Training and pruning are effective tools in high-density peach planting for shaping and controlling tree size. The training in Peach trees begins when the tree is first planted and continues throughout its productive life. Each plant is allowed to maintain a single stem with upward growth up to 60-80 cm and then 4 scaffold branches are allowed in 4 directions to make the tree frame. After the start of bearing, shoots arising from secondary and tertiary branches are given 15 to 20 cm deep pruning soon after Peach fruit harvest. A spray of 1% urea combined with 0.2% Blitox-50 must be done soon after tree pruning.
In the perpendicular-V system, only two main limbs oriented perpendicular to the tree row is allowed to develop. The advantage of the perpendicular-V system is that trees can be planted closer in the row to increase the number of trees per acre. In Peach Planting, peach trees are usually trained to an open center system for optimal growth. Cut back newly planted trees to about 30 inches high, just above a lateral branch; and select 3 to 4 laterals with wide angle crotches spaced evenly. The peach tree requires heavy and regular pruning because fruiting occurs laterally only on the previous season’s growth. During early bearing, 20 to 30% linear growth of the shoots should be removed. The best time of pruning Peach trees is the last week of October.
