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In the News - February 2012
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| Pruning a plum tree. |
PINE BLUFF, Ark. –February and early March before bud break is the ideal time for the winter pruning of fruit trees, shrubs and vines, says Dr. Obadiah Njue, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Cooperative Extension Program horticulture specialist.
Pruning is a horticultural practice that modifies the growth and structure of the plant. The reasons for pruning include to promote a strong tree structure, provide balanced growth and productivity, provide quality light penetration, maintain a healthy plant, control plant size and train young plants, says Dr. Njue.
Properly pruned and trained trees, shrubs and vines produce high quality fruit, and the trees live longer. Pruning to promote a strong plant structure starts from planting and is done yearly, says Dr. Njue. Pruning controls the balance between tree, shrub or vine size, yields and fruit quality.
Pruning opens the plant’s canopy, which maximizes light penetration essential for flower bud development and optimal for fruit set for the following year. It also improves the quality of the current year’s fruits.
Removing damaged wood and dead or dying branches injured by disease, insects, storms or mechanical agents maintains a healthy plant and makes controlling diseases and insects easier.
“Training and shaping branches is easier when a plant is young rather than pruning larger branches later on,” says Dr. Njue. Pruned and trained branches produce strong and healthy plants.
Late winter or early spring pruning has advantages over early winter pruning. Wounds heal quickly when growth starts. Undesirable branches and wood to be pruned can be seen easily because there are no leaves on the tree. The bark is less likely to tear when cuts are made. Trees pruned in early winter may be damaged by low winter temperatures that occur after pruning.
Dr. Njue reminds homeowners and growers that winter pruning, also called dormant pruning, isn’t the only kind of pruning. There’s summer pruning which begins as soon as the buds start to grow, but it is generally started after vegetative growth is a few inches long.
“Summer pruning is associated with the training of young trees and removing water sprouts (new vigorous upright shoots especially on fruit trees) and other undesirable shoots,” says Dr. Njue. Summer pruning controls the growth of young trees, shrubs and vines, and improves light quality in the fruiting zone.
Different fruit trees, shrubs and vines require different pruning techniques, he says. Apple trees are pruned differently than peach trees, muscadines are not pruned and trained the same way as other grapes, and blackberries are not pruned the same as blueberries.
For help on specific pruning methods for your fruit trees, shrubs and vines, contact your county Extension agent. Or, plan to attend Dr. Njue’s pruning workshop March 1, 9:30 a.m., at the UAPB Extension Complex. Dr. Njue will discuss and demonstrate the pruning of muscadine grapes, blueberries, blackberries and pear, plum and apple trees.
The Extension Complex is located on the corner of L.A. “Prexy” Davis Drive and Oliver Road.
February 3, 2012
By Carol Sanders
Writer/editor
UAPB School of Agriculture
Fisheries and Human Sciences
(870) 575-7238
sandersc@uapb.edu
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