416 FUNDAMENTALS OF FRUIT PRODUCTION 



increases in size and changes in the form of leaves, fasciation and the 

 metamorphosis of the glands of apricot leaves into small leaflets. He 

 considers these abnormalities to be due to an upsetting of the balance 

 normally existing between transpiration and assimilation. It should be 

 remembered, however, that in many instances these abnormal structures 

 arise independent of any pruning. 



Amount of Pruning Varying with Fruiting Habit. — The facts just 

 presented on the results to be expected from light, moderate, heavy 

 or no pruning, show clearly that no rigid rules can be stated as to the 

 amount of pruning best suited to orchard trees even of a single age or of a 

 single kind. However, if certain other pertinent facts and principles 

 be considered, the amount to be given orchard trees becomes somewhat 

 more easilj^ determined. 



The fruit grower wishes to produce as soon as possible a tree, shrub, 

 or vine sufficiently large to bear crops of at least moderate size. It is 

 necessary, furthermore, that the plant have a strong framework for the 

 support of the smaller branches and their fruiting wood and that it be 

 adequately equipped with the spurs or shoots that bear fruit buds. For 

 the first year or several years, in many species, fruit production is neither 

 expected nor desired. The maturing of fruit and to a certain extent even 

 the formation of fruit buds and potential fruiting wood might tax the 

 energies of the plant so that increase in size would be checked seriously. 

 A little later, however, when the tree approaches such age and size that it 

 can begin production without injury to its general welfare the grower 

 desires it to develop gradually (or sometimes quickly) fruit-producing 

 growth and he wishes to keep this growth actively at work. As the 

 tree becomes still older its natural growing habits are very Hkely to 

 encumber it with too much fruiting wood, more than its roots and leaves 

 can supply with food materials for heavy and regular production. The 

 grower's aim then should be to get rid of the old unproductive wood 

 or to invigorate it or to limit the formation of new wood. His problem 

 is first that of building the plant; then it is equipping it and providing 

 for such extensions and new equipment as space and conditions permit 

 and finally it becomes a problem of maintenance at maximum efficiency. 



When these general principles are considered in their relation to the 

 varying results attending pruning in different amounts, it is evident that, 

 in general, tree, bush and vine fruits should be pruned heavily when young 

 to secure a strong, stocky framework with well spaced limbs and — of 

 equal importance — to prevent the production of fruit and even of fruiting 

 wood As the plant approaches bearing age and size, pruning should be 

 less severe, to permit or encourage the production of fruiting wood. 

 Perhaps in extreme cases it may be desirable at this stage to do no pruning 

 at all. As the plant becomes still older, pruning is again increased in 

 severity, thus limiting or sometimes reducing the amount of fruiting 



