Good pruning involves several aspects. The first is the formation and training of the tree. Pruning gives the tree a symmetrical architecture, which allows for good ventilation and light to enter the crown.
The second thing, which is very relevant and critical in today's market, is the regulation of the load. After counting and checking the fertility of the fruit centers, the decision is made as to how many we want to leave on the trees. This will determine the future production and affect the quality and size of the fruit.
"In my opinion, this is one of the most important methods for achieving good quality and size of fruit, two aspects that have made a difference in recent seasons in terms of the returns obtained. For this reason, I consider it essential that this method is well understood and worked on by producers," says Francisco Peña, from the southern zone of TAVAN CHILE.
Third, and no less important, is the renewal of productive material. Pruning removes material that is no longer in good production condition or branches where the fertility-vigor ratio has become unbalanced. This is done with the aim of cultivating new material that will be productive in the future.
After pruning, equally important management must be carried out to ensure the productivity and health of the orchard. One of them is the protection of the pruning cuts. “Finally, it is always necessary to remove the pruned material so that it can then be shredded. In the case of sanitary pruning, it is necessary to remove and eliminate this material so as not to increase the source of inoculum in the orchard,” says Peña.
-What methods and techniques do you recommend for more efficient pruning?
«It is important to use proper, high-quality, well-sharpened tools. Make sure they are clean and disinfected to avoid the spread of diseases. Also, counting the fruit centers is crucial to know how many there are and how many we should leave according to our objectives and fertility. It is also important to make clean cuts, avoiding sudden movements that can cause additional wounds and fissures, which can later become sources of infection.»
When faced with wood fungi and bacteria, what considerations should be taken during pruning?
Regarding protection against various opportunistic pathogens that try to infect through pruning wounds, there are different measures that should be considered.
Traditionally, paints containing fungicides have been used to cover pruning cuts. Although this practice is valid, it is becoming less desired by growers due to its cost, the difficulty in ensuring full coverage of the cuts, and its limited effectiveness. Therefore, it is important for pruners to produce clean cuts and use disinfected tools.
Currently, there are more effective methods, such as the application of systemic products in post-pruning or pre-pruning sprays. However, post-pruning application has a limited time window, which can make its implementation difficult. In addition, systemic biotechnological products have been developed that can be applied before pruning and provide residual protection against different pathogens that try to colonize or infect pruning cuts.
What benefits does good pruning bring to plants?
Proper pruning has several benefits for plants, including:
1. Prevent the spread of diseases, such as wood fungus or pseudomonas, by removing diseased branches or tissues that could act as reservoirs for pathogens.
2. It allows for regulating fruit load and production. By selecting and controlling the number of fruit centres on the tree, the quantity and quality of production can be influenced, which is crucial for obtaining good yields and excellent quality fruit.
3. Helps manage the shape and structure of the tree, facilitating light penetration and air flow into the canopy, improving fruit quality and reducing the incidence of disease.
4. It facilitates the renewal of productive material by eliminating old or unproductive branches or tissues and promoting the growth of new shoots that will be productive in the future.
What treatment does TAVAN CHILE recommend during this process and why?
TAVAN CHILE recommends the application of its biotechnological product WERT, which is applied with PH4. This product offers management of pruning cuts, as it is systemic and provides protection before or after pruning. This provides peace of mind to the producer knowing that his orchard is being protected by the product.
Among the advantages of the product, WERT is the activation of the plant's SAR system. This is achieved through molecules that are capable of bidding on some genetic defense responses in plants, such as:
- PAL, an enzyme that triggers a broad-spectrum inhibitor against different pathogens through cell wall modification.
- 4CL and CHS, responsible for the synthesis and accumulation of metabolites associated with defense.
- PRIO, a protein synthesized at a higher level against pathogen attacks.
- CAT, which is related to greater detoxification, allowing for better physiological performance.
For all these benefits, we recommend the application of WERT together with PH4 during the leaf fall period, pruning period and prior to bud emergence.
