The correct method of pinching apple trees and the points to note
In apple production, pinching is a commonly used technical measure, mainly to stimulate the germination of lateral buds on new shoots and increase the number of branches on the whole tree; it is a measure for increasing apple yield. So when is the best time to pinch apple trees? How should pinching be done? Many friends want to know this, so let's take a look together below.
1. Timing of apple pinching
Apple pinching can be done throughout the entire growing season, but because summer temperatures are relatively high and apple branches and leaves grow a lot, it is very easy for water sprouts on the back and vigorous shoots to sprout, so pinching needs to be done throughout the whole summer. The timing of pinching should be determined by the degree of lignification of the new shoots. Generally, when the new shoots have grown to about 15 cm, in order to control excessive growth of the new shoots and promote flower bud formation, pinch them back leaving 3-5 cm at the base. About one month after the first pinching, when the secondary shoots have grown to 15 cm, carry out the second pinching. After that, pinching can be done according to the tree's growth vigor. For varieties with stronger growth, pinching can continue into the later stage of growth.
2. Pinching methods
Pinching should first target the water sprouts on the back and vigorous shoots of the fruit tree. If overly vigorous water sprouts on the back and vigorous shoots are not controlled in time, they will become ineffective branches that affect light. Pinching in summer promotes the formation of medium and short branches, and can cultivate a compact fruiting branch group. When the new shoots on large branches are semi-lignified, remove about 5 cm, and at this time the rate of flower bud formation is the highest. Second is pinching the extension shoots of young trees. Some young trees grow a lot, and in one growing season the extension shoots can grow to about 1 m. At this time, pinching can be used to promote the growth of secondary shoots for shaping, speeding up the formation of the canopy and increasing the number of branches on the whole tree. Pinching of extension shoots is generally done in June, cutting back to a length of about 40 cm, and generally needs to be done every other year. Finally, there are the fruit-bearing spur branches. Pinching them when they grow to 10-15 cm can not only increase the number of branches, but also promote compact and full branch groups, while also inhibiting fruit drop.
3. Points to note when pinching
Pinching young trees has an obvious effect, and it is simple to repeat and very easy to do, requiring no excessive technique. However, pinching also requires attention to timing, otherwise it will not only fail to achieve the desired result, but also affect plant growth. If pinching is done too early, the secondary shoots that sprout will continue to adjust and play a role in inhibiting growth; if pinching is done too late, it will not promote the growth of more secondary shoots. In addition, pinching should also be based on different tree ages, different growth vigor, different management and climate characteristics to determine the appropriate pinching time. When necessary, measures of pinching multiple times can be adopted.
The above is an introduction to apple pinching methods and points to note. I hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please keep following us.