Basic considerations about pruning of deciduous fruit trees

Abstract

Crop yield and fruit quality performance determine the economic value of the orchard system. Once the basic traits of the orchard design are defined, pruning may represent a powerful tool to modulate the vegetative and productive behaviour of the trees. The various pruning manipulations involve variations in growth, size and geometry of the plant and their effects are explained in terms of correlate functions among the tree organs. In spite of its potential, pruning can not overcome the effects of some basic mistakes made in design and management of the orchard. Basic concepts about pruning developed in the past are reassessed in light of recent knowledge on architecture and growth of the tree.