How to prune a kiwi tree? Detailed explanation of the key pruning techniques
Kiwi, also known as the Chinese gooseberry, is widely planted in our country. The kiwi tree has a large tree form, so pruning during the growing process is essential. Proper pruning can improve the tree's air and light penetration, balance the reproductive growth and vegetative growth of the kiwi tree, and enhance fruit quality. So how should a kiwi tree be pruned? Below, the editor brings you the pruning work for kiwi trees. Let's take a look!
1. Pruning of young trees
Young trees also need proper pruning. The main pruning direction for young trees is to cultivate the main branches and fruiting canes. Therefore, during the growth period of young trees, we should promptly cut off the rootstock suckers and remove excess buds. Then, when the fruiting canes grow to about 70 cm, the pinching work should be done well. If the tips of the scaffold branches are found to be growing weakly and curling during cultivation, they should also be pinched in time to prevent affecting the flowering and fruiting rate. Finally, during the leaf-drop dormant period, the new shoots should be properly cut back, extending in length to where the top new buds are plump.
2. Pruning during the growing period
Pruning during the growing period should not be too heavy. Dense branches should be cut off, and healthy growing branches should be retained. The vegetative branches and fruiting canes on the tree should be distributed reasonably, and the water sprouts and vertically growing branches that disrupt the kiwi tree's form should be cut off in time. Likewise, during the growing period, when the vegetative branches grow to about 70 cm, pinching should be carried out. Then, when about 6 leaves are retained above the topmost fruit node of the fruiting branch, pinch it; the second-growth new shoots should be pinched at 4 leaves. After entering the dormant period, the new shoots grown in the current year should be cut back.
3. Pruning during the full fruit period
During the full fruit period, the pruning intensity should be adjusted according to the tree's vigor. Vigorous trees should be pruned lightly, whereas the opposite should be pruned more heavily. When pruning, thinning and cutting back should be the main methods, and attention should also be paid to doing the pruning work well during the growing period. During the full fruit period, all branch tips should be pinched. When pinching, strong branches should be left appropriately long, whereas the opposite should be left short. When pinching, the retained length should be controlled according to the growth age of the branch tips and the kiwi variety. Ensure the healthy growth of the fruiting canes and increase the fruit set.
4. Pruning during the dormant period
In winter, as the temperature gradually drops, the kiwi tree will also gradually enter the dormant period. At this time, we should adjust the pruning method according to the planted variety. For example, for the Zhonghua variety of kiwi fruit tree, 7-9 buds should be retained on the strong vegetative branches. The spacing between each fruiting cane should be kept at about 35 cm. Then cut off old dead branches, pest- and disease-infected branches, etc. from the base, and then observe the growth position of the water sprouts. Those in poor positions should be completely cut off from the base, whereas the opposite can retain about 5 buds and be properly cut back.
The above is a brief introduction to the pruning techniques for kiwi trees. The pruning work of kiwi trees is very important to their growth and is directly related to the yield of kiwi trees and the quality of the fruit, so everyone must pay close attention. That is all for today's introduction. This article is for reference only. Friends who want to learn more related information, please continue to follow us!