What are the functions and purposes of training and pruning walnut nursery stock?

  Training and pruning is an important technical measure in walnut cultivation and management. Training is the process of purposefully developing a good tree shape with a certain structure during crown formation that is favorable for growth and fruiting. Pruning is, on the basis of training, further developing and perfecting a reasonable tree structure and regulating the contradiction between growth and fruiting. When training and pruning, based on the walnut tree's own growth characteristics and combined with natural conditions and management techniques, carrying out training and pruning reasonably can form a good tree structure, make the framework sturdy, and keep the tree vigor robust and moderate, with branches spaced appropriately, improve the ventilation and light conditions of the tree, promote flowering and fruiting, and achieve the goals of early fruiting and high yield for young trees and extending the full-bearing years for mature trees.

Pictured: walnut

  The functions of training and pruning include the following:

  1. Form a high-yielding tree structure. Through training, build a reasonable tree structure and arrange all types of branches scientifically, with a reasonable structure, full and compact, improving the tree's load-bearing and fruiting capacity.

  2. Improve the ventilation and light conditions of the tree. Pruning can thin out overly dense branches, adjust the insertion angle and direction of branches, and arrange branches in a planned and reasonable way, with clear primary and secondary relationships, ventilation and light penetration, which is favorable for tree growth and development and reduces pest and disease damage.

  3. Regulate growth vigor and use nutrients economically. Through training and pruning, the movement of nutrients in the tree can be regulated, achieving economical use, making weak trees strong, vigorous trees moderate, and old trees rejuvenated, promoting flower bud formation and fruit set, and extending the fruiting years.

  Prune according to the tree, shape according to the branches; have form without rigidity, be formless without disorder; balance tree vigor with clear primary and secondary relationships; base pruning mainly on light pruning, combining light and heavy pruning; adapt to local conditions and focus on benefits.

  At different stages of fruit tree development, due to density, varieties, and the development of cultivation techniques, there will be certain standard tree shapes. However, in specific pruning, it is necessary to follow the tree's appearance, adapt to the tree's tendency, and induce shape formation. Main and lateral branches should be arranged reasonably to balance tree vigor, so that growth and fruiting remain in a balanced state over the long term.