Feeding the community one garden at a time

May 29, 2013, by Leslie Davis

I work with a non-profit organization, Seed2Need, outside of Albuquerque, New Mexico that grows gardens to generate fresh produce for local food pantries. New Mexico consistently ranks high for poverty and food insecurity. Funding available to our central food bank has been reduced due to state and federal budget constraints. With so many relying on their services, they cannot afford to invest in perishable commodities, but the importance of fruit and vegetables to basic nutrition cannot be denied. Addressing the issue at a localized level seemed like the most efficient way to alleviate the problem.

Our mission is to reduce hunger in our community by growing gardens, gleaning fruit from local orchards and soliciting produce donations at our local grower’s market. Produce harvested is often in the hands of the families who need it within hours of harvest.  Picked fresh.  Distributed fresh.  Consumed locally by families facing food insecurity.

What started as a small garden in a neighbor’s horse corral to supply one food pantry has evolved over the last five years into Seed2Need; now serving 15 food pantries and soup kitchens in the area. Our community is very supportive, with many local property owners donating land, equipment and excess fruit from their orchards. We receive financial assistance from local businesses and individuals. We have volunteers of all ages and every walk of life. Our organization involves service by the community for the community.

Many of us have an interest in gardening, but no background in agriculture. This has been an educational experience for many, if not most, of the volunteers involved. There has been a steep learning curve as we realize what we are doing wrong and recognize what we are doing right, changing and adapting as we progress. The varieties of produce have been altered based on productivity and various planting, irrigation and mulching techniques have been modified to increase efficiency. As a volunteer organization we have to be aware of cost effective, labor saving methods.

Growing in New Mexico is nothing like growing in the more fertile climates of the Midwest or Southern states. New Mexico is a dry, arid, hot, high mountain climate. We have been experiencing a prolonged, extreme drought over the last several years. As a result of the drought, many farmers are unable to plant crops this summer, making the cost of fresh produce more cost prohibitive to families experiencing economic hardship and making water conservation a vital part of our plan. Although our gardens are close to the Rio Grande River we utilize a T-Tape drip irrigation system, drawn from a well, rather than relying on flood irrigation. This reduces the weeds brought in from flood irrigation and conserves water by applying small increments directly to the plants. We also utilize plastic mulch to prevent rapid evaporation and to create a barrier for weeds.

We have chosen vegetables that produce over a period of time, rather than a singular harvest, to ensure that we can provide a plentiful supply over several months. We also take into consideration regional tastes and diet. Currently we are growing 2 acres of tomatoes, green chile, cucumbers, watermelons, cantaloupe, zucchini and green beans. Over the last three years we have generated 70 tons of produce for local food pantries. With two acres planted this spring we are hoping to harvest 30 tons this summer alone.

For more information please visit our website, www.Seed2Need.us, or like our Seed2Need page on Facebook. If you have any questions about our techniques or starting a garden to address hunger within your community, please email Seed2Need@gmail.com.

Bio: Leslie Davis has a finance and economics degree with 25 years of sales and marketing experience and a desire to apply those skills to make a positive impact on her community.

Contact Info: www.Seed2Need.us

Leslie Davis
505.933.1345
www.Seed2Need.us
Facebook: Seed2Need
Seed2Need@gmail.com

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Pakistan: Mango export season begins

By Tanveer Sher

Mango export has started in the country on Saturday with an ambitious target of 175,000 tonnes, which is 52 percent higher than the previous season’s target of 115,000 million tonnes.
Export of mango this season is expected to fetch $60 million.
The Ministry of Commerce granted permission to exporters to start export across the country. The objective of the decision was described by exporters on account of avoiding losses through unplanned and premature export of the fruit as witnessed during previous years.
Some 400 metric tonnes of the most favourite fruit of the summer season was airlifted to a number of European and Gulf countries UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrian, UK and Germany where demand of Pakistani mango is growing with the period of time.

According to All-Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Importers-Exporters and Merchants Association (PFVA) Chairman Waheed Ahmed, the production of mango is being expected at 1.55 million tonnes, while export target of 175,000 metric million tones mango has been set for this year.

Sindh was the most affected province of the climatic hazards facing 150,000 tonnes drop in production with an estimated decline of 25 percent in 2013. The production of mango in Hyderabad, Tando Allayar, Mityari, Mirpurkhas and others parts of the province was badly affected which has also delayed the season by two weeks.
Citing hindrances, which hampered mango exports, he said they include international barriers on trade with Iran, which also declined Pakistan’s exports to that country, as Pakistani banks had stopped trade services with Iran, which previously was importing 30,000 tonnes of mangoes from Pakistan. The country suffered a loss of $10 million for not exporting mangoes to Iran, he said adding that the illegal trade or smuggling via land routes was not benefiting the country in terms of revenue.
Besides, despite of being approved for US market mango exports to the foreign country on commercial basis could not take place due to the condition of treating the mangoes at a radiation plant near Chicago and unavailability of direct air service. Treating and processing the fruit in US, according to him is not only a costlier business but also highly risky for the exporters. Besides, the export of the perishable items via sea routes was also not feasible to the businessmen in horticulture sector due to long transit. The only way out to tap the US market is to provide the radiation facility in Pakistan preferably in Karachi and Multan.
Exports to Australia also could not begin because of quarantine issue. Though Australian quarantine team had visited facilities and orchards in the country to check the quality of the fruit for their market, however no development was made in this regard. The Ministry of Commerce and other concerned authorities should move to approach the authorities in the foreign country to have another highly valued market tapped.
Ahmed said during the current year exporters would focus on exports to Japan, Australia, South Korea, US, Mauritius and Lebanon markets and initiatives would be taken to uplift the quality of Pakistani mangoes to increase exports. Pakistan was presently exporting mango to at least 40 countries of the world including Canada, Germany, UK, France, Italy, Island, Denmark, Holland, Switzerland, Belgium, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain Kuwait, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, Lebanon and others. The varieties those commercially exported from Pakistan are Sindhri, Sunhaira, Fajri, Began Phali, Summar Chaunsa, Black Chaunsa and White Chaunsa.
Owing to the holy month of Ramazan falling in the second week of July, the local and international demand of mango is likely to go up as Muslims across the world are sure to enhance their daily consumption of the most demanding fruit of the summer season.
Responding to a query, he said as pledged by the officials of national flag carrier Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) during a meeting with office bearers of the fruit exporters some one month ago, a pro-active role on its part would be highly beneficial for the export of mango during the current season which may ultimately help realisation of ambitious target of 1.75 million tonnes.
Previous year, PIA had been under criticism for not providing enough space and facilities to mango exporters, but this year it has finally formed a new ‘business strategy’ to lift the fruit with maximum quantity. Providing new equipments and space to its cargo facility, the national flag carrier will be grabbing 25 percent share in the country’s cargo revenue this year. By airlifting maximum cargo for European destinations, the airline would easily be getting substantial revenue from mango exports in 2013, which would enable it to reduce its mounting financial losses.

Source: http://www.dailytimes.com.pk

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Harvesting flies for animal feed wins innovation prize

A South African company has won the Innovation Prize for Africa (IPA) for developing a method of creating livestock feed from maggots.

AgriProtein Technologies beat ten other finalists from across the country and was awarded US$100,000.
Jason Drew, cofounder of the company, explained the process “ After allowing flies to lay eggs in the bio-waste, the resultant larvae, or maggots, are harvested and dried before being mixed with carbohydrates and starch to create food for chickens, crayfish, abalone and pigs.”
Drew said his company is already at a commercial production stage in order to provide farmers with affordable animal feed protein and the prize money would enable to expand to the rest of Africa.
“We are honoured by this remarkable recognition. We are passionate about expanding our business to recycle more waste nutrients and supply a natural protein to feed farm animals… helping sustainably feed our continent…this is an African contribution to sustainable agriculture for our planet,” he said.
The IPA was founded by the African Innovation Foundation (AIF) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, focusing on building Africa’s capacity by investing in local entrepreneurship.

Source: allaboutfeed

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Hydroponic Farming: Pakistan Future

Asad Manzoor*

Department of Agriculture & Agribusiness Management, University of Karachi

To defeat food shortages in the upcoming era, Pakistan can use hydroponic farming to overcome crises of food shortage. Hydroponics can be a revolutionary technology for Pakistan to guarantee suitable and sustainable supply of vegetable. It reduces 70 percent to 90 percent less water and reduce cultivated area than irrigated soil and land based agriculture farming and gardening. No water was lost in the ground or absorbed by weeds or lost in evaporation.
With the collaboration of government and private sector, a hydroponic pilot project can be started across the country. The establishment of state-of-the-art greenhouse facility can produce hydroponic tomatoes of all varieties including tangy, elegant, cherry and others. If the hydroponic technology is properly deployed, the country could be a huge power player in the market because nobody else in the region is using high-tech hydroponics.

 
A high tech hydroponic facility is more expensive to set up than soil farming but once it is set up, operating and maintenance costs were low and the very high and definite yields means that invested money would be recovered in one year.
The world leader’s countries in hydroponics utilize ‘cluster approach’ where land is allocated just for hydroponic farming practiced by different farmers. To develop a viable hydroponics industry, Pakistan urgently needs to improve its infrastructure facilities, such as availability of electricity and land. Greenhouses need a constant supply of power but the situation in Pakistan is not encouraging. By improving electricity facilities and establishing green house a fine chain of hydroponics farm can develop.
With more than 16 million populations, Pakistan needed to boost its agriculture performance, which was low and unpredictable compared to other major agriculture producers. If hydroponics is introduced properly, the country can triple the revenues earned on agriculture exports. The new technology also has a great potential to meet our food requirement.

*Contact: asad@gardener.com

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Bee Venom Can Kill HIV, Study Shows

Scientists from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have discovered bee venom can kill the HIV virus without harming the body.

Bees could hold the key to preventing HIV transmission. Researchers have discovered that bee venom kills the virus while leaving body cells unharmed, which could lead to an anti-HIV vaginal gel and other treatments.

Scientists at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis found that melittin, a toxin found in bee venom, physically destroys the HIV virus, a breakthrough that could potentially lead to drugs that are immune to HIV resistance. The study was published Thursday in the journal Antiviral Therapy. http://zaraimedia.com/

"Our hope is that in places where HIV is running rampant, people could use this as a preventative measure to stop the initial infection," Joshua Hood, one of the authors of the study, said in a statement.

The researchers attached melittin to nanoparticles that are physically smaller than HIV, which is smaller than body cells. The toxin rips holes in the virus' outer layer, destroying it, but the particles aren't large enough to damage body cells.

"Based on this finding, we propose that melittin-loaded nanoparticles are well-suited for use as topical vaginal HIV virucidal agents," they write.

Theoretically, the particles could also be injected into an HIV-positive person to eliminate the virus in the bloodstream.

Because the toxin attacks the virus' outer layer, the virus is likely unable to develop a resistance to the substance, which could make it more effective than other HIV drugs.

"Theoretically, melittin nanoparticles are not susceptible to HIV mutational resistance seen with standard HIV therapies," they write. "By disintegrating the [virus'] lipid envelope [it's] less likely to develop resistance to the melittin nanoparticles."

The group plans to soon test the gel in clinical trials.

Source: usnews.com

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Kharif Crops List

The crops that are sown in the rainy season are called kharif crops. (also known as the summer or monsoon crop) in India. Kharif crops are usually sown with the beginning of the first rains in July, during the south-west monsoon season. The main monsoon season in Pakistan and India runs from June to September.

 Paddy (Oryza sativa, L)

 Guar (F) (Cymopsis tetragonaloba, Taub)

 Castor (Ricinus communis)

 Nagali (Eleusine coracana, G)

 Hy Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum, L)

 Chilly (Capsicum frutescens, L)

 Cotton (Gossypium herbaceum, L)

 Jowar (Sorghum vulgare, Pers)

 Sesamum (Sesamum orientale)

 Soyabean (Glycine hispida, Merr)

 Maize (Zea mays, L)

 Urid (Vigna mungo, L)

 Bajri (Pennisetum typhoideum, L)

 Arhar (Cajanus cajan, Milsp)

Ground Nut (Arachis hypogaea, L)

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare, Miller)

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Rabi Crops List

The crops that are sown in the winter season are called Rabi crops. (also known as the "winter crop") in Pakistan and India. The Rabi means, when the crop is harvested.Crops that are grown in the winter season, from November to April are called Rabi Crops.Some of the important rabi crops are wheat, barley, peas, gram and mustard.

 Maize (Zea mays, L)

 Lucerne (Hedicago sativa)

 Cumin (Cuminum cyminum, L)

 Coriender (Coriandrum sativum, L)

 Wheat (Triticum vulgare, Vill)

 Fenugreek (Trigonella foenumgraecum, L)

 Gram (Cicer arientinum)

 Onion (Allium cepa, L)

 Mustard (Brassica juncea, L)

 Tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum, Mill)

 Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare, Miller)

 Potato (Solanum tuberosum)

 Isabgol (Plantago ovata. Fors)

 

Oat (Avena sativa)

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Improved method for raising rice nursery

By Dr Shahzad M. A. Basra, Dr M. Farooq & Hafeez ur Rehman

RICE is grown here under diverse climatic and edaphic conditions. Basmati predominates in traditional rice tracts of Punjab. Temperate Japonica rice is grown in Swat at high altitude in the mountainous valleys. IRRI type long grain heat-tolerant variety of tropical rice is grown in the south of NWFP, Sindh and Balochistan.
Transplanting is the major method of growing rice. In this method rice is grown in a nursery, pulled and transplanted into well puddle and prepared field. Rice seedlings can either be transplanted manually or by mechanically. In transplanted rice, spacing between hills varies with variety and seedling age. A spacing of 20 x 20 cm is recommended. A hill should be transplanted with two healthy seedlings.
For transplanted seedlings, age is a major factor in determining yield. Transplanting shock, this is a setback to growth due to uprooting and replanting of seedling, increases with increased age of seedling. In general, the effect of transplanting on yield increases with the decreasing age. Seedling age also varies with environmental conditions and the type of nursery. The physical and bio-chemical factors set a minimum and maximum age for a particular nursery. Minimum age of a seedling for transplanting is about 15-20 days. However, ideal seedling age is about 30 days; tilling capacity is reduced if older seedlings are transplanted.
Nursery seedlings: Rice which is to be transplanted into puddle soil must first be nursed on seed beds. The main reason for rising nursery is to provide seedlings a substantial head-start on weeds. Rice nursery is raised by four methods in world, viz. the wet-bed nursery, the dry-bed nursery, the dapog and mat type in trays. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Dapog method originated in the Philippines and is now fairly common in South East Asia, but not practised in Pakistan. Mat type is being introduced in the country. Wet-bed and dry-bed methods are common here depending on the soil and water availability.
The wet-bed method is popular worldwide. It is used in areas where water is adequate. In our country, it is commonly followed in Punjab and the NWFP. The area selected for nursery is watered for about 30 days before sowing. It helps in eradication weeds. When weeds germinate after a week, the field is thoroughly puddled and levelled. Clean seed is shifted into gunny bags and soaked in water for 24 hours. After soaking it is placed under shade and covered with gunny bags. Water is sprinkled over seed after intervals and turned with hands about three times in a day for proper aeration and avoiding damage by heat due to suffocation. After about 36-48 hours, the seed sprouts and is ready for sowing. Pre-germinated seeds are then broadcast in seedbed. Once the seedlings are established, the nursery is impounded with water. Water level is then raised gradually. Some decomposed organic manures and small amount of inorganic fertiliser as basal dose may also be added in the nursery. Remember to flood the beds while uprooting. Uproot seedlings by holding at a few times between thumb and forefinger at the base of culms and pulling sideway.
The dry-bed method of nursery is practised in dry soil conditions. The fields are prepared under dry conditions. Seeds beds of convenient dimensions are prepared by raising soil to a height of about 5-10 cm. A thin layer of farmyard manure or half burnt paddy husk could be spread over nursery bed mainly to facilitate uprooting. In this method, soaked seed are spread over seedbed and then irrigated. In some areas of Punjab rab method of nursery raising is also practised.
Nursery raised by soaking seeds and then broadcasting pre-germinated seeds may be ready for transplanting within 40-45 days under both system of nursery growing. For decades, our farmers are using pre-germinated seeds for rice nursery raising that result in poor and delayed germination. Not only it is very difficult to handle the pre-germinated seeds but it also makes the nursery sowing a tedious job. Nursery seedlings thus raised can be transplanted when they are 40-45 days old, while, 30-day-old seedlings are considered ideal for transplanting. Older seedlings result in lower tilling capacity thus reducing the final yield. Sub-optimum plant population and uneven crop stand resulting from poor nursery seedlings are the most important yield limiting factors in the traditional rice production system which ultimately results in low paddy yield. Success in raising healthy rice seedlings depends mainly on planting high quality seeds with increased vigour. Seeds with enhanced vigour have high percentages for germination and vigorous seedling growth than seeds low in vigour generally produce weak seedlings that are susceptible to environmental stresses. Seeds high in vigour generally provide for early and uniform stands that give seedlings a competitive advantage against environmental stresses. Improved seed invigoration techniques like seed priming are being used to reduce the germination time, to get synchronised germination, improve germination rate, and better seedling stand in many field crops like wheat, maize including rice.
These seed priming techniques including hydro priming, osmo-conditioning, osmo-hardening and hardening has been successfully employed for earlier and better nursery stand establishment, which result in improved performance of traditional rice production system.
Recently, after a series of trials at farmer’s field of districts of Sialkot, Sheikhupura and Faisalabad, researchers at the Department of Crop Physiology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, have successfully established an improved method of nursery raising by using primed seeds instead of pre-germinated seeds as in case of traditional method of nursery raising. The seed priming techniques like osmo-hardening with CaCl2, followed by hardening and osmo-hardening KCl are found the most effective and promising seed priming techniques in both coarse and fine rice varieties for raising healthy and vigorous nursery seedlings growth.
These seed priming techniques not only improve nursery seedlings and performance of improved nursery seedlings, increased growth, yield and quality of transplanted rice production system are also reported. Rapid and more uniform germination and seedling growth, younger seedlings are able to be transplanted after 25-30 days which result in higher tilling that ultimately lead to improved kernel yield of the transplanted rice.
Transplanted rice raised by improved nursery method is also resistant to lodging due to natural calamities such as windstorm having healthy and vigorous seedling growth of main culms and secondary branches and deeper, more vigorous and fibrous root system development.
It should always be kept in mind that it is really very easy to raise healthy seedlings by primed seeds if one is prepared to take enough time to do the job properly. Success in raising healthy rice seedlings depends mainly on the constant supervision and proper management.
Courtesy:  The Dawn

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Rabbit Farming for Meat

To fulfill the food demand for growing population, we have to find out different ways of food production. The rabbit known as "Micro-Livestock" can be a great source of food production. 

There is a great opportunity of rabbit farming in our country. Rabbit needs small place and less food for survival. Rabbit meat contains high ratio of protein, energy, calcium and vitamin than other species of animal.

The cholesterol fat and sodium is less than other meat. The meat of rabbit is very testy, easily consumed and all religious people can eat it. They grows very fast and the female rabbit produce 2-8 baby every time.

They eat very low quality food and make high quality of meat. Raising rabbit can be a great income source to the unemployed people and landless farmers. So, we have to raise rabbit to meet the demand of protein as well as to reduce poverty from our society.
We generally raise rabbit as pet. But if we raise them commercially then it will be a great source of income and a smart way of employment. The annual demand of meat in our country is about six million tons. But only one million tons of meat produced in our country, rest of the meat we import from foreign country.

According to the demand only 15-20 percent of animal protein comes from the livestock which is very less compared to the requirement. Further, this demand is increasing with population growth.

An adult person needs 120 grams of meat daily. But we get only 20 grams on an average. So, we can consider rabbit farming as a potential direction of animal protein. It is very easy to maintain rabbit farm than other animals. Every person of the family can take care of it.

Species of Rabbit:
There are many species of rabbit are available in our country. Among those Dark Gray (internal), Fox, Dutch, New Zealand White, New Zealand Black, New Zealand Red, Belgium White and Chinchilla are most favorite.

Rabbit Meat Quality
In many research it has found that, young rabbit meat is very high quality than the adult rabbit meat. And the meat quality of male rabbit is high than female rabbit meat.

The quantity of cholesterol and lipids increases and reduces protein with the increase of the rabbit age. On the other hand, female rabbit meat contains more lipid, fat and cholesterol.

Benefit of Rabbit Farming:
There are many benefits of farming rabbit. The main benefits of raising rabbit according to our country economic and ecological condition are described bellow.

.The rabbit is a very fast breeding animal.
.Their food converting rate is better than other animals.
.One female rabbit can give birth 2-8 baby rabbit at a time.
.Rabbit can be raised in a short place.
.More production can be made in little cost.
.Rabbit meat is very nutritious.
.In meat production it has a place after poultry.
.Wast material of the kitchen, grass, plant leaves etc. are favorite food of rabbit. So, we can raise them using this commodities.
.Family labor can be successfully applied to rabbit farming.

Method of Raising Rabbit:
With a small investment we can make house for rabbit in our house yard or in building roof and start rearing rabbit. We can make house for rearing rabbit in two methods.

Deep Litter Method:
This method is suitable for less amount of rabbit. The floor should well made concrete. 4-5 inches depth litter should make with husk, rice straw or wood lath. In this method at most 30 rabbit can be raised. The male rabbit should keep in a separate room from the female. In this method the possibilities of being affected by diseases is high. Moreover, it is very difficult to manage the rabbit in this system.

Cage Method:
To keep rabbit commercially this method is the best. In this system the rabbit are kept in a cage made with iron plate. This cage is very useful for raising more rabbit. In every cage it have to have the facilities of necessary space. Male and female rabbit should keep separate from each other. They should keep in same rood when thy need mating to produce baby rabbit.

Food Management
Food consuming rate and nutrient requirements varies according to the rabbit age and species. For proper nutrition of an adult rabbit its food should contain 17-18 percent crude protein, 14 percent fiber, 7 percent minerals and 2700 kilo calorie/kg of metabolic energy.
Green leafy vegetables, seasonal vegetable, spinach greens, carrots, Muller, cucumber, green grass and vegetable wast can easily used as the food of rabbit. For commercial purpose poultry food can be served to feed the rabbit. Accordance with proper food management they should supply sufficient water according to their demand. Thus a farmer can be success in rabbit farming.
Courtesy: pakagri.blogspot.com

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ROLE OF PRUNING IN CITRUS, TIMING AND ITS IMPACT ON TREE AND FRUIT

*Muhammad Shafique Khalid, *Muhammad. Amin, *Omer Hafeez, **Muhammad Umar and **Faheem Haider

* PhD Scholar, Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture Faisalabad

** M.Sc Scholar Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture Faisalabad

Pruning fruit trees is a technique that is employed by gardeners to control growth, remove dead or diseased wood or stimulate the formation of flowers and fruit buds. Pruning of tree fruits and vines is a horticultural practice handed down from ancient time. It has in common the objectives of manipulating various aspects of vegetative and fruiting behaviour. Some of the benefits traditionally attributed to pruning and girdling in the practical culture of citrus have been called into question by field research in the past few decades.

Citrus is a perennial crop. As long as the trees remain healthy, they can flower and fruit for years on end, some times for as long as twenty or thirty years (Mazhar and Nawaz, 2006). However, if the trees are not maintained at a proper size, the height and canopy shape of mature trees in a citrus orchard will not be uniform and the branches will be too crowded. In a crowded orchard, disease and pests can spread quickly. Fruit quality tends to be poor, and trees may not bear fruit every year. A proper training and pruning program is essential for the maintenance of a healthy and productive orchard.

Benefits of pruning in citrus

The major benifits of pruning in citrus include:

1. The total effective leaf area is increased resulting in increased photosynthesis by exposing the leaves to light and air.
2. The water use efficiency and the conversion of available plant nutrients is increased.
3. By removing diseased or infested branches and exposing leaves to light and air, a good training and pruning program helps control pests and diseases in citrus orchard.
4. Proper pruning of the tree keeps it in the right size.
5. It also increases the vigor of the tree, enhances its tolerance of various stresses, and helps maintain the most efficient balance between vegetative growth and fruiting.

Pruning and skirting (removal of low-hanging limbs) affects on canopy temperature, relative humidity (RH), and fruit yield and quality of Orlando' tangelo trees (Citrus paradisi Macf. x Citrus reticulata Blanco). Pruning increased the percentage of large fruit and reduced the percentage of small fruit. (Morales et al., 2000).

The alternate tendency exists across all varieties of the citrus. To attenuate alternate bearing, pruning and fertilization are processes the only options which growers can exploit. For pruning to be effective, it must be done after the end of an “off” or light crop year, i.e., prior to the season of anticipated high production. It should not matter whether the pruning is conducted before or after the bloom, as the results should be about the same, reduction in production during the season following pruning (Mazhar and Nawaz, 2006).

Eissenstat and Duncan (1992) reported that total reducing and ketone sugars (free fructose, sucrose and fructans) in the fine roots were less in pruned than unpruned trees 20 days after pruning, but not thereafter. By 30 days after pruning, at least 20% of the roots of the pruned trees at a soil depth of 9 to 35 cm apparently died. By 63 days after pruning, root length density had recovered to that of the unpruned trees, although starch reserves were 18% less in the fine roots of pruned than unpruned trees at this time.

Growers should select the correct time for the pruning. Since citrus trees are evergreen, they do not have a period of true dormancy. However, the metabolism of the tree is less active in the period after fruit harvesting. This period of reduced metabolism activity is the time to prune. Light pruning can also be conducted at other seasons to remove unwanted and overcrowded shoots.

Tree age is another important factor that should be taken into account, because the tree’s response to pruning varies according to age (Mazhar and Nawaz, 2006). Therefore citrus growers have to recognize the characteristics of the different cultivars they are growing in order to select the best training and pruning system for their orchards.

References:

Eissenstat D.M and L.W Duncan.1992. Root growth and carbohydrate responses in bearing citrus trees following partial canopy removal. Tree Physiol. 10(3): 245-57.

Mazhar, M.S. and M.A. Nawaz. 2006. Pruning as a tool to improve yields in citrus. Pakistan Horticulture. 4(1): 23-25.

Morales, P., F.S. Davies and R.C Littell. 2000. Pruning and skirting affect canopy microclimate, yields, and fruit quality of 'Orlando' tangelo. Hort Science. 35: 30-35.

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