fARMER'S NOTEBOOK
Systematic pruning helps to boost cocoa yields
Standard cocoa tree structure
By Our Agriculture Correspondent
COCOA PLANTS should be pruned systematically for proper canopy management to maintain the desired the shape and size. It will help in optimising the productivity. "With the right plant architecture, maximum leaf area can be ensured and self-shading of leaves can be avoided," says Dr. D. Balasimha, Senior Scientist at the Central Plantation Crops Research Institute's (CPCRI's) Regional Station at Vittal, Karnataka.
Plant pruning
Cocoa plants are grown under the shade of arecanut and coconut plantations in South India. It is therefore necessary to regulate the canopy size and shape of the plants so that the main crop is not affected. Pruning becomes absolutely essential under such circumstances, according to Dr. Balasimha.
Formation pruning
Formation pruning is done in young plants mainly to adjust the height of the first jorquette. The jorquette is allowed to form at a height of 1 to 2 metres that will help in easy cultural operations, according to him.
Pruning in matured cocoa plants is done for two purposes. One is sanitary pruning, which is done to remove diseased or unnecessary branches and water shoots. Infected branches with diseases such as witch's broom or vascular dieback are sheared off in that operation.
Pruning of the cocoa graft.
Structural pruning
Structural pruning is done to shape the canopy to the desired size and architecture. Studies on canopy architecture in cocoa showed that big canopy with spreading nature were ideal. The optimum spacing for cocoa is 2.7 metres by 5.4 metres in coconut gardens. Considering the land equivalent ratio and combined yields, it is advantageous to grow arecanut and cocoa at this spacing, according to Dr. Balasimha.For pruning the seedling material, the height of the first jorquette is adjusted to 1 to 2 metres, and three to four branches are retained. It is mainly to shape the canopy for desired shape and architecture, which should resemble an umbrella. Ideal canopy architecture for optimum yields is the one with a spread of 3.8 to 4.0 m and a height of 2.7 m.
In recent years, growers were advised to plant grafts. While pruning cocoa grafts, one or more upward growing main stems are retained by pruning all the other shoots. The first pruning of the grafts is done usually after the first year of planting.
The drooping and inward growing shoots are to be removed. Secondary pruning is done to develop an umbrella-shaped canopy with a spread of 3.8 metres and 2.7 metres height.
Maximum leaf area should be maintained with pruning practices to prevent self-shading.
Favourable time
The best time to take up pruning operations is August. Proper pruning ensures adequate ventilation in the garden and maintains tree height.
It also helps in easier spraying and harvesting operations. All these ultimately go to enhancing the productivity of the crop, according to Dr. Balasimha.
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