Effect of different pruning intensities on the growth, flowering, yield and quality of nectarine

The studies were conducted to see the effect of nine different pruning intensities on vegetative growth and yield of nectarine. The highest pruning intensity, viz., 60% thinning out + ¾ heading back was given to the plants, resulted in significant increase in the trunk growth, leaf area and fruit weight. The increased pruning intensity decreased the time taken for leaf emergence and flower initiation of the plants. The fruit set and yield were highest with treatment where minimum pruning intensity viz., 20% thinning out and ¼ heading back was applied on the plants. The best fruit quality in terms of total sugars and sugar: acid ratio was observed with the treatment, 40% thinning out + ¾ heading back. Among the two cultivars, Silver King exhibited better growth and yield performance.