Agriculture.ph Blog

Well pruned Carabao mango tree

Why Was the Project Done?

The objectives of the project were to increase the productivity of densely planted young fruit-bearing age mango trees with overlapping canopies, and of old trees with overlapping canopies by identifying the appropriate pruning techniques and/or strategies. The project was conducted at the Benguet Management Corporation Farm, Iba, Zambales; Menzi Farm, Mati, Davao Oriental; and Frias Mango Orchard, Basista, Pangasinan.

Why Develop Pruning?

Pruning is one of the cultural management practices being done to increase production. Plants are kept healthy by removing the branches that are unproductive, especially those dead, disease-infected, insect-infested and broken ones which may only serve as habitats of insect pests and growth media for diseases. Pruning is also effective in diverting organic substances, mineral nutrients and water to productive branches. Consequently, the trees have earlier and more uniform flushing, faster flush maturation, better response to flower induction, better fruit set and higher yield.

Light penetration and air circulation in the orchard may also be improved by pruning. This may facilitate higher levels of photosynthetic activities for faster flush maturation. Good light penetration and air circulation may also reduce the build-up of pests and diseases in the orchard.

Pest and disease incidence in the orchard will be reduced through pruning because sanitation (partly/fully imposed) clears the surroundings of the orchard thereby reducing area for pest housing. In turn, cost of pesticides and labor for spraying is minimized.

Results of the Study

The most appropriate technique or strategy in increasing the yield of densely planted mango trees with overlapping canopies is through thinning. However, in orchards with only partially overlapping canopies, side pruning the trees alternately increases productivity and delays cutting down of trees.

Likewise, distantly spaced old trees but with overlapping canopies due to overgrowth side pruning is also effective in increasing productivity and in reducing pest infestation and disease infection.

Summary

Pruning and thinning increase productivity, improve fruit retention, and make mango trees more responsive to flower induction. Furthermore, these technologies reduce pest infestation and disease infection, reduce expenses for pesticides, and allow good light penetration.

Bibliography:

Simon, Dominador N., Ambanloc, Marlyn P., and Elizabeth N. Farin. Optimized pruning techniques in mango. Pangasinan State University (PSU), College of Agriculture and Ramon Magsaysay Technological University (RMTU)

For details of the study, please contact:

Dr. Dominador N. Simon
Production/Pruning
Professor
Pangasinan State University (PSU)
San Carlos City, Pangasinan
Tel. No. (075) 532-2235

Or

Dr. Marlyn P. Ambanloc
Associate Professor
Pangasinan State University (PSU)
San Carlos City, Pangasinan
Tel. No. (075) 532-2235

Or

Dr. Elizabeth N. Farin
Professor
Ramon Magsaysay Tecnological University (RMTU)
San Marcelino, Zambales
Tel. No. (047) 612-1890