Effect of Pruning Techniques on Growth, Production, Quality and Nutrient Status of Peach CV, Partap

The effect of pruning techniques viz., Corrective; Light-1 (20% thinning out +1/3 heading back), Light-2 (20% thinning out + ½ heading back); Medium-1 (40% thinning out+ 1/3 heading back); Medium-2 (40% Thinning out+ ½ heading back) Heavy-1 (50% thinning out + 1/3 heading back) and Heavy-2 (50% thinning out + ½ heading back) on growth, fruiting, quality and foliar status of N, P and K contents were investigated in the commercial peach cv. Partap. Heavy pruning with ½ heading - back significantly increased trunk girth, shoot length, fruit size and quality and foliar N content; while 1/3 heading-back resulted into better tree canopy. The yield and fruit firmness were, however drastically reduced by heavy pruning. Foliar P and K contents did not vary significantly with different pruning treatments. Medium pruning with 1/3 heading back produced intermediate effects on tree growth, yield and quality of fruits. The findings are useful in relation to obtaining better marketable yield and quality of fruits.