Podas en cítricos

Agroforestry Practices in Citrus Cultivation

Introduction to Citrus Pruning

• Nelson Arana Montero introduces the agroforestry system established in Caña Alta, San In Velasco, focusing on citrus pruning techniques.

• Emphasizes that formative pruning is crucial for vegetative development, significantly impacting fruit production and quality.

Importance of Formative Pruning

• Discusses the timing of pruning from the first to fourth year to avoid stunted growth; early pruning can hinder plant development.

• Highlights that pruning during June and July is ideal as plants are in a vegetative rest phase, promoting new branch growth.

Steps in Pruning Process

• Step 1: Identify and remove broken, diseased, or hanging branches to enhance plant health.

• Step 2: Select four to five vigorous vertical branches as main structural elements for the tree's canopy.

Finalizing the Pruning

• Step 3: Conduct height or level cuts for proper management during harvest.

• After completing pruning, seal cuts with Bordelez solution to disinfect and prevent fungal infections.

Ongoing Care Post-Pruning

• Recommend annual pruning after the first cut until four years old; limit foliage removal to no more than 25%.