Standardizing summer pruning techniques for sustainable peach cultivation in subtropical regions

Aim: To study the effects of summer pruning timings, intensities and their interactions on the growth, flowering, yield, and fruit quality of low-chill peach cultivar ‘Early Grande’. Methodology: The present investigations were conducted in 2019 and 2020 on 4-year-old peach trees, involved pruning at three intervals: during the second fortnight of June; first fortnight of July and the second fortnight of July. Six treatments, including five pruning intensities and a control, were applied. Results: Severe pruning intensity (60% Heading Back + 20% Thinning Out) executed during the second fortnight of June significantly enhanced the vegetative growth, fruit production and better fruit quality in peach cultivar Early Grande. Interpretation: Timing and intensity of pruning are key factors influencing both tree growth and fruit quality. Although severe pruning reduced yields, it produced fruits of superior quality with potentially higher market value. Key words: Early Grande cultivar, Heading back, Peach, Summer pruning, Thinning out