La gestione della chioma

Abstract

Pruning is an expensive, but indispensable practice in the olive orchard. Pruning techniques are based on physiological needs and responses of the tree as well as economic and organizational issues. Pruning used to require a lot of time and labour in the past, but modern approaches to this practice allow to form and maintain the tree structure at a relatively low cost. Strategies of “minimum pruning” can be developed at the farm level independently of the type and size of the orchard. Managing the canopy according to the criteria of “minimum pruning” is suitable both for traditional olive groves and modern, high-density orchards. The basic features of both traditional and modern training systems are here briefly reviewed. "Free canopy" training systems can result in remarkable savings for olive growers but, because upset pruning standards to which pruners are accustomed to, it is recommended they be introduced in the olive orchard under the supervision of an expert.