December 2022 - 24

WINTER PRUNING
Winter pruning aids
tree growth, pathogen
resistance
By Doug Ohlemeier
Assistant Editor
Dormant pruning is a necessary function
orchardists should undertake to control tree
growth, manage vigor and guard against
over-cropping.
Jim Kamas, associate professor and
Extension fruit specialist and director of the
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Viticulture
& Fruit Lab in Fredericksburg, discussed the
benefits of pruning at the Sept. 26-27 Texas
Fruit Conference in New Braunfels.
Pruning is the systematic method of
removal of undesirable plant parts to achieve
a plant capable of efficiently intercepting
sunlight and producing fruit. Via pruning
and a tree training system, portions of the
plant are manipulated to manage excessive
vigor and achieve a desired shape and
framework.
" Especially with homeowners and even a
Winter pruning helps control tree growth, manage vigor and guard against
over-cropping. Photos: Jim Kamas
lot of commercial growers, they are afraid
to get the pruning shears out and do what
needs to be done, " Kamas said. " This leaves
trees commonly under-pruned. That means
commonly overcropped. The job then
becomes much more unbearable. "
Without effective pruning, too many
branches grow, creating conditions favorable
for fungal growth.
" Fruit trees need dormant pruning
every single year to open them up so they
can adequately intercept something, also
to manage canopy climate, " Kamas said.
" Regardless if you're growing apples, pears
or peaches, the suckers, the strong vegetative
shoots in the interior of a tree, are a good
thing, an indication the tree has adequate,
maybe excessive vigor. "
Dormant pruning is an invigorating action,
Kamas said. The converse, however, is also
true as summer pruning is a dwarfing action.
" One can grossly over-prune a tree in the
summer, " Kamas said. The more tissue one
removes, the more " brakes " will be applied to
tree growth, he said.
Kamas advises against fall pruning and
recommends first bloom as the best time. For
peach trees, the main period for root growth,
24 | FruitGrowersNews.com

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December 2022

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