Course Outline
Module 1: The importance of pruning
This module discusses why we prune avocado trees. The importance of sunlight penetration and its results on orchard yield.
We discuss what happens when the orchard is not pruned properly and how fruit quality and mineral allocation is adversely affected in poorly pruned orchards.
We then discuss pruning's effect on the daily operations of the orchards and lastly, we explain how the yield can potentially increase in a properly pruned orchard.
Learning outcome: You will understand the rationale behind pruning.
Module 2: History & evolution of pruning
We discuss how pruning as a practice evolved over the last century. How and why different practices in California, South Africa, New Zealand, Israel shaped the modern practice of pruning currently followed in modern orchards. By curating knowledge from numerous research papers, we mapped the evolution of pruning.
Learning outcomes: You will learn how circumstances shaped the pruning methods employed in modern orchards.
Module 3: Different types of pruning techniques
We discuss 8 pruning methods and in what circumstances these
can be applied.
Methods discussed are as follows -
1. Stumping
2. Cal Poly method
3. Central Leader
4. Thinning
5. Australian 2 cut method
6. Israeli method 1
7. Israeli method 2
8. Maluma Trellis
Learning outcome: You will learn different pruning methodologies.
Module 4: How to prune young Avocado trees?
We share how to shape young trees so that when it comes of age after 3 years, it’s easier for you to prune. We share the 6 principles of shaping young avocado trees along with 10 examples through video demonstrations to explain how shaping and disciplining an avocado tree from the young age can make the pruning task easier when the tree matures.
Learning outcome: You will learn how to shape a young avocado tree.
Module 5: Pruning timing and post prune care
We explain when to prune, how to manage overcrowding and what practices you should follow for post prune care. We also touch the topics of wound treatment, hygiene management, sunburn protection, use of plant growth regulators (PGRs) and girdling.
Learning outcomes: You will learn the ancillary activities involved before and after pruning an avocado orchard.
Module 6: Pruning practice (25 examples)
In this module, we share how everything you have learnt so far is applied in a 3-year-old avocado orchard. We demonstrate through 25 video examples of Harshit's Indo Israel Avocado orchard how to prune using the Israeli method - 2 (The full V method).
Learning outcomes: You will learn how to implement a pruning program into your avocado orchard.