak growing lateral which is trained to take the place of the central leader. Delay in
pruning until late winter also helps in checking vigour.
The main branches should be so trained and spaced that there is plenty of room for
fruiting laterals and those should not be allowed to form at terminal.
In order to keep sufficient wood in the spindle bush while it is being built up, a small
surplus of wide-angled branches is retained, which may be cut when branches require
more space and get crowded.
Pruning in Bearing Trees
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Start pruning at the top of the trees
and work downward.
Cut upward growing limbs back to
strong laterals.
Remove the crowding branches and
thin out the remaining ones, leaving
the vigorous fruiting wood well spaced
along the length of limbs.
Remove dead, broken and diseased
wood.
Remove parallel growing shoots causing
crowding and shading, and opposite
growing shoots at a point on the stem.
Branches laden with fruits
Remove all water sprouts except the
occasional ones which may be needed to fill a vacant space in the canopy.
While removing a thick branch, first small cut should be made on the underside of limb
to avoid bark peeling.
Divert branches to open areas by pruning to desirable laterals.
The plants trained on spindle bush system can be pruned
•
Once the central leader has reached its desirable height of 2.5m, the extension growth
should be cut back each year to a weaker side branch.
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops 11

•
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12
Strong growing shoots towards the top of the tree should be removed
completely. Renewal pruning of the fruiting branches should be carried out
each year to maintain vegetative growth and fruit quality in lower parts of
the tree.
The branches causing shade to other lower branches should be removed or
headed back.
In thinning out of branches to main stem, a stub should be left to encourage
the regrowth of moderately vigorous fruitful bud.
Avoid removing too many branches to get potential fruit yield. The main
branches which have lost the vigour can be stimulated by pruning. Worn out
wood of heavy cropping varieties should be removed periodically.
Precautions during pruning time
•
•
•
When a limb larger than 3cm in diameter is removed, the pruning cut should
be made as close as possible to the branch from which the limb arises without
leaving a stub.
Large pruning wounds should be protected with Bordeaux paste or Chaubattia
paste to check the entry of rot causing fungi.
In 1 or 2 year old shoots, heading back can be done to promote growth
of side shoots and quick wound healing. In 3 year old and older shoots,
pruning should be shifted to thinning out cuts to reduce vegetative growth
and promote fruiting.
• The competing branches are thinned out rather than headed back.
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops

Apricot
Apricot fruits are produced on lateral buds on short growth as well as on long shoots.
The bearing habit is more or less like that of plum or sour cherry. The fruit buds
are usually formed on all nodes from base to tip of the shoot.
At the base, each node contains two to three buds but towards
the apex only one bud is present at each node. However, it has
been observed that the spurs of apricots are more short lived
than those of plums. They usually live for 2-3 seasons only.
Therefore, this necessitates a slightly more severe pruning so
as to have quick replacements for the old spurs.
The standard apricot trees are trained to modified leader
system. The branches in apricots sometimes become too long
and cylindrical which need to be properly pruned so as to have
the minimum unbranched area. The pruning should be so
regulated as to have 30 - 75 cm extension growth in young plants and 25 - 35 cm
Better fruiting after
pruning
in old plants. This will keep the tree in a proper
balance.
•
•
At the time of planting, one year old whip is
headed back at 60-70cm above the ground and
3-5 well spaced shoots are allowed to grow in
all directions.
Pruning is more important in first dormant
season because the framework developed in this
period gives ultimate shape to the tree. In first
dormant season, 3-5 primary scaffold branches
arising at proper angles (45 degree), well
spaced (10-15cm apart) and spirally arranged
around the tree trunk are selected.
A properly trained plant
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops 13

•
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•
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14
The lowest branch should be 40-45cm above the ground level. All the primary
scaffold branches are headed back to half of their growth to get the secondary
branches on them.
During second dormant pruning, 5-7 well spaced secondary scaffold branches are
selected on each primary branch while others are removed. At the end of third
year, pruning is confined to the thinning of branches which are either overcrowding
or crossing each other, for proper development of the framework and to admit
adequate sunlight in the tree canopy.
Apricot bears on spurs and laterally on one year old shoots. The spurs have a
short life of 3-4 years. Many of them are also broken during fruit plucking. The
production of young growth is, therefore, essential for the initiation of new spurs
which generally takes place at the base of growing laterals.
In young bearing trees, pruning should be light and of corrective type, while
in older trees, heavy pruning is done to maintain balance between growth and
fruiting. In apricot, 25-30% thinning of one year old shoots or one third heading
back is recommended to improve fruit size and quality. After pruning, Chaubattia
paste is applied on the cut ends of shoots.
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops

Avocado
Young avocado trees should not require
extensive pruning. Whenever possible, allow
trees to develop naturally. Be sure to prune off
any suckers that arise below the graft or bud
union. Pruning and thinning are not required to
keep avocado trees productive or attractive.
•
•
Like most tropical trees, avocado has a
good natural shape, hence it needs not be
controlled by pruning. But selective and
mild pruning of dead wood, basal branches
touching the ground and very old devitalized
branches which have ceased to produce
fruits, should be done.
Severe or unnecessary pruning lowers yield
by eliminating potential flowers produced on
More fruits are borne on a well managed
canopy
young branches at the periphery of trees.
•
Well managed canopy development
In some places, pruning can be done to
keep its trees smaller or more confined.
The ideal time is just before blooming or
just after fruit setting. That way, the tree
can naturally adjust its fruit load during
the June drop. Minor pruning can be
done at any time, but avoid late season
pruning, which can stimulate excessive
tender growth.
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops 15

16
Bael
New orchards of bael should also be trained like mango for proper orientation of
newly developed shoots and ideal development of canopy. In bearing orchards, to
reduce the height of tree, centrally located, upright growing branches should be removed
from their place of origin. Productivity of senile and bael orchards grown from seedlings
can also be improved by rejuvenation through top working with improved cultivars.
• During first year after planting, its plants are
•
headed back at 0.90cm - 1.0m from the ground
level, for emergence of new growth below the cut
points.
Three to four equally spaced shoots are retained
around the stems to form the main scaffold of
the trees. These shoots are allowed to grow
approximately for 6-7 months then these selected
shoots are further pruned to 50% of their total
length for emergence of new shoots below the
cut point. As a result, new shoots emerge which
are allowed to develop further.
Top Working
•
•
•
For top working, selected senile trees or trees grown from seedlings with inferior
fruits should be headed back at a height of 1.5-2 m from the ground in winter. This
results in profuse sprouting of shoots near cut ends during spring season.
Like mango, thinning of excessive shoots is also needed. Thinning should be done
twice at a monthly interval during May and June. Thinning of excessive shoots
should be done to keep 6-8 healthy, well developed and well distributed shoots per
branch.
Top working by patch budding of improved cultivars can be done on these shoots during
June-July. These shoots develop in two years and they start fruiting afterwards.
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops
Better canopy management pays

Banana
In most banana growing
regions, solar radiation is
abundant and productivity of
banana largely depends upon
the efficient utilization of this
resource. In multistorey cropping
system, banana is grown to
harness maximum light, land
and nutrient availability. Light
interception, soil fertility, climatic
conditions, soil moisture etc. are
important points to be considered for laying out of high density plantation.
Heavy bunches develop in pruned plants
Pruning of surplus leaves enhances light interception
• Pruning of surplus leaves is a
common operation in banana
cultivation. Leaf pruning improves
light penetration and reduces
disease spreading through old
and senescent leaves. The micro
climate, especially availability
of light and heat is improved by
removal of leaf. For optimum crop
production, minimum of 12 leaves
are required to be retained.
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops 17

18
Ber
Although ber is not popularly grown and is not a commercially important fruit
crop, it has better adaptability in marginal soils in arid regions of subtropics.
•
•
•
•
•
•
After transplanting in the field and
providing the vertical support during its
growing period, no shoot is allowed to
grow up to 80-90 cm.
The height of the head is kept comparatively
more than other fruit trees to avoid the
drooping branches reach and spread on
the ground. Beyond this height, 4 - 5 side
shoots which are properly placed, are
selected to form scaffold limbs.
During first 2-3 years after planting, ber
trees are trained to develop a strong
framework. After that, old growth is
beheaded during March, keeping 1-2 nodes above the graft union to allow
vigorous new growth.
One upright growing vigorous shoot is retained to develop into main trunk which
is kept clean of secondary branches up to 30cm height from the ground level.
On the main trunk, 3 or 4 well spaced and favourably located main branches are
allowed when it is headed back. During second year, these main branches are
also clipped, retaining 3-4 secondary branches on each of them. This process is
continued to develop tertiary branches.
Upward growing shoots are retained at each stage to develop an upright statured
tree. Not more than one upright growing shoot is retained at a node so that
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops
Better tree canopy after initial pruning

•
•
•
•
narrow crotches are avoided. This basic frame of the tree is maintained by
removing water sprouts as and when they emerge. Correction in the framework
is done at the time of annual pruning.
Annual pruning in ber is essential to induce maximum number of new healthy
shoots which bear good quality fruits. It is also essential to remove the undesirable,
weak, intercrossing, diseased and broken branches to avoid crowding and to
encourage healthy growth for maximum fruit bearing.
Pruning is done during the hot and dry season when tree sheds leaves and
enters into dormancy. In Tamil Nadu, its trees are pruned during January-April in
Maharashtra, pruning must be completed by the April end, while in Haryana by
the May end. Severity in pruning also differs at different locations. In general,
light pruning, at about 25 buds, is the best. However, pruning could be done at
15-20 buds under more moderate climatic conditions.
All the secondary shoots should be completely removed. To avoid the occurrence
of long, unfruitful basal portions of branches caused by light pruning of several
years, half the past season’s shoots are pruned down to 20 buds, while the
remaining half to the basal 1 or 2 nodes.
Spraying of 3% thiourea or potassium nitrate once in 2 days before pruning
induces bud sprouting from maximum number of nodes.
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops 19

20
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops
Carambola
In carambola, tree size control is important for retaining fruit production in the lower
tree canopies and for facilitating foliar spraying
and harvesting. Currently, there are not many
recommendations for training young carambola trees
in commercial orchards. However, research on mature
trees has demonstrated that removing upright limbs
during late winter (February/March) and then removing
selected new regrowth (shoots) and heading back
remaining new shoots to one half of their length in early
fall (September/October), can maintain desired tree
height without significantly reducing fruit production.
•
•
During the first 1 - 2 years after planting, young
trees should be pruned by tipping shoots in excess
of 40 - 50 cm to increase branching. If desired, trees
may be trained to a modified central leader or open centre configuration.
Mature trees may be selectively pruned to maintain trees at 1.5 - 3.5 m height.
Selectively removing a few upper limbs back to their origin (crotches) each year will
Better fruiting after pruning
help prevent the loss of the lower tree canopy due to
shading by the upper canopy.
•
•
Well maintained tree canopies
In addition, maintaining a smaller tree facilitates
tree care and fruit harvesting, makes it easier to
spray the tree, and greatly reduces possible storm
damage. Do not remove lower tree branches.
Pruning done in August may result in fruiting during
October, while pruning during November-December
allows fruiting during February-April or June.

Cashew
Canopy in cashew, a fast growing woody perennial, is characterized by spreading
branches and irregular shape. Plantations having trees of irregular canopy shape
and size are difficult to manage and thus result in poor nut yield in later years. Plants
should be meticulously trained from the first year of orchard life itself so as to derive
maximum benefit of high density system of planting and avoid thinning of plants. It
is advisable to adopt modified leader system or open centre system of training for
plantations with wider spacing in order to avoid overlapping of canopies at later stage
of orchard life.
Initially, grafts are allowed to grow with a clear single stem up to a height of 75-
100 cm by removing all side branches. Thereafter, branching is allowed in all directions
in different whorls up to a height of 3-4 m and subsequently, the central leader is
detopped at a height of half of the spacing given between the plants to ensure a
semi globular canopy shape. Further, regular trimming of branches and removal of
criss cross and low spreading branches should
be resorted to in order to maintain the canopy
size and shape.
• In Modified Leader System, the side
sprouts on leaf axils of young grafts are
removed periodically during the first year
as and when arise and a clear single stem
of 0.5-0.75 m from the ground level is
maintained and later the trunk is allowed
to branch in all the directions. The central
leader is detopped at a height of 3-3.5 m
and a clear semi globular canopy should be
allowed to form. Height of detopping may
be decided depending on spacing allotted to
plants. Less spaced plants are detopped at a lower height.
Modified leader system
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops 21

• The canopy needs
annual maintenance by minimum trimming of the over growth
22
after harvesting of fruits. This kind of canopy helps in tapping maximum sunlight
and helps in reducing the dead wood and water shoot development. The system
is well suited for plants spaced at a spacing closer than 5m x 5m.
• In Open Centre System, the plant
•
is allowed to grow up to a height of
0.30-0.45 m height from the ground
with a clear single stem and then
the main stem is pinched off in this
system. The lateral shoots in all
directions are encouraged to grow
and form a vase shape.
Canopy shape is maintained by
minimum trimming annually. This
shape helps in flowering and setting of
nuts both in inner and outer surfaces
of canopy and covers the allotted space faster. For plantations having wider spacing
(8m x 8m), the system is adoptable but it cannot be adopted in very closely
planted plantations.
Pruning to Bush Shape
•
•
These training systems can be adopted in closely spaced plantations and need to
be attempted from the initial years of planting.
In closely planted plantations under high density system, canopy development
within the manageable size is most essential. Plants can be pruned to bush shape
at a height of 0.75-1.00 m.
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops
Open centre system

• The yield of bush pruned plants is superior even at a closer spacing of 2.5m x
2.5m during several years at the beginning. Thus, a yield of more than 4 tonnes/
ha can be achieved.
Canopy Management in Productive Orchards
•
•
•
Cashew responds very well and gives
higher yield when exposed to bright
sunlight. Well maintained cashew
plants need annual pruning and
trimming to get proper shape and to tap
maximum sunlight which lead to better
photosynthesis.
In a plantation, inter-mingling branches
with neighbouring trees need to be
trimmed every year and a clear gap of
minimum one foot may be maintained
for tapping the intermittent light.
Depending on the spacing of plantation,
the height of tree canopy should
Good canopies after pruning
High density planting with better
tree canopies
be regulated so as to overcome
the shading effect of plants over
neighbouring plants. For example,
height of plants spaced at 5m x 5m
be contained at 2.5 m. Similarly, in the
plantations of 8m x 8m spacing, the
plants are detopped at 4m height.
• While attending the annual pruning,
the criss cross branches, dead wood
and branches which touch the
ground, can also be removed.
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops 23

Rejuvenation of Senile Orchard
• The re development
of canopy is
•
•
24
necessary in older plantations,
where canopies are overcrowded
resulting in reduction in yield.
This is possible by heading back
exhausted canopy at 1.0 - 1.50
m height from the ground level.
Immediately after heading back,
pruned wood needs to be removed
from the plant so as to prevent the
damage by shoot borer.
Remaining portion of the trunk and
exposed part of roots is to be swabbed with 0.2 % chlorpyriphos at least 2-3
times after beheading till new canopy is developed. Regular checking for damage
by cashew stem and root borer is to be done and managed.
The cut ends of branches should be smeared with 10% Bordeaux paste to prevent
the gummosis and entry of any pathogens. The best season for heading back is
May-June, i.e. immediately after harvesting of annual crop.
Fruiting in rejuvenated tree
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops
•
•
•
Senile tree develops into a
heavy bearing one
The new flushes arise from the
dormant buds on the trunk. These
new sprouts form the canopy within
a period of 6-7 months depending
on the variety.
The yield during the first season
after pruning is slightly lower, while
from second season onwards it is
better than the unpruned plants.
Good phytosanitary procedures
should be adopted to manage the
rejuvenated plants.

• If plants
are properly protected, the canopy re development can help in enhancing
•
the nut yield to its full potential after 2-3 years.
The limb pruned trees should be pruned or trimmed as and when required in
subsequent years. It may be noted that yield of limb pruned trees is much better
than freshly planted cashew grafts due to better root system.
Top Working
Mostly old cashew plantations are of seedling origin and have been developed into
senile stage. Such trees can be rejuvenated by grafting with scion sticks of improved
and high yielding varieties on new shoots arising on beheaded stumps. Top worked
trees start flowering and fruiting in the very next year after grafting with new vigour.
Points to be considered Before Top Working
•
•
•
Trees should be within 15-20
years age. They should have
smooth bark and should not
have many crevices on the
bark at collar region. The
colour of trunk should be
brown or ash not black.
Trees should not have been
damaged by cashew stem
and root borer. The trunk
or exposed root portion on
ground should be free from
stem borer damage. Its
symptoms can be ascertained from the oozing of gum or powdery mass fallen near
the entry point of insects.
Trees should be healthy enough with spreading lower branches. It should have well
developed root system and capacity to cope up with the growth of new canopy.
Method of Top Working
•
Top worked trees
Top working involves two steps: (i) beheading of trees and (ii) grafting with an elite
material on new flushes emerging out on the stumps of beheaded tree.
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops 25

Beheading of Trees
•
•
•
26
The most suitable time for beheading of trees is April-May, i.e. immediately after
harvesting of fruits. It also depends on fruit bearing pattern of trees (early, mid and
late season) in different varieties.
After selecting trees for beheading, cut the limbs and reduce the weight of crown and
finally retain the stumps of plants at 1.0-1.5 m height. While pruning limbs, care should
be taken so that the bark should not have split or damaged on retained stump.
Immediately after beheading of trees, treat the cut wounds with 10% Bordeaux paste
so that there should not be any gummosis and fungal infection in wound.
Grafting Operation
•
•
•
•
Grafting of new flushes emerging
from the trunk of the cut tree
can be taken up after 45-60 days
onwards. About 200-300 shoots
emerge from the trunk below the
cut end depending on the size of
the remaining trunk.
On a cut tree about 15-20 shoots
of different branches in different
directions may be selected and
grafting by softwood grafting
technique may be taken with the
scion material of required or elite varieties.
The period between June and August is most suitable for top working. After successful
grafting of the shoots, remaining ungrafted shoots need to be gradually removed in a
phased manner.
After about 4-5 months of grafting, only about 10-12 successful grafts in various
branches in different directions may be retained and rest may be removed. The new
flushes emerging from the trunk subsequently should be frequently removed. From
second year of grafting, the plant will grow into a tree and give flowers and fruits like
a normal tree.
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops
Shoots develop in top worked trees

Cherry
Cherry plants require more corrective pruning rather than too much heading
back of branches. Bearing trees need some pruning to keep the centre of
the tree open. The top is kept fairly low to generate new growth.
•
•
•
•
Cherry plants are trained on
modified leader system. They
are headed back at 60-80cm
at the time of planting. The
central leader is retained and
3-5 wide angled branches,
20-25cm apart spirally around
the tree, are selected in first
dormant pruning.
The lowest branch should be
40-60cm above the ground
level. The selected scaffold branches are headed back to minimum and only
one fourth of the growth is pruned off.
In second dormant pruning, 3-4 well spaced main branches are selected
whose one fourth growth is pruned off and, on each main scaffolds well
spaced 3-4 secondary branches are selected. After 3-4 years, central leader
is headed back and lateral branches are allowed to grow, resulting in the
development of a strong and moderately spreading tree.
Pruning is restricted to eliminate the dead, diseased and intercrossing
branches. Fruits are borne laterally on spurs of one year old shoots. The
average productive life of these spurs is 1-12 years, requiring less renewal
pruning of spurs.
Good canopy shape
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops 27

28
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops
Citrus
Citrus trees typically have 3-5 growth flushes a year depending on growing
conditions. Each new growth flush is added onto the previous growth flush,
resulting in a drift of young bearing wood to outsides of tree canopy. Over the time,
this results in larger trees with increased shading inside the canopy, developing
most of the fruits on the tops and outsides of trees.
Most of the fruits in Citrus are born on foliage about 90 cm along from centre
where light is adequate for fruit bud formation, while inside area is occupied mainly
by supporting structure without fruits.
Growth rates are highly variable depending on climate, cultural practices, tree
spacing, scion, and rootstock. Younger trees (approximately 5–10 years old) have
higher growth rate in relation to tree size. Once the tree reaches desired height,
annual pruning may be required to maintain the height, thin the growth, and
promote prolific fruiting. Maximum fruits are set on wood that is less than 2 years
old. Pruning is least damaging to tree yields when done on a regular basis to wood
on the outside of the canopy.
Pruning is done when trees are young to establish their basic shape and continues
as trees mature. In commercial orchards, pruning facilitates normal daily operations,
increasing the yield. Where trees have outgrown their allotted space, pruning can
increase the bearing surface. Trees that grow too close together shade out the lower
canopy portions and, in return, decrease fruit setting. If pruned to allow light to
reach the top and lower sides of tree, the increased bearing surface results in fruit
setting. Any sprouts arising from rootstock (i.e. from below the graft union) should
be removed.

Grapefruit
The grapefruit plants are spreading in nature.
The formation of upright branches is negligible.
The foliage, is quite dense. The only precautions
need to be taken are to check or thin out the
dense foliage, to the extent sufficient for letting
the light and air to the interior parts of the plant.
Lemon
Lemon trees have a more willowy or weeping tree structure than that of most orange
and mandarin trees.
•
The branches and limbs are more easily broken by strong winds when the crop load
is heavy.
Initial training for better fruiting
•
•
•
Overall lemon tree branches are longer, thinner and
more flexible than those of orange trees. Pruning
should aim to shorten these branches.
Pruning should be done to encourage fruit
development on the insides of trees where it is more
protected from wind.
Lemons also have a tendency to produce strong,
vigorous upright water shoots that are usually
thorny. These are normally unproductive and should
be removed as early as possible.
Fruiting on managed plant
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops 29

Young Tree Formation
•
30
Pruning normally starts when trees are 1-2 year old. At this stage, pruning is done to
develop a good framework. Its aim is to
have 3-5 main limbs, with lowest branch
starting at least 65cm above the ground.
Pruning in Bearing Trees
A more regular pruning should be done
when trees start to give fruits regularly. Thus,
pruning is undertaken to:
•
•
•
•
•
Remove diseased, dead, weak or old
growth.
Remove crossed over branches or branches
in wrong directions.
Thin out and open up the tree canopy to
improve light and air penetration to reduce
or manipulate flowering or crop load.
Reduce tree height or width.
Improve spray coverage.
Trees in good shape after rejuvenation
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops
Rejuvenation of Old Trees
•
This type of pruning is normally undertaken
in old trees which are still healthy to
improve their yield potential. In this type of
pruning, major limbs are normally removed
(skeletonizing) to encourage replacement
with new young branches. This type of
pruning should be undertaken over a
number of years. Typically, trees are pruned
initially on one side so that some fruit yield
is retained, the other side is then pruned 1-2
years later.
A block of hedged trees

Pruning Tips
• Pruning should be a regular part of orchard management.
•
•
•
•
•
The blades should be sterilised after pruning of a block or a variety, with a sterilising solution
of 3 % sodium hypochloride.
Heavy pruning should not be carried out in hot weather to avoid sun burn of branches or
fruits.
In frost prone areas, pruning should not be done on young flush growth, because it is
susceptible to frost damage.
Heavy pruning at wrong time can result in excessive vegetative growth.
Pruning during budbreak or flowering affects fruit load.
• The heavier you prune, the longer time it takes for trees to recover and give fruits.
Lime
Acid lime plants may be trained to modified central leader system, with a smooth trunk up
to 75-100cm height from the ground level and 4-5 well spaced and well spread branches,
as scaffolding branches.
• All sprouts appearing on the trunk up to a height of 75-100cm should be removed. Similarly
on grown up trees, the water suckers appearing on
main trunk and scaffolding branches should be removed
promptly.
• Once a young plant is trained to a desired shape, it
requires very little pruning. Light pruning may be given
during later years.
• Lightly pruned young trees make more development
of roots and shoots, producing fruits earlier that those
pruned heavily. Pruning of bearing trees though differs
with variety, chiefly consists of removal of dead, dried,
diseased, broken and criss cross branches, whose
existence is detrimental to the health of trees. Removal
of water suckers is also essential.
• Pruning may be done just after harvesting. Soon after Initial training for better canopy
pruning, the cut ends may be smeared with Bordeaux paste or Blitox.
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops 31

32
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops
Mandarin
The trees at planting time are headed
back more severely to a height of
70-80cm from the ground level.
•
•
•
•
•
Usually, 3-5 well spread laterals
are selected as the future scaffold
limbs.
Further, these shoots are again
pruned for initiation of new shoots
below the cut points.
These shoots are more prone to
flowering and fruiting.
In bearing, mandarins are considered to be over bearers and also alternate bearers to
some extent.
Pruning or cutting back of one year old shoot to half length (50% of the total) or to
Heavy fruiting on managed canopy
full length is recommended for obtaining
proper yield of high quality fruits. The
pruning, therefore, is done to keep the
balance between fruiting and vegetative
growth.
•
Initial training for better tree shape
The pruning of some of the shoots
certainly removes a part of fruiting
area and helps maintain regular
cropping. The dried up branches
found in the lower part of the plant
too are removed.

Sweet Orange
Sweet orange trees are trained to
a single system and any shoot
emerging from the portion below the
bud union is nipped off regularly. The
first year growth beyond height of 0.7-
1.0 m is headed back to develop side
shoots.
•
Only 4-6 branches having wide angle
with the main trunk are allowed to
grow up to 2.5-3.0 m. Thereafter, no
training is required. Training of plants
is completed in 3 years so that plants
attain a mechanically strong canopy.
The pruning in pre bearing trees is
done at any time avoiding the peak winter.
Pruning of Bearing Trees
•
•
It consists of removal of dead, diseased, criss cross and weak branches. Removal of
water sprouts and suckers from each rootstock below the bud union is also essential.
It is done regularly along with thinning of shoots for better penetration of sunlight and
aeration.
The cut ends after pruning are treated with Bordeaux paste to avoid fungal infection.
The best time for pruning in bearing trees is after harvesting during late winter or
early spring. After each pruning, spraying of Bavistin (1ml/litre of water) is beneficial
to avoid any secondary infection.
Well managed tree in fruiting
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops 33

34
Cocoa
Cocoa plants start to develop the first jorquette when they are 14
months old. It is, therefore, necessary to regulate the canopy
size and shape of plants so that the main crop is not affected.
•
•
•
•
•
•
It is desirable to restrict the jorquetting height to 1.0-1.5 m
under the intercropping by nipping the fan branches arising at
lower level and only one chupon shoot may be allowed to grow
up and jorquette.
There should be only one main chupon stem and additional
chupons arise from the main chupon are to be removed
periodically.
Vertical growth of the plant is to be restricted to a single tier
system. However, a second tier may be allowed to develop, if the first tier is damaged.
Further, extension of vertical growth can be restricted by removing chupons that develop
from below the jorquette and this process has to be continued as the normal tendency of the
plant is to put forth new chupons.
The drooping fan branches may be cut off at a suitable distance from the jorquette once a
year preferably when the crop load is low.
The preferred time of pruning would be July-August and December-January.
Quality pods develop on
pruned trees
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops
•
Centering as a part of pruning is also recommended. This
involves removal of all lateral fan branches that arise on the
fans to a distance of 30-50 cm around the jorquette. This
allows entry of sunlight on the main stem and around it. It is
beneficial for enhancing flowering on the main stem.
Sanitary Pruning
• Diseased or unwanted branches with vascular die back and
water shoots are removed to maintain the health and vigour
of trees. It includes removing all unnecessary chupons,
dead branches, epiphytes, climbing plants, ant nests, rodent
damaged and over ripe pods.
Initial training for
better shape

Custard apple
Custard apple requires more corrective pruning. Initially, it is essential to
develop a good growth and better yield over a long period of time. Without
pruning, its plants become bushy and
their bearing efficiency comes down.
Severe pruning is detrimental for the
plant growth. Yellowing of leaves
starts as the harvesting season of the
fruits ends. The leaves begin to drop
with the onset of winter and fresh
growth occurs in spring. Flowering
occurs singly or, rarely, in small clusters
mostly on current season’s growth and,
occasionally, on old wood. Training to
a single stem is the only option when
rootstock is employed.
•
•
•
•
Young plants need training for the
development of framework. Keep
the main stem clean up to 50-60 cm
height from the ground level.
Timely removal of misplaced limbs
is necessary to build a strong
framework.
Four to five scaffold branches with wide crotch angle are encouraged to grow
in different directions during early years of orchard establishment.
Pruning during March-April is done to encourage new growth on which flower
buds are generally formed. Tree height is generally maintained up to 3 m.
Pruning is also done to remove dead wood and old branches which bear fewer
fruits.
Properly trained plants develop into a good
framework
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops 35

36
Durian
Durian is neither pruned in nursery
nor after planting in the field. It
usually takes a pyramidal shape by itself.
However after harvesting, trees are
cleared of dried and old twigs.
In some places, pruning is done after
harvesting to prepare the trees for the
next fruiting season. This process aids
in improving the quality of fruits, having
desired size and shape of crown, and
removing unwanted branches.
Pruning develops better canopy
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops
Egg Fruit
Shoot management for better tree shape
In early stages of plant growth, mild pruning is
necessary to provide tree a good and strong
framework, with several well spaced branches.
Ultimately, such pruning produces a well balanced
and symmetrical tree with an open canopy. Pruning
in subsequent years is limited to elimination of
malformed, dead or diseased branches.

Fig
Fig plants require annual pruning to
keep them in normal production. The
plants are preferably trained to a modified
leader system. Four to five main limbs
are placed especially in initial training
around the stem which, on suppressing
the leader to a side lateral, results into
a well balanced pruning. It is practised
annually to stimulate production of new
growth and bearing fruits. However, time
and type of pruning vary with location,
variety and number of pickings.
•
•
In general, fig plants are trained to
a single stem and laterals are
allowed at a height of 1.0-1.5 m. In
Northern India, the plants are headed back to a height of 30-40 cm above the ground
level, whereas in Pune heading back to about 1.0-1.5 m is usually done from the
ground level. As the fig tree normally bears 2 crops in a year, the first (known as
‘Breba’) on the wood of previous season and the second crop on new wood of current
season, the time and amount of pruning are adjusted according to growth habit and
bearing capacity of the tree.
Pruning for better fruiting
In Pune, light pruning is given just after fruits are harvested. In Uttar Pradesh, severe
pruning is done in December, leaving only 3-4 buds on shoots of previous year’s growth.
In Karnataka, fig plants are headed back every year in January-February to about 2
buds on each shoot of previous season’s growth to obtain fruits in July-October.
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops 37

• Some growers prefer to prune its trees in October to get
fruits in the following
•
•
38
summer. Little or no pruning is done in Tamil Nadu.
The highest yield is obtained with slight pinching (only the terminal bud and one leaf
removed). Notching in the form of a slanting cut is another practice performed in July
on at least 8 month old shoots. The depth and width of the notch vary according to
size of the branch.
A combination of pruning and notching is effective to accelerate more laterals and
induces more fruits on new growth than in pruning or notching alone.
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops

Grape
Canopy of grapevine includes parts of vine visible above the ground: trunk, cordons,
stems, shoots, leaves, flowers and fruits. Canopy management is an important
aspect of viticulture due to its effect on grape
vigour, prevention of disease, yield and quality.
Various problems, viz. uneven berry and
bunch size, low fruitfulness, uneven ripening
and sunburn can be checked by skilful canopy
management.
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The canopy is often managed on trellis by
training, pruning and leaf removal to adjust
its growth, and assist ongoing management
and harvesting. The height of trunk varies
depending on variety and type of trellis
system being used, and can range from
0.6 m for wine grapes to 1.3 m for table grapes.
Canopy Management in Young Vines
Training for harvesting maximum sunlight
Initial training system
• New
plantation needs to be taken care
right from the planting of grape rootstock
in the field. Training of rootstock on
bamboo with the help of jute thread in
the beginning can help the vine to grow
straight upright without bending. The
rootstock after grafting is again to be tied
straight on bamboo stick to have an erect
growth of plant and to reduce the chances
of sun burn/dead wood of trunk.
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops 39

Medium Young Vines
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40
The vines after re cut come under this category. The re cut in grafted vines is taken
during February for framework development. The new growth arising after re cut is
then trained on bamboo to form the trunk as it is followed in new plants.
In this process, the growing shoots are cut back at the first wire and the side shoots
arising are tied with the help of a jute rope to get upward growth and straight trunk.
This helps in formation of appropriate number of cordons on a vine that bear the
shoots which are more efficient in photosynthetic activity.
The cordons or arms of grapevine extend from the trunk are the part from where
additional arms, and eventually leaves and grape clusters extend. The cordons are
usually trained along wires as part of trellis system.
Mature Vines
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The mature vines have
permanent framework of stem
(trunk), primary arms and
secondary arms (cordons). The
stem of grapevine extending
from cordon is called shoot
and this part is pruned twice
in a year, i.e. March – April
and September – October for
vegetative growth and fruiting,
respectively, in tropical region.
Canopy management in this
type of vines starts from back
pruning where mature shoots are pruned, leaving 1 or 2 buds on it. After back pruning,
major cultural operations are followed for increasing the rate of photosynthetic vine
and its fruitfulness. Shoot thinning, shoot pinching and spraying of growth retardant
are followed in grape vineyard. This helps in increasing the efficiency of a vine and also
in increasing the yield. This helps in increasing the efficiency of vine in storing the food
material in the form of carbohydrates in canes, cordons and trunk.
The shoots arising from sprouted buds after back pruning are, by and large, more
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops
Pruning in mature grape vines

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than the requirement. Hence, shoot
retention is done based on specific quality
of fruits and accordingly the ground area
is allocated to each vine.
The shoot thinning is done at 6-7 leaf stage
after back pruning. This helps in achieving
the quality yield per vine in a given unit
area. The growing shoots are then tied
on the wire with the help of a jute rope.
This helps in effective photosynthesis
and aeration to minimize the disease and
insect incidence.
In forward pruning, shoots are pruned at
a particular position on the cane. Before
pruning the vine, bud testing is done to know the actual bud position of fruitful buds
that can bear good quality of bunch.
After the bunch emergence, the appropriate number of bunches and shoots are
retained on area of land allotted to each vine in the field. The shoots from the berry
set are trained on wire in a trellis in such a way that every leaf on each shoot harvests
maximum sunlight for photosynthesis and helps the bunch to develop and protect
from sunlight to have uniform green colour.
Rejuvenation of Old Vine
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The life span of a grapevine is 12-14 years in tropical areas. This, generally, depends
upon type of soil, irrigation water and plant type.
In majority of grape gardens, vines are uprooted and new rootstock of own rooted
plants are planted in the field. However in some cases, rootstock is cut from the base
and new suckers are allowed to grow. From new suckers, 2-3 healthy and straight
growing shoots are selected and tied to bamboo. Then wedge grafting is done during
August – September. The new shoots are then trained to a training system erected in
field. Thus, a good framework is developed.
Full bearing in grape after pruning
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops 41

42
Guava
Untrained or unpruned guava trees become huge
and unmanageable after a few years of growth.
The bearing area is reduced and the interior of plants
become entirely without fruits.
•
Trees are topped to a uniform height of
60-70 cm from the ground level, 2 - 3 months
after planting to induce the emergence
of new growth below the cut points. Early shoot management for better
canopy, unpruned (left) and pruned
trees (right)
• Three to four equally spaced shoots are retained
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops
around the stem to form the main scaffold
limbs of tree. These shoots are allowed to grow
for 4-5 months after topping until they attain a
length of 40 - 50 cm.
• The selected shoots are further pruned to 50% of
their length for inducing multiple shoots from the
buds below the cut end. Newly emerged shoots are
allowed to grow up to 40-50 cm and pruned once
again for
emergence of new shoots. This is chiefly done to
obtain the desired shape.
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Flowering through shoot pruning
The pruning operations continue during the
second year after planting. After two years,
short branches within the tree canopy produce a
compact and strong structure. All the plants are
confined to a hedge shape of 2m inter row width
and 2.5m height for which pruning is performed
in January and May-June every year.
Heavy fruiting in well managed tree

Establishing Meadow Orchard
• In this
system, planting is done at 2.0 m (row to
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row) x 1.0 m (plant to plant), accommodating
5,000 plants / ha. Initially, trees are pruned
and trained to allow maximum production of
quality fruits during first year.
A single trunk tree with no interfering branches
up to 30 - 40 cm from the ground level is
desirable to make dwarf tree architecture.
After a period of 1-2 months of planting, all the
trees are topped at a uniform height of 30-40
cm from the ground level for initiation of new
growth below the cut ends.
No side shoots or branches should remain after topping. This is done to make a single
trunk straight up to 40 cm height. After 15-20 days of topping, new shoots emerge.
Good canopy with heavy fruiting
In general, 3-4 shoots are retained
below the cut point after topping.
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As shoots mature, generally
after a period of 3-4 months,
they are reduced by 50 %
of their total length so that
new shoots emerge below
the cut point. This is done to
attain the desired tree canopy
architecture and strong
framework.
The emerged shoots are
allowed to grow for 3 - 4 months before they are again pruned by 50%. After pruning,
new shoots emerge on which flowering takes place.
Row orientation in meadow orcharding
It is emphasized that pruning of shoot is done thrice a year. This leads to desired
canopy development. Though fruiting starts in the same year, one cannot expect fruits
on each and every shoot. Pruning is continued so that plants remain dwarf.
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops 43

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44
After a year, pruning operation
is done especially in May-
June, September-October and
January-February.
New shoots emerge after
pruning of shoots during
January-February. On these
shoots, flowering takes place
and fruiting is obtained during
July-September. Second time
pruning is done in May-June.
After pruning, once again shoots
emerge and flowering takes place, which yields fruits during December-February.
These shoots are further pruned for the third time in September-October. It is done
primarily for better canopy development. As a result of pruning in October, fruiting is
obtained in March-April. This is the technique for maintaining a meadow orchard for
optimum yield and dwarf tree size.
Rejuvenation of Senile Orchards
•
The rejuvenation technology involves heading back of exhausted trees (showing marked
decline in annual production) to the extent of 1.0-1.5 m height above the ground level,
during May-June or December-February to facilitate production of new shoots below cut
points and allow the development of fresh canopy of healthy shoots.
New shoots develop on beheaded trees
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops
Growth and fruiting under meadow orcharding
• The newly emerging shoots are
allowed to grow up to a length of about
40-50 cm, which could be attained in
4-5 months of rejuvenation pruning.
• These shoots are further pruned out
to about 50% of their total length for
emergence of multiple shoots. This
is mainly done to modify the tree
structure and maintain proper canopy
size.

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The multiple shoots
developed as a result
of pruning are capable
of producing flower
buds for the rainy
season crop.
The farmers who are
keen to take rainy
season crop can allow
the shoots to bear buds
and fruits. However,
as the winter crop has
more marketing edge
and value, due to
quality, taste and fruits
being free of pest, it is
desirable to promote fruit load in winter season. Hence, to check the onset of the rainy
season crop, shoot pruning (50%) is done again in May-June.
The new shoots emerging after May-June pruning are found to have better flowering
and fruiting in winter crop. This technology of sequential and periodic pruning is
continued every year for proper shape and canopy development to ensure enhanced
production of quality fruits.
Rejuvenated trees bear more fruits
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops 45

Training in jackfruit in early
stage to build strong
framework and to avoid weak
crotches is necessary. Plants
of jackfruit should be trained
on single stem. Apical growth
needs to be controlled within
first year of planting for better
canopy architecture.
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46
Plants are topped (headed
back) to a uniform height
of 70 - 80 cm from the
ground level, 3-4 months
after planting to induce the
emergence of new growth.
Three to four well-spaced
limbs are retained around
the main stem to form the
scaffold limbs of the plant.
Additional unwanted shoots
are removed from time to
time to give the plant desired shape.
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops
Jackfruit
Strong framework develops after training

Jamun
Jamun plants need to be trained from initial stage of
planting. Young plants need training for the development
of a good framework.
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Keep the main stem or trunk clean up to a height of
60-90cm from the ground level by removing the basal
branches and sprouts.
After emergence of new shoots below the cut point,
allow 3-4 shoots equally spaced in different directions.
When these shoots attain a height of 50-60 cm, 50% of
their total length should be pruned out for emergence
of new shoots.
In general, its plants do not require any pruning when
it comes in bearing except removing diseased, dry
and criss cross twigs.
A properly trained plant
Karonda
Young plant in a good framework
Karonda plants can be trained on single or double stems.
For proper training, lateral shoots (15-20 cm long) are
removed from the ground level. Shoots should not be allowed
to grow below this point. This forms the main stem.
Additional unwanted shoots or laterals are removed from
time to time to give the plant desired shape. Bearing plants
normally do not require any pruning. Suckers arising from the
ground, and diseased and dry twigs should be removed.
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops 47

48
Kiwi fruit
Training of kiwi vine is very important, requiring constant attention. The main aim of
its training is to establish and maintain a well formed framework of main branches
and fruiting arms. Since vegetative growth and
fruit load in kiwi fruits are heavier than grape,
they require stronger supporting structure and
heavier pruning to produce quality fruits with
regular yield every year.
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A single wire fence commonly adopted
through another wire is sometimes provided
by some growers and then structure takes
the form of kniffin system at 2m height
above the ground on concrete pillars.
A cross arm (1.5m) on the pole also carries two outrigger wires.
This training is known as T-bar or overhead trellis / telephone system.
Strong trunk laden with fruits
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops
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The laterals arising from the main branch are
trained on canopy of 3 wires. A flat topped
network or criss-cross wires is prepared to
train vines on pergola or bower system.
The system is costly and difficult to manage
but gives higher yield.
Initial training system
A strong growing shoot is selected as a main
trunk to carry the vine up to the wire. The
trunk is staked to provide support and tied
at frequent intervals, so that it does not twist
around and grows straight.
When the vine attains a height of 2m and reaches near the wire, one permanent
leader can be allowed to grow out in each direction along with central wire.

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To achieve this, the leader can be trained one way along the wire and suitably placed
shoot can be trained in opposite direction as the second leader. Alternately, the initial
shoot can be cut just below the wire to force the production of 2 leaders which can be
trained as leaders along the wire.
From the permanent leaders, a system of temporary fruiting arms 25-40cm apart is
developed, at right angle along both sides of each leader. These arms are tied down
to outrigger wires to hold them in position taking care not to break them out at
their bases.
The leader is not allowed to twist tightly around the wire or a restriction of sap
flow in future could result in weakening the vine. Using substantial training as
leader hastens full development of fruiting arms and time of full production.
Growth may be relatively slow during first season but within 3-4 years the fence
should be furnished with strong leaders and fruiting arms in each direction.
Training of vines over a pergola is similar to that of T-bar fence. The vines are
grown as straight, single trunk until they reach a height of 2m near the top of
the structure.
A single, strong, permanent leader is then allowed to grow in each direction along the main
wire.
To form the canopy of pergola, a system of fruiting arm is developed from the leaders at
right angle to the wire. Fruiting arms can be retained longer on pergolas and may be more
permanent than on T-bar. On more permanent fruiting arms, temporary fruiting laterals are
allowed to develop. It usually takes up to 7 years for a pergola to become fully furnished
with vine growth.
Rejuvenation in Kiwi
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Knowledge of growth and fruiting habit of kiwi vine is essential for its pruning. The
vine grows 2-4m every year which may become over crowded and unmanageable if
not controlled by both summer and winter pruning.
The fruits develop only on current season’s growth, arising from the buds developed
in previous year. Only basal 3-6 buds of current season’s growth are productive. The
shoots developed on older wood, by heading back, do not fruit normally in first season.
Good quality fruits develop on the exposed vines. A shoot dies gradually if it is pruned
just beyond the fruiting bud.
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops 49

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50
Pruning in kiwi should be carried out in such a way that fruiting areas are available
every year, requiring the wood to be young. This is achieved by following a 3-4 year
lateral replacement system which becomes a pruning cycle.
In the beginning, a lateral arising from main rod is cut back in winter to provide
enough space for 4-5 fruiting shoots at 4-5 bud interval between 2 such shoots.
The strong uprights or shoots arising at undesirable points are pruned in spring season
when they have not grown too long. This is more applicable to Hayward variety, in
which shoots of only medium vigour bear fruits.
In others, vigorous shoots can be pulled back to horizontal position to convert them
into fruiting wood. Thus, summer pruning constitutes in shortening back of fruiting
arms, thinning out of criss cross and shading shoots.
The secret of successful summer pruning is in the selection and encouragement of
correct laterals to bear fruits in the next year and expose vine to sunlight.
In dormant pruning, the fruiting lateral is cut back to 2 vegetative buds beyond the last
fruit. In second year, these vegetative buds produce fruiting shoots which are pruned
again.
The arms on the lateral shoots are allowed to fruit during third or fourth year. After
this, the laterals are removed from the main branches, while other laterals are selected
and pruned accordingly, so that the balance between vegetative and reproductive
growth is maintained for continuity in fruit production.
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops

Litchi
Management of optimum stature of litchi tree with compact and stereo bearing canopy
is an important aspect of orchard management. Generally, litchi trees grow unstopped
and develop into larger canopy. But in systematic orcharding, promotion of large bearing
area, accommodation of more number of plants/unit area, management of tree height,
canopy concentration to provide more fruiting branches and penetration of more light to
inner portion become more relevant. Hence, giving proper shape to trees from initial stage
and pruning of branches after harvesting in bearing trees is essential. Since more shoot
sprouting takes place in young plants, proper shape is quite convenient at this stage.
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Single stem air layered plants should be raised in
bags and allowed to grow up to 40-50 cm. The air
layered plants have strong tendency to produce
branches at the ground level which are pinched or
pruned.
Further, strong, well spaced outshoots are allowed
to form the main branches. It is necessary to
continue shaping by removing all the branches
forming crotches with main branches as and when
they grow.
To develop good and compact canopy, 25-30 cm
fruit bearing shoots at the time of harvesting are
removed. In this way, 2-3 new terminals develop
which consequently develop into fruiting branches
next season.
Unproductive trees are pruned heavily to develop new fruitful shoots. In such cases,
heavy reiterative pruning, usually up to limbs at a height of 4-5m is commonly followed,
supplemented with heavy application of nutrients.
Further, supplementary pruning is done to retain 4-6 healthy, well-placed shoots in
each limbs.
These new shoots start fruiting 2-3 years after pruning. Thereafter, general pruning is
followed to maintain ideal vigour and productivity of trees.
Tree in improved shape
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops 51

Rejuvenation of Senile Orchard
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52
Topping is done at a height of
2-3 m depending on the tree
structure. After topping, 3-5
main branches with outward
growth from the base are
marked for pruning as required
for reiterative pruning for
rejuvenation in phased manner
starting from the top light
pruning to reduce weight up to
the final point.
Aftercare is very important for successful rejuvenation. To avoid any external
infection at the cut portion, it should be pasted with Bordeaux mixture or
Canopy development after heading back
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops
copper oxychloride (Blitox) immediately after
pruning.
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By adopting and following all the required
scientific procedures, the best time to go
for reiterative pruning for rejuvenation
is August-September, i.e. mainly after
the rainy season. Rejuvenation is done
in August-September for achieving the
desired canopy.
Headed back trees
The pruned trunk/branches during August
starts putting forth vegetative sprouts
just after 25-30 days in Shahi litchi and
40-45 days in China litchi. A number of
branches come out and cover the entire
body of pruned plant.
At this juncture, careful thinning is done with the ultimate aim of developing
solid, semi-circular or open umbrella type canopy. For this, remove sucker

•
growth around the bottom of trunk and thin
out excessive branches as well, keeping only
3-4 nearly top side portion on each pruned
limbs of the trunk projecting in all directions
and further training for acquiring the desired
shape.
The air and light must have access to all parts
of trees. The horizontally developing limbs
should be cut back to the point where they
do not hang under the weight of fruits into
row or to the ground on lower limbs.
Loquat
The flowers are borne on current year’s growth. The trees start flowering during July-
August and continue up to January-February. There are 3 flushes. Flowers appearing
in first flush are mostly shed, while the fruit load
Pruning judiciously brings more fruits
from the third flowering is generally poor. The major
fruit yield is obtained mostly from the second flush
(October-November) of flowers.
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Central leader or open system is usually
followed to train loquat trees. The bearing trees
get benefits from annual pruning to regulate
the crop.
Rejuvenated litchi tree in
bearing stage
• Timely and judicious
pruning should be done
by snipping off 5cm below the tips towards the
May end. Heavy pruning should be avoided, as
it seriously hampers the yield.
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops 53

54
Macadamia
Pruning to form a tree with a single main
stem and framework of horizontal branches,
starting at above the ground and from there, at
an interval of half a meter is recommended. In
each of the 3 leaf axils of a node, 3 buds are
found in a vertical row. All the 3 upper buds get
activated and start growing straight when a stem
is pruned. One of these is allowed to grow, while
other two are clipped off which induce the buds
below them to grow in a horizontal direction.
Remove weak and damaged branches, if any, from time to time.
Mahua
Training is very essential to develop the
framework of mahua plants. Plants are allowed
to grow straight with the help of stakes. The
framework should be developed by encouraging
the growth of 3-4 well spaced branches on the
trunk at a height of 90cm from the ground level.
Pruning is not done regularly in mahua plants
except removal of dead, diseased and criss
crossing branches.
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops
Well managed canopy development
Initial training gives trees better shape

Mango
Tree canopy management, especially size control, has become a priority for reducing
production cost and increasing fruit yield and quality. However, unlike temperate fruits,
where tree management technologies have been developed and refined for over a century,
the similar tools and experiences can be applied with a few modifications in mango. Tree
management techniques, specifically for mango have been developed and are being used in
different parts of the world, which can be adopted after certain modifications in different mango
growing regions. Early height control and tree canopy management are important techniques
and should be practised in India.
Similarly, the problem of large tree size in mango can be tackled by using topping and
hedging because large and crowded trees pose many disadvantages. Appropriate height,
topping and hedging, cutting angles, as well as time and frequency of hedging determined for
mango, which are common practices in Israel, USA, Australia and South Africa, can be used for
increased efficiency and production in India. Shaping the mango tree immediately after planting
has its own importance for keeping desirable plant height at first branching, so that proper
clearance for equipment is possible.
New Orchard
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Heading back of plants when they attain the age of one
year.
Heading back should be done with a sharp secateur to give
a sharp and smooth cut during October-December.
Height of heading back should be 60-70 cm from the
ground.
Heading back results in emergence of new shoots during
March - April (spring season).
For development of ideal open canopy, thinning of
excessive shoots is needed during May. Thinning should
New shoots develop after
heading back
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops 55

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56
be done in such a manner as to retain four well
distributed shoots in all directions. These shoots
develop as primary branches
If crotch angle of retained shoots is smaller,
then bending should be done at this stage to
increase the crotch angle of newly developed
shoots. It should be done with a jute rope (use
of nylon or poly threads should be avoided).
Second cutting is required when these shoots
attain maturity. Shoot maturity in mango is
determined by colour change of shoots from
green to brown. Generally, this stage comes after
7-8 months of shoot growth in north India.
Thus, second cutting of primary branches is done in October-November. This cutting also
induces new growth during ensuing spring season.
Again, thinning of excessive shoots should be done to ensure 2-3 shoots per primary branch.
These shoots develop as secondary branches.
This initial training results in open and spreading canopy of trees.
Initial canopy management brings maximum
shoots in fruiting
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops
Bearing Mango Orchards
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Shoot management for better canopy
In bearing mango trees, for management
of canopy and enhancing their
productivity, identify uprightly growing
branches in each tree and thin them out
for increasing the productivity.
Remove only one or two uprightly growing
branches from centre of tree to reduce
tree height significantly and increase
availability of light inside the canopy for
better photosynthesis.
Cutting of uprightly growing branches
should be done during October -
December from the base of their origin.

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During removal of branches, first cut should be given on lower side of branch to give
a smooth cut and avoid bark splitting.
Protect branches with wide crotch angle as they are more productive.
In bearing mango trees, not more than 25% biomass should be removed at a time for
better canopy management, otherwise it results in excessive vegetative growth.
Under high density planting system, remove 10-15% biomass annually during October-
December to increase light penetration inside the canopy. Removal of 10-15% biomass
should include cris cross branches, dead wood and diseased shoots.
Rejuvenation of Senile Orchards
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Identify senile orchards by survey and bearing behaviour.
Mark the branches which are to be removed.
Mark those branches which are to be kept for future canopy development at an
approximate height of 2.0 – 2.5 m from the ground.
Heading back operation should be done in November – December.
At the time of heading back, first cut should be given from underside of branch to
avoid bark splitting.
Good canopy in headed back trees
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In long and upright branches, heading
back can be done in two or more splits
to avoid inconvenience.
Cut should be sharp and slant. It is very
important.
All the pruned wood should be removed
from orchard after heading back. This
is required for making of basins for
fertilizer and water application. This
should be completed by January.
February is time for fertilizer application
in headed back trees.
Application of 2.5 kg urea, 3 kg single superphosphate and 1.5 kg muriate of potash is
recommended for each pruned tree. Half dose of urea with full of single superphosphate
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops 57

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58
and muriate of potash needs to be applied during February end. After that, light
irrigation is required.
The remaining half dose of urea is applied during June end.
Manures and fertilizers should be applied in the basins prepared around trees, leaving
about 1.5 m radius around the base of tree trunk. The fertilizer should be mixed
thoroughly in soil up to the depth of about 15-20 cm.
Full dose of well decomposed FYM (120 kg/ tree) should be applied during first week
of July. Hoeing and weeding in basins must be done before application of manures
and fertilizers.
Rejuvenated trees bearing fruits
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops
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Basin irrigation is followed at an interval of
15 days from April to onset of monsoon.
Profuse emergence of new shoots starts
April onwards on pruned branches which
requires thinning of excessive shoots.
About 8-10 healthy shoots with outwardly
growth are retained per branch and
remaining shoots are removed. Thinning
operation is followed in June and if
required, in August. Spraying of copper
oxychloride (3g/litre of water) should be
done after thinning.
Proper inspection is needed for management of stem borer insect. If there is
any symptom of stem borer in the form of wooden frass on any tree / branch, its
management is required immediately.
Grub/larvae of insect can be pulled out from the hole by using a thin wire or cycle
spoke. They can be traced from hole having wooden dust accumulated on adjoining
bark and gum oozing spots along the tunnel made by them in branches.
Cotton swab, soaked with Nuvan (having fumigant action) insecticide, could also be
inserted in holes to effectively eliminate and control the grub/larvae in the tunnel itself.
After placing the swab, the hole might be plastered with mud so that the fumes of
insecticide could not escape.
Leaf cutting weevil affects new shoots, especially during monsoon season. It

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could cause significant damage to the new flush, if the infestation is severe and
is not managed effectively. The insect could be controlled with two sprays of
Carbaryl (0.2%, i.e. 3 g insecticide per litre of water) at an interval of 15 days.
Top working can also be adopted in pruned trees to upgrade seedling plantations
and inferior varieties with superior commercial cultivars. Scions of desired
variety can be grafted on the newly emerged shoots developed on branches
of pruned trees by adopting veneer or soft wood grafting during June- July.
Pruning of trees makes the orchard space open with more availability of sunlight.
Interspaces between the rows of trees can be successfully utilized for intercropping.
It is highly desirable, owing to multiple advantages, i.e. securing additional income
during the gestation period without sacrificing the main crop, replenishing nutrients in
soil through leguminous crops or through fertilizer applied to intercrops, and to keep
orchard healthy with year round inter culture operations.
• Flowers (marigold, tuberose, gladiolus, etc.), vegetables (cucurbits, lobia etc.
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during kharif season and potato, pea, cauliflower, cabbage etc. during rabi season)
and spices (ginger and turmeric) are ideal intercrops for mango orchards.
The shoots, which emerge on the pruned trees, are longer and have higher girth, indicating
that shoots are healthier and thereby have more yield potential. However, if canopy is
condensed after sometime, 2-3 twigs may be removed from the central zone of trees to
facilitate better light infiltration.
This ensures increased photosynthetic efficiency, resulting into higher sustained
production over a long period of time from the rejuvenated trees.
Properly managed trees start bearing from third year onwards with quality fruits.
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops 59

60
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops
Mangosteen
In mangosteen, no elaborate pruning is advocated for
general adoption by farmers. However, it is a good
practice to prune old, diseased and damaged branches, and
the branches that touch the soil, and the suckers that grow
up from the base of the trunk. Severe pruning and removal
of growing tips or branches should be avoided. It is better to
prune when tree does not have flowers, fruits or new flushes
of leaves.
Olive
At the time of planting, a support system of about 10 feet is erected. In a feathered
tree, develop a clean stem to a height of 45cm from the ground and select one branch
each to the left and right which can be tied to lowermost wire. Remove weak laterals.
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In the second growing season, develop another set of scaffolds on the next higher
wire and repeat the process.
Eliminate all other undesirable scaffold branches. In third growing season, another
pair of lateral scaffold branches are developed to next higher wire.
The secondary scaffold branches are allowed to develop on main scaffold branches but
if they become over vigorous, they should be headed back.
All upright growing shoots which either compete with the leader branch or arise from
main scaffold limbs are eliminated soon after their emergence. When tree attains a
height of 4m, it is headed back to a weak lateral. The intensity of pruning in later years
is kept minimum until tree attains bearing age.
Pruned trees develop in
better canopy

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Young non bearing trees
are pruned any time of
the year if weather is clear
and free from intermittent
rains. However, pruning
of trees is avoided when
prolonged drought period
coupled with acute water
stress prevails. In bearing
trees, pruning is carried
out immediately after
harvesting to encourage
new growth for initiating
floral buds for the next
season.
The intensity of pruning depends upon vigour of cultivar, age of tree, availability of
irrigation and bearing behaviour of the tree. During transitional phase, only light
pruning is adopted but as the tree becomes older, the intensity of pruning is to be
increased accordingly.
In old trees, rejuvenating type of pruning is required which involves heading back of
main scaffold limbs to encourage new vigorous shoots which begin fruiting after 2
years.
In young plants, only corrective pruning should be done as and when necessary. Pruning
during initial 2-3 years is not advisable. However, occasional removal of water sprouts,
dead or mechanically injured branches is carried out regularly. A clean trunk devoid of
any feathers should be developed up to a height of 40cm above the ground.
The higher intensity of pruning during initial years stimulates strong vegetative growth.
The pruning wounds should be immediately disinfected with Boardeaux paste. This
minimizes the chances of various pathogens entering into the plants and also hastens
the process of healing.
Well managed canopies
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops 61

62
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops
Passion fruit
Since passion fruit vine bears fruits
only on current season’s growth,
systematic pruning encourages new
growth. Pruning should be done after
harvesting in April and November-
December.
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It is done by cutting back of laterals to
the nearest active bud as, otherwise
with increase in age of the lateral,
the basal buds become dormant or
sterile.
Indiscriminate and drastic pruning of inactive or dormant vine may lead to a
setback in growth, resulting in lower yield.
Skilful trellising is quite important in regulating yield as it has to support a
considerable weight for 5 years. Weak and faulty construction of trellis result in
sagging and loss of vines. Two arm kniffin system is ideal.
The trellis should always run across the slope or in north-south direction to facilitate
even exposure to the sunlight. Once the vines reach the wire, the tips are pinched
to facilitate leader formation.
Two leaders are directed on either side of the wire in opposite direction which in
turn develop laterals. These laterals are trained downwards hanging from the wire
and form the fruiting area of the vine.
Well managed canopies

Peach
Peach fruit is mainly borne on one year old wood that has not grown too vigorous.
Lateral fruit buds are formed on current season's growth. After fruiting, this branch
becomes barren. No flower bud differentiation or
subsequent fruit formation takes place in this part of
the branch. Each branch, which has produced fruit
needs to be pruned, otherwise the tree will continue
adding barren wood year after year.
Training is usually practised to give the shape
or build a strong framework of the tree in order to
support maximum crop load of quality fruits. The
peach canopy develops according to the agroclimatic
condition. In Indian situation, where sunlighting is
not a limiting factor, modified training system is preferred. On the contrary, where it is a
limiting factor, vase or open centre is advocated over conventional vase and central leader
peach trees generally grow faster and carry most of their fruits ripen at the earliest.
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Heavy fruit laden plants
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In modified leader system (first year), trees are
cut back to a height of 80 - 100 cm.
• After emergence of new shoots below the cut
points, all the shoots are allowed to develop for 3
- 4 weeks and thereafter, 4 - 5 of them which are
well spread around the main trunk, are retained
while the rest are removed from their points of
origin. The uppermost lateral thus selected is
retained as the leader.
In open centre system (first year), the trees at planting time are headed back to a
height of 50 - 75 cm from the ground level.
Properly trained plants with
heavy flowering
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops 63

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Usually, 3-5 well spread laterals are selected as the future scaffold limbs. They
are headed back systematically to short spurs, with two bud each.
This enables new growth at wider angles, which helps in formation of 3-5 main limbs,
with reasonably wide angles and strong crotches.
Too many laterals should not be retained and crowding should be avoided.
In second year, 5-7 secondary limbs on main scaffolds are selected and headed back.
On secondary scaffold, diseased, weak and dry shoots are thinned out and 2 or 3
secondary laterals are selected at this stage.
All the side branches which grow towards the ground, centre of the tree or vertically
straight, should be thinned out. The main stem is kept clear up to 45cm above the
ground.
Peachs require heavy and regular pruning because fruiting occurs laterally only
on previous season’s growth which bears only once in its life time.
The pruning in peach has two important components, i.e. thinning out and heading
back of shoots. Pruning should be done so as to produce 25-50cm of growth annually
under temperate condition, which is sufficient for maintaining optimum productivity.
During early bearing, the selected shoots should be lightly pruned by removing 20-
30% linear growth after corrective pruning of trees.
After 7-8 years of bearing, corrective pruning is followed by removal of linear
extension growth to the extent of 70-80%.
The remaining 50% of selected shoots are headed back by removing 20-30% linear
growth.
In general, fruit bearing shoots are lightly pruned and alternate ones severely
headed back to get sufficient yield and following year’s growth, respectively.
In subsequent years, the pruning severities in these two branches are changed
which maintain the trees in growing and fruiting condition.
In July Elberta peach, pruning is done to retain 40 fruiting shoots and each shoot
is headed back to 15 nodes. Where heavy pruning is required, three fourths
heading back plus 40% thinning out is recommended. Mid winter is best time of
pruning.
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops

Pear
Proper training and pruning of pear trees
are essential for the development of strong
framework, to maintain vigour and growth, spread
the fruiting branches uniformly, secure fruits of
good size and quality, encourage regular bearing,
and provide convenience while pruning, spraying
and harvesting.
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Pear trees are usually trained according to
Modified Central Leader method. In this
method, 4 or 5 well spaced limbs are developed
during initial 3-4 years and then the leader is
headed off.
In first year, plants are headed back at 90cm in
low headed trees and at 125cm in high headed
trees at the time of planting.
Canopy management for more
fruit production
• The lowest branch is allowed to develop at a
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height of 60cm from the ground level. Four or
five primary scaffold branches arising at wider
angle, well spaced, 10-15cm apart and spirally
arranged around the tree trunk are selected.
Two to three secondary branches are selected
on primary scaffold during second dormant
pruning.
Proper training provides better
tree shape
During subsequent years, training consists of
thinning out unwanted branches and cutting
others to desirable side limbs. The leader is
removed to keep a well placed, outward growing
lateral in the fourth year of training.
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops 65

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Pruning in bearing trees, a certain amount of thinning out and heading back of outward
growing laterals are considered adequate.
A balance is required to be maintained between fruit production and vegetative growth.
Pruning intensity varies with the bearing habit of a cultivar and vigour of a tree.
Pear trees bear fruits on spurs on 2 year old wood and a spur continues to bear for
more than 6 years. The limbs with spurs over 6-8 years old need to be removed in a
phased manner.
The branches and new shoots are headed back to induce new growths, while old fruiting
branches and spurs are thinned out to maintain the vigour of retained ones.
Vigorous growth is more susceptible to fire blight. Therefore, in areas of heavy blight
infection, pruning should be carried out in such a way that the trees make a thrifty growth.
Light pruning reduces cork spot and increases yield of desirable fruit size.
In hills, dormant season, when the danger of heavy snowfall is over, is the best time
of pruning. Early pruning may result in severe cold injury.
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops

Persimmon
Persimmon plants are trained to form a low head. They are headed back at a height
of 60-70 cm from the ground at the time of planting to
develop a framework of strong branches. In general, cultivars
differ markedly in vigour and growth habit. Some cultivars are
dwarf and highly precocious, whereas others are vigorous,
upright and late maturing. The dwarf and semi dwarf cultivars
are trained to a modified central leader system.
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More vigorous, upright, narrow crotch angle types are
trained to a vase or palmette system. The pruning is done
during winter season when trees are dormant, especially
in January.
Pecan nut
Pecan nut plants are generally trained in central leader system.
The lowest branch is kept at a height of 1m from the ground
level, while subsequent branches are spaced spirally at a distance of
Plant in flowering
stage
30-35cm from one above the other. Once the
framework is established, very little pruning
is done in mature trees. Since pecan nut
is a terminal bearer, it requires only light to
moderate pruning. Heavy pruning results in
extremely vigorous growth with no production,
so only dried and broken branches are removed
and overcrowded branches are thinned.
Plants in a strong
framework
Fruiting after pruning
Trained plants
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops 67

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Summer pruning of mature trees may thicken laterals, increasing fruit size
and colour. With more vigorous and less precocious cultivars, techniques
such as cincturing and limb spreading may be beneficial to achieve higher
and earlier fruit production.
In grown up trees, practically no pruning is done except for removing weak,
interfering, discarded or insect damaged shoots and branches.
Phalsa
Phalsa plant is allowed to develop as a bush, hence no initial training is practised.
However, pruning is an
essential annual operation
for obtaining quality fruits.
In general, severe (cutting
closure to the ground level)
and very light pruning affect
the crop yield.
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The desirable height of
pruning varies from 50 to
100cm from the ground
level.
In north India, plants
shed their leaves slowly
after the middle of winter
(December-January) and they are pruned at this stage.
In south India, plants are allowed to grow taller and light pruning is done.
Pruned phalsa canes can be utilized for making baskets to transport fruits and
vegetables, and as stakes for support of vegetable crops.
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops
Pruning provides quality fruits

Plum
Plum plants are slower than that of peach and they take longer time to come into
bearing. Therefore, their framework should be developed similar to that of apple with
modified leader system. Pruning of mature trees should include removal of diseased and
dried wood, removal of brush wood, elimination
of weak crotches, thinning out of bearing wood
to allow penetration of light, spray materials, etc.
keeping the trees at reasonable height to facilitate
harvesting. Heading back and thinning out of
shoots may also be done to develop either new
growth or spurs for fruiting, as the case may be,
with different varieties.
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Plum plants are generally trained according to
their growth habit and vigour of rootstock.
Training is done to give a proper shape and to develop a strong framework of
branches.
Plum trees are mostly trained in open centre leader and modified centre canopy.
The top of plant is headed back to 60-80cm to stimulate the growth of lateral branches
at the time of planting. During first summer, 3-5 scaffold branches around the main
stem are selected.
Lowest scaffold branches should be about 30cm above the ground level, while other
scaffolds should be 15cm apart in spiral order. Only wide angled branches should be
selected, while remaining ones are pinched off.
In the first dormant pruning, central leader is headed back and scaffold branches
are allowed to grow whose one third growth is removed. Other weak and unwanted
branches on the main stem are also pruned off.
Well trained plants
In the second dormant pruning, 2-3 well spaced secondary branches are selected on
each primary scaffold whose one third to one fourth portion is pruned off.
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops 69

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70
Remaining weak, unwanted and inter
crossing branches are removed.
Third year training consists of heading
back and thinning out of unwanted,
diseased and interfering branches. It is
completed during fourth year. During this
period, only light pruning with heading
back of branches is done.
Bearing trees are pruned to maintain
a balance between vegetative and
reproductive growth. Pruning during pre
bearing period is usually kept light and
corrective.
Light heading back and removal of water sprouts, dead, diseased, and interfering
branches are practised.
Heavy heading back of shoots should be avoided as it encourages development
of long upright water sprouts.
Plum generally bears on spurs but some fruits are produced laterally on 1 year
old shoots. The life span of plum spurs is 5-6 years. Pruning is necessary for spur
renewal and 75-80% removal of new growth in each season.
Plum requires 25-30cm of annual extension growth for proper fruiting. Therefore,
25-30% thinning along with one third to half heading back of shoots is
recommended on Santa Rosa plum of Himachal Pradesh.
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops
Managed plant develop more fruits

Pomegranate
Pomegranate has wide range of adaptability. It is a deciduous plant under sub
tropics where it is cultivated quite extensively. But under tropical conditions,
pomegranate is an evergreen plant and
thus adds continuous growth. Under both
situations, this fruit tree needs to be trained
properly and pruned regularly for better fruit
production.
For a bush, the plants are trained not as
a single stem as in other fruit plants but as
a multi stem. Immediately after planting in
the field, it should be headed back to 30-40
cm, assuring the availability of a number of
buds below. During the first growing season,
about four shoots may be selected which will
form the main limbs of the plant.
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If its plants are to be trained to single
stem then heading back in the field after plantation is done at about 70 cm.
During first year’s growth, 5-6 shoots are selected to form the scaffold limbs.
The main stem is kept free without any branch up to 40 cm and any shoot, therefore,
coming from below this point is removed.
The pomegranate has a tendency to put forth many suckers, which need to be
removed right from the beginning in case of single stem training.
Pomegranate plants do not require pruning except removal of ground suckers, water
shoots, cross branches, dead and diseased twigs, giving a shape to the tree.
Pomegranate fruits are borne terminally on short spurs, arising from mature shoots,
which have the capacity to bear fruits for 3-4 years. With advance in age they decline.
A little thinning and pruning of old spurs to encourage growth of new ones are
required.
Better flowering on properly trained plants
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops 71

Useful Tips
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72
Fruitful and differentiated buds are located
at the distant portion of branches.
Pruning of terminal portion of a branch
lowers down the total flower production.
Pruning does not affect sex ratio and fruit
quality.
Pruning affects production of total fruits,
and marketable and unmarketable fruits
significantly. Fruit size and yield of higher
grade fruits are more with high intensity
pruning.
Pruning minimizes the bending of
branches and staking.
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops
Rambutan
An ideal rambutan tree should have a wide crown with the main branches well separated,
and the interior should be free from dead, diseased, broken branches and suckers.
Like litchi, rambutan produces its fruits near the periphery of crown, hence one should go
for a minimum pruning.
Trees having good crown
Trained plant provides more fruits
Better fruiting on well managed plants

Sapota
Sapota being an evergreen tree requires
no regular pruning but regulation of
vegetative growth to improve productivity
and quality of fruits.
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A seedling tree grows excellently giving
a shape of an umbrella. However,
plants raised through require training
for appropriate shape and framework
development.
No definite system of training has
been developed for sapota. Most trees
are trained in central leader system.
During initial year, plants are topped
to 60-70 cm above the ground level.
After emergence of new shoots below
the cut point, 3-4 well spaced scaffold
Quality fruit production from
well managed tree
limbs are selected and allowed to grow to make a
strong framework.
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At times, thinning of branches is affected in old
plantation. Pruning in sapota is confined to open
tree to light, and remove dead and diseased
branches.
Pruning results in better canopy shape
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops 73

74
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops
Strawberry
There are 4 training systems — matted row, spaced row, hill system and plastic
mulch in strawberry. Generally, matted row system is followed in our country.
• Matted row: This is the simplest and least expensive method. The runners are usually
planted at 90cm x 45cm spacing. In Himachal Pradesh, a spacing of 60cm x 25cm for
Chandler is optimum. After the initial growth
of the first year, runners are allowed to cover
the vacant space all around the mother plants
ultimately followed in heavy soils which
are free from weeds. In this system, more
number of plants can be accommodated/unit
area which give a higher yield under suitable
conditions. The overcrowding may cause
higher fruit rot. Thus, care must be taken
to maintain the optimum number of plants Well managed strawberry field
without overcrowding.
• Spaced row: This system is suitable for cultivars that are moderate to weak in producing
runners. The daughter plants are spaced at definite distances by covering the selected tips
of runners with soil which become plants. This is done till the desired number of daughter
plants are obtained for each mother plant. The runners formed later on are removed.
• Hill system: This system is followed for cultivars developing only a few runners. All
runners are removed from the mother plants. The individual plants become large and
bear more than those in matted row. The plants are planted 25-30cm apart in twin rows
20-30cm apart and 100-110cm spacing between twin rows. A small tractor can be used
for tillage. Where cultivation is done manually, the rows can be spaced closer at 60cm. In
some cases, triple rows are set.
• Plastic mulch: Green or black plastic film is used as a mulch for hill system to control
weeds and conserve moisture, but on hot days, some scalding of berries takes place.
In this system, berries are kept clean, and rot and mold are reduced. The plants bloom
earlier. These are prone to damage by frost.

Walnut
Modified central leader system is ideal for training since it provides very good
strength to its framework.
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Trees are trained on a single stem up to 1-2m, on which 5-6 scaffold branches
are retained at almost uniform distance spirally.
Excess buds are pinched during first
year.
Pruning is not being practised in our
country, as almost entire plantation is
of seedling origin, attaining giant size
which makes pruning in later years
almost impossible.
However with grafted plants, pruning
is required which can help increase the
productivity and improve the quality.
Trees grown from seedlings receive
some kind of pruning while harvesting
by thrashing the limbs with wooden
poles. It is, however, a crude method
which needs to be modified.
Walnut trained on a single stem
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops 75

Management of canopy architecture is
one of the predominant technologies
by which huge and unmanageable
trees are properly managed to
make them more productive
76
Canopy Management in Fruit Crops