Effect of intensity of pruning on yield and fruit quality of ber (Ziziphus mauritianaL) cv. Umran

A study was conducted at Regional Research Station, Bathinda to determine the effect of different pruning intensities on yield and fruit quality of ber cv. Umran. The secondary branches of ber trees were pruned at 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 bud levels and control i.e., no pruning. The fruit yield decreased with the increase in intensity of pruning. The maximum fruit weight and fruit size in terms of fruit length and fruit breadth was obtained in trees pruned at 8th bud level followed by the trees pruned at 10th level and minimum in the trees kept under control. The pulp percentage and pulp stone ratio was maximum in the fruit of the trees pruned at 8th bud level. TSS content was maximum in the fruits pruned at 8th bud levels followed by 10th and 12th bud levels and minimum under control. The acid content of the fruits was also not influenced by pruning intensities.