-7- 



insect, consult your Pest Control Chart for Strawberries. The cat-facing in the 

 ripe fruit arises from injury that was caused four or five weeks earlier, but by 

 keeping a close watch on the developing fruit, it is possible to observe the 

 effects of control in about txi^o weeks, 



H. E. Wave 



I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 



PRUNING BEARING APPLE TREES 



The right perspective in regard to pruning is necessary when we attempt tc 

 relate it to the entire orchard operation. Many growers approach pruning in an 

 apologetic fashion. They are likely to be on the defensive concerning the method 

 used, for too much or too little pruning, or for over-emphasizing its importance. 



Common opinions about pruning are that no two individuals prune alike or 

 that it actually makes little difference how It is done as far as its final effect 

 on tree growth and fruit production. There is often indifference to the impor- 

 tance of making the right cuts from the standpoint of effectiveness and efficiency 

 of the pruning operation. 



Although some differences in opinion on pruning exist, there are certain 

 basic principles that should be followed in order to develop strong trees which 

 are capable of high yields and the production of a large percentage of good 

 quality fruit. One grower may select different limbs to cut than another. How- 

 ever, by following certain basic principles the end results are similar. 



Finally, bear in mind that pruning reduces the number of growing points and 

 total leaf area. Pruning is more likely to decrease rather than increase the 

 total yield per tree, and the leaves are the food factories of the tree. Thereby, 

 pruning should be limited to those cuts that will (1) eliminate weak wood, (2) 

 allow even, light distribution throughout the tree, (3) change direction and/or 

 height of growth, and (4) help spray coverage. Also, good pruning practices will 

 reduce the yearly expense of this operation. Well pruned trees are easier and 

 more economical to harvest. 



Now that we have discussed the purpose of pruning, the following pruning 

 tips may be of help. Even though the growth response to pruning is localized 

 largely in the immediate area of the cut, detailed pruning should be eliminated 

 whenever possible because of the time and expense involved. Bulk pruning 

 (removal of large limbs that will "open" up the tree) should replace detailed 

 pruning. This will help eliminate the practice of pruning the smaller fruiting 

 wood along the main limbs with the end result of having the fruiting wood only 

 at the periphery of the tree. Not only will the area in the inside of the tree 

 become non-productive, because the removal of the fruiting wood, many water 

 sprouts originate in the vicinity of the cuts which interfere with spray coverage 

 and penetration of sunlight. 



Keep small cuts larger than finger size. Decide what limbs should be eli- 

 minated and then remove them. Considerable time can be wasted in the decision 



