FAST FACTS
Heading and thinning are the main forms of pruning used on any type of tree.
The aim of pruning is to manage tree structure and light within the tree canopy, as well as the bearing positions of buds.
Pruning always has a dwarfing effect, which affects the roots of the plant in particular.
Pruning is not rocket science; the fundamentals were established in the 1890s and research has produced few real insights on the subject since then. Yet it is often misunderstood or seen as more complex than it is, says Dr Nigel Cook, founder of horticultural consultancy Prophyta.
This is either because farmers do not understand the basics of pruning or confuse it with other forms of tree manipulation, of which pruning is a subdivision.
Another reason is the multitude of words used for the same technique. In reality, only two techniques are used on all trees and shrub whether citrus, pome, stone fruit or berries.
• Heading Also referred to as topping, this refers to the practice of decapitating the top part of a shoot, branch or tree.
• Thinning This practice refers to the removal of entire side shoots or branches (see illustration).
These techniques cause two very different physiological responses in the tree, says Cook.
HEADING VS THINNING
Cutting the top part of a shoot, branch or tree disturbs apical dominance, sparking a complex hormonal reaction within minutes. This leads to increased vegetative growth and reduced fruiting for up to two years. This reaction has even been noted on moss that has been eaten by snails.
This story is from the February 19, 2021 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 19, 2021 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
New farmers' seedling pitfalls
Inexperienced farmers may be tempted to grow seedlings from seed themselves, but they have much to gain by trusting a seedling grower at a nursery to perform this task for them instead
South African avocado production: a success story
Avocado production in South Africa has expanded markedly since the industry's humble beginnings over 80 years ago. From a small grove planted in 1938 in what was then Nelspruit, the industry has blossomed to seven million trees planted on 20 000ha. Dr Guy Witney, project manager at Great Brak Avos, spoke to Annelie Coleman about the country's avocado production.
Unlocking value through livestock exports
Exporting livestock might sound like a daunting business that's better left for big companies, but Gerrie Ferreira, who farms near Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, has been doing it successfully for almost 30 years, sometimes in partnership with other breeders. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the huge potential this market holds, and offers some advice for farmers who are contemplating going this route.
An agribusiness's dedication to community upliftment
For agribusiness NWK, located in Lichtenburg, North West, corporate social investment is an important part of creating a positive influence alongside financial returns. Johan Bezuidenhout, NWK’s group manager of corporate marketing and communication, spoke to Annelie Coleman about why the company chooses to invest millions of rands in the area it operates in every year.
Empowering dreams, transforming lives
Since its launch in 2013, the Agri's Got Talent competition has revolutionised the lives of many farmworkers by unlocking their hidden talents and fostering a culture of empowerment. Glenneis Kriel spoke to various finalists about how the contest has changed their lives.
Foreign investment: agriculture maintains its appeal
South Africa remains a popular destination for foreign investors, despite an often negative outlook from its citizens. It is a gateway to Africa, and with its counterseasonal production to the Northern Hemisphere and favourable weather, local agriculture is especially well placed to attract foreign interest, bringing with it hope for rural communities
The real value and message of COP29 for SA agriculture
While the 2024 Conference of the Parties may have disappointed those who hoped for real progress, it's more important for South African agriculture to highlight its role in carbon mitigation
Improving efficiencies in feed and grain milling
Bühler, a Swiss-based company that provides solutions and equipment for various industries, including food and animal feed processing, has pledged that by 2025, it will deliver scalable solutions that will reduce energy, waste and water by 50% in the value chains of its customers.
Tips for better olive production
At an SA Olive Association field day in November, industry experts shared ways to improve olive production efficiencies, from soil preparation to harvesting.
More effort needed to protect vulnerable cheetah
On International Cheetah Day, commemorated every year on 4 December, emphasis was placed on the vulnerability of the species.
