Author(s):

RHS Raja, Wani MS, Rafiya Mushtaq, ZA Bhat, AR Malik and Meinaz Nissar

Abstract: Pear is one of the most important temperate fruits next only in importance after apple. In the state of J & K, both types of pear Viz., Pyrus communis and Pyrus pyrifolia exists. But due to excessive vigour there is problem of reduced flower bud development, light penetration and increased incidence of insect pests and diseases. In order to stimulate flower bud formation in pear, it is imperative to control vigour of plants. Root pruning, trunk incision and summer pruning are considered the major growth controlling strategies which were tested in the present study. In addition, application of growth regulators (Paclobutrazol and ethephon) were tested for their efficiency in controlling tree vigour and flower induction. The experimented trees were treated with root pruning (during dormancy upto 35 cm depth and 30 cm away from trunk), trunk incision (during dormancy upto 20% of trunk diameter on both sides at 30 cm distance), summer pruning (mid June- thinning out of most of the extension shoots from middle of canopy and 50% from upper and lower canopy), application of paclobutrazol (at full bloom-800 ppm and 15 days after full bloom-500ppm) and Ethephon (at full bloom-200 ppm and 15 days after full bloom-100 ppm). Plants treated with root pruning + paclobutrazol showed better results with minimum tree height, tree spread, TCSA and maximum flower intensity, chlorophyll content, C: N ratio and Nitrogen percentage(shoots and leaves). The overall results showed that root pruning + paclobutrazol can be considered as best strategy for optimizing tree growth and flowering in pear orchard.

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