Page 59 - FRUTAS DEL TRÓPICO

pRuning stRategies to maximize tRopical mango yields fRom the
time of planting to RestoRation of old oRchaRds 59

of 8 M requires trees no higher than 4 M and sides no more than 3 M from the trunk to allow
passage of equipment and penetration of light to the lower canopy.

The advantages of annual tip pruning is that it provides reliable synchronized flowering

in selected rows year after year in trees that remain the same size for many years. Although

tip pruning is labor intensive, mechanical pruners are available that make the job easier and

rapid so that many orchards can be pruned in a short period of time. Shape pruning and the

subsequent tip prunings are more labor intensive than annual tip pruning but only need to

be done once to bring the trees into production while controlling the size of the new cano-

py. The economics of pruning need to be evaluated in detail, but growers who are utilizing

these strategies are realizing good economic returns due to increased and dependable yields
(Maximo Jerez, Mango Cluster, Dominican Republic, personal communication). Small acreage

growers can afford hand pruning using machetes and small power tools along with ladders or

mobile equipment to reach the tops of the canopy. For larger operations, mechanical pruners

attached to a tractor are more cost effective than hand tools (Jose Vera, Venezuelan grower,

personal communication). Regardless of the cost, annual tip pruning is more cost effective than

letting an orchard outgrow its productivity.

Literature Cited

Campbell, R.J. and C.W. Campbell. 2005. Size does matter: pruning for perfection. Fairchild Tropical Garden, Miami, Fla. 10

October , 2005. < http://www.ftg.org/horticulture/mangopruning.html>.
Davenport, T.L. 2000. Processes influencing floral initiation and bloom: the role of phytohormones in a conceptual flowering
model. HortTechnology 10:733-739.
Davenport, T.L. 2003. Management of flowering in three tropical and subtropical fruit tree species. HortScience 38:1331-1335.

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