Training, pruning essential for maximum yield of quality grapes

Islamabad

Dr Nadeem Abbasi, Chairperson, Department of Horticulture, University of Arid Agriculture, has said that training and pruning are essential for having maximum yield of quality seedless grape production.

Dr Abbasi was speaking at a workshop on ‘Training and pruning systems for grape vines’ organised by Horticulture Department of UAA here in a private grape orchard.

Prof Abbasi said that giving insecticides should be avoided at the end of dormancy and it is better to administer the poisons during dormancy.

The participants mostly farmers took keen interest in the talk as well as the practical at two orchards which included pruning, training and grafting.

Dr Abbasi said that development of an organic insecticide made of sulfur and lime is underway while organic fertilisers should be preferred to increase the yield. He said that the best time for sprays is twice or thrice during dormant season. He requested entrepreneurs to prepare and market organic pesticides.

If all germs and bacteria are killed in dormancy, the chances of spread of diseases will be minimised. He said that UAA is learning by experience also.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Irfan from UAA said that varieties developed suitable for Punjab and Potohar region dispelled the impression that grapes can only be commercially grown in Quetta or Chamman.

He said that “training” of deciduous plants is for giving shape and size of fruit and pruning is to get greater yield from the creeper. He said that hot and humid atmosphere invite fungal diseases. He said that a farmer should maximize yield without compromising health of the fruit.

He said dormant plant is able to withstand harsh conditions and easy to implant. He advised farmers to implant saplings at eight feet distance and run them on overhead wires. He advised to prune ever years because one-year old branch gives highest fruiting.