Growing apricots, especially in the middle lane, is a rather complicated process. However, observing the rules of agricultural technology, they get a plentifully fruiting tree. Pruning is one of the most important activities.
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Why apricot needs pruning
The apricot is a highly branching tree. It grows rapidly and lays a large number of generative buds.
Thickening of the crown causes the appearance of:
- Fungal diseases. A large amount of green mass leads to poor ventilation and high humidity. At high ambient temperatures, optimal conditions are created for the onset and development of fungal diseases.
- Decreased yield. Insufficient light for fruiting.
- Damage to branches. The shoots dry up. In winter, a large amount of snow accumulates on them, under the weight of which they can break.
Apricot pruning is carried out at least 3 times per season: in spring, summer, autumn.
Types of pruning in the fall
During this period, the main goal of the event is to prepare the tree for the cold. Therefore, the work is carried out in a complex manner.
They consist of the following types of trimming:
- formative;
- anti-aging;
- regulatory;
- sanitary.
Forming is carried out on young trees that have not yet entered the fruiting phase.
She pursues goals:
- Gives the crown a certain shape.
- Stimulates active growth of branches for abundant fruiting.
If the procedure is not carried out, then over time the fruits will become small, with low taste.
For trees for 3 years after planting, the shoots that grow inward and thicken are shortened.
The regulator is started as soon as the apricot began to bear fruit. The activity maintains the physiological balance of the plant between the growth of new branches and fruiting.
Rejuvenating is applied to those trees in which slow growth of shoots is noticed.
This type of pruning has several advantages:
- activates the growth of old branches;
- stimulates the formation of new ones;
- increases the plant's resistance to strong temperature fluctuations.
The essence of sanitary is to remove old, sick and damaged shoots. It is combined with the treatment of the plant with special disinfectants.
Dates of the event
As a rule, the procedure is carried out during the period:
- Middle band: from 5 to 15 October.
- Southern regions: late October - early November.
- Northern: September.
The following conditions are met:
- Cloudy day without precipitation.
- The air temperature is not lower than 8 ° C.
Instrument preparation
For the procedure, tools are used:
- sliding ladder;
- garden knife;
- secateurs;
- hand saw;
- garden var.
The equipment must be sharp. It is thoroughly disinfected with alcohol or a pink solution of potassium permanganate.
The cut is made at an angle of 45o.
They are treated with garden varnish to avoid infection by infection or fungal spores.
Formative pruning rules
The procedure is aimed at the even distribution of nutrients by the plant. First of all, we are talking about fruiting branches.
For apricot, a sparse-tiered method is used. Leave no more than 7 main branches located at a distance of 40 cm from each other.
Regulatory
Carried out with full fruiting. The procedure is to remove thickening shoots growing inside the crown. This gives the tree even illumination and no overload of skeletal branches.
Rejuvenating
In trees older than 5 years, the growth of shoots is slowed down. To enhance their formation, rejuvenating pruning is performed.
The procedure is performed in this way:
- Choose the oldest shoots or those that do not bear fruit.
- Cut at a 45 ° angle.
- On the most powerful branches, several randomly growing ones are removed.
Rejuvenating pruning is carried out in several steps. In each season, no more than 1/3 of the total volume is removed.
Timely pruning of apricots in the fall allows the plant to prepare for the cold and quickly recover in the spring, to increase the quality and quantity of the harvest in the coming season.
Have you planted an apricot in the garden?
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