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The Science of Fruit Tree Pruning and Training

The Science of Fruit Tree Pruning and Training. Presented by Patrick O’Malley Iowa State University Extension & Outreach Commercial Horticulture Field Specialist omall@iastate.edu. Fruit Tree Pruning definition:.

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The Science of Fruit Tree Pruning and Training

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  1. The Science of Fruit Tree Pruning and Training Presented by Patrick O’Malley Iowa State University Extension & Outreach Commercial Horticulture Field Specialist omall@iastate.edu

  2. Fruit Tree Pruning definition: The judicious removal of plant parts to control the shape, and fruitfulness of the tree.

  3. Reasons for pruning: • Produce a mechanically strong framework. • Control the shape & size of the tree. • Distribute and maintain the fruiting wood throughout the tree. • Produce the average maximum crop from year to year.

  4. Produce a mechanically strong framework.

  5. Modified Central Leader • Control the shape & size of the tree. Slender Spindle Free-standing Central Leader 3-wire Trellis

  6. Distribute and maintain the fruiting wood throughout the tree. Note the lack of fruiting wood within easy reach

  7. Produce the average maximum crop from year to year. Biennial bearing On-year Off-year

  8. “Managing Sunlight” Postulated that the leaves on an apple spur must be exposed to direct sunlight 30% of the time to initiate a fruit bud and produce a quality fruit. Though pruning & training, we are trying to minimize the portion of a tree receiving inadequate sun light. < 30 % Exposure to Full Sunlight

  9. Exposure to sunlight is one reason smaller trees can be more efficient than larger trees. 5% 2% Semi- Dwarf 12 ft Dwarf 8 ft 30% 15% Semi-vigorous 16 ft Full-size 20 ft

  10. Kind of Pruning Depends upon: • Tree age. • Existing framework. • Season of pruning. • Growth habit of the tree. • Fruiting habit / fruit bud position on the tree.

  11. During the growing season is an optional time. Dormant is the traditional season for pruning. • Season of pruning.

  12. Fruit Bud Location On Shoots On Spurs

  13. Shoots vs Spurs Shoot 1 yr-old Spurs 2 yr-old 3 yr-old Spurs Shoot 3 yr-old Shoot 1 yr-old 2 yr-old

  14. CorrectivePruning: Cuts into large diameter wood to correct a situation. ConstructivePruning: Cuts into small diameter wood at an early age to avoid large cuts later. VS

  15. Types of Pruning Cuts • Thinning-out cut. • Heading cut. • Bud scoring The response will differ depending on: • When the cuts are made. • The position of the wood • The age of the wood.

  16. Types of Pruning Cuts Heading cut Thinning-out cut

  17. Shoots arising on top of a limb Vigorous & may never fruit. Cause shading & thereby inhibit fruit bud initiation on lower branches. Can become dominate and alter the symmetry of the scaffold.

  18. Bud Scoring: Overcomes apical dominance & promotes the growth of a bud that failed to grow the previous year. Auxin flow

  19. Factors to Remember About Pruning • Cuts into small diameter wood is constructive pruning. Cuts into large diameter wood is corrective pruning. • To encourage shoot growth, dormant head 1-yr old shoots. To stop growth, head back into older wood. • A few large cuts is less invigorating than many small cuts. • Pruning at any time is dwarfing, but it is most dwarfing when it is done in the summer. • Pruning will delay fruiting.

  20. Limb Positioning • Suppresses vigor. • Encourages earlier fruiting. • Vigor suppression • Better light exposure. • Reduced amount of pruning required.

  21. Reduces the amount of pruning required for good light penetration. Un-spread Spread

  22. Develops wide crotches Winter injury Spitting

  23. Methods of limb positioning: • Wooden or wire spreaders

  24. Tie-down with string

  25. Limb weights Clothespins Rubber bands

  26. Limb positioning & training systems Modified Central Leader 3-wire Trellis Tie branches to wires keeping the terminal shoot higher than the other parts. Prune to outward growing branches. Vertical Axis Free-standing Central Leader Slender Spindle Prune to weak lateral shoots. No or minimal tying. Tie upper tiers below horizontal. Tie & maintain bottom tier horizontal. Tie & maintain bottom tier horizontal. Spread 2 yr old wood to 45o initially.

  27. The Science of Fruit Tree Pruning and Training Presented by Patrick O’Malley Iowa State University Extension & Outreach Commercial Horticulture Field Specialist omall@iastate.edu

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