Pruning in Indian Jujube (Ziziphus mauritiana Lam.): A Review

Pruning in ber is required right from the year of planting. During the pre-bearing stage, it is done to build strong framework to bear the load of fruits and to distribute light and air evenly. In later years, it is done to enhance the yield and quality of fruits every year because; the fruits are borne on current year’s growth which is induced by pruning. Pruning time in India is to the specific geographical location. In sub tropical regions, it is done from May to June depending upon latitude while in tropical regions; it can be done from January to April depending upon the possibility of winter rainfall. In western India like in Maharashtra, it should be done before the end of April. Pruning time and intensity affect vegetative growth, flowering, fruiting, fruit drop, fruit retention, fruit maturity time and fruit quality attributes. Light to moderate pruning levels has been found to enhance fruit yield and quality of ber while heavy pruning affects it adversly with delay in fruit maturity owing to more vegetative growth.Key words: Indian jujube, pruning, pruning intensity.