Apples are one of our favorite fruits, and there are many farmers growing apples now. When farmers grow apples, the most important thing is to prune the apple trees. Scientific and reasonable pruning of apple trees in autumn can achieve the effects of ventilation and light transmission in the crown, promoting fruit coloring, regulating tree vigor, and controlling orchard canopy closure. So next, the editor will introduce the time and method of pruning apple trees in autumn.

1. Time for autumn pruning of apple trees

Autumn pruning time is from early to mid-August to mid-to-late October. Trees that stop growing early in autumn should be pruned early, and trees that stop growing late should be pruned late. Generally, it should be completed 20 to 30 days before the leaves fall.

2. Three key points for pruning and shaping in autumn

1. Clean the tree cavity

In the production and management of apples, many fruit farmers know that The leaves of a fruit tree are the main organs that use photosynthesis to produce organic nutrients. About 90% of the dry matter of fruit trees is synthesized from the leaves. The leaves are the material basis for the growth and development of fruit trees to form yields. At the same time, leaves perform various physiological functions such as respiration, transpiration, and absorption on fruit trees. The size and thickness of apple tree leaves truly reflect the development status of the fruit. If enough fertilizer and water are provided during production, the leaves will be large and thick, and photosynthesis will be better.

The concentrated distribution of leaves throughout the canopy forms a leaf curtain. Since the leaf curtain changes greatly during the annual cycle, the thickness of the leaf curtain is a measure of the leaf area. In actual orchard production, due to the excessive leaf area, part of the inner leaves cannot see sunlight and cannot perform photosynthesis, becoming ineffective leaves. Therefore, pruning of apple trees in autumn is particularly important. Properly cut off the upright and leggy branches and densely packed branches in the bore, and remove the excessively dense branches that affect the coloring of the fruit. In particular, the pruning before bag removal provides a good opportunity for fruit coloring in the later period. favorable conditions.

2. Pulling branches slowly

It is best to pull branches in autumn, because autumn is the period of nutrient return. After the angle is opened, nutrients are easily accumulated in the branches, the buds are full, and the flower buds are well formed. In addition, the advantage of pulling branches in autumn is that the branches are soft and strong branches will not sprout on the back. By pulling branches, the effect of "pull out layers, pull out balance, pull out tree shape, and pull out level" can be achieved.

3. Thinning branches to increase light

can improve the lighting conditions in the crown and the nutritional status of nearby branches. Generally, if the light on the tree body is not good, the branches can be thinned flexibly before the fruit is unpacked. For those that affect the coloring of the fruit and the light inside the tree is not good, the branches can be thinned out appropriately without affecting the bagged fruit. After picking fruits and before falling leaves, because the leaves are complete, the ventilation and light transmission of the tree can be easily controlled. Thinning out some branches (strong and vigorous) can improve the lighting of the tree, enhance the function of the leaves, and facilitate the formation of flower buds and nutrient accumulation. The wounds of thinned branches can be easily healed.

Finally, I would like to remind everyone that during autumn pruning of fruit trees, the amount of branches and leaves in the orchard is closely related to the age of the tree, target yield, site conditions, management level, and shaping methods. According to the actual situation of the orchard and the size of the tree crown, the degree of pruning should be reasonably determined.