Standardization of pruning intensity for sweet oranges under ultra-high-density planting in North West Himalayan region

A field experiment on the effect of pruning treatments was conducted in 2022-23 on six -year –
old sweet orange plants (Blood Red and Mosambi) in the experimental farm of the Department
of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture and Forestry, Neri, Hamirpur (HP). The investigation
comprised five treatments: T1 (2.5 cm Heading back), T2 (5 cm Heading back), T3 (10 cm
Heading back), T4 (15 cm Heading back), and No heading back (control). The data obtained
from the study revealed that higher intensity of pruning enhanced vegetative growth, as
observed in the treatment with 15 cm Heading back. All flowering characteristics, including
time of bud break, time of first flowering, fruit set, and full bloom, were recorded to be earlier
in the treatment with 10 cm Heading back. Lower intensity of pruning, such as 5 cm and 2.5
cm Heading Back, resulted in lesser vegetative growth compared to 15 cm Heading Back, but
there was also a reduction in fruit yield and quality. The maximum fruit yield (14.16 kg/plant)
and fruit quality, including TSS (8.73 °B), reducing sugar (3.68 %), and total sugar (6.23 %),
were recorded in the treatment with 15 cm Heading back.