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Fruit Tree Growing Guide

Recommended types:

Starter Fertilization

1. Introduction

Fruit trees are classified into categories based on the type of fruit they produce:

Stone fruits (drupe):
Fruits with a hard pit at the center (e.g., peach, cherry, plum, apricot).

Pome fruits:
Fleshy fruits with small seeds in the core (e.g., apple, pear, quince).

Citrus fruits:
Fruits with a peel containing essential oils and juicy flesh (e.g., orange, lemon, grapefruit).

Nut trees:
Produce fruits with a hard shell (e.g., walnut, almond, hazelnut, chestnut).

  • They include trees such as apple, pear and quince.
  • Features:
    • Climate: Prefer temperate climates with cold winter seasons.
    • Soil: Moderately composed, drained soils with pH 6–7.
    • Use: Consumption of fresh fruits, juices, jams and sweets.
  • They include peach, apricot, plum and cherry.
  • Features:
    • Climate: They prefer warm and mild climates.
    • Soil: Well-drained, high in organic matter.
    • Use: Table and processed fruit, dried products.
  • They include orange, lemon, mandarin and grapefruit.
  • Features:
    • Climate: Subtropical, frost-free.
    • Soil: Slightly acidic, well-drained soils (pH 6-6.5).
    • Use: Production of juices, essential oils and sweets.
  • They include walnut, almond, hazelnut and pistachio.
  • Characteristics:
    • Climate: Mediterranean or continental, resistant to drought.
    • Soil: Well drained, slightly acidic to neutral.
    • Use: Consumption as a snack, in confectionery and food industry.
  • They include avocado, mango, banana and papaya.
  • Features:
    • Climate: Warm, humid or subtropical.
    • Soil: Slightly acidic soils with high organic matter.
    • Use: Fresh fruit and juice production.
  • Pomegranate: Resistant to drought, cultivated for fresh consumption or juices.
  • Fig tree: Adapts to xerothermic climates.
  • Kiwi: Thrives in humid, cool environments and requires plenty of water.

2. Botanical Characteristics and Physiology

Root System

Structure:

  • Primary roots: Deep growth to support and absorb water.
  • Secondary roots: Horizontal expansion near the surface for nutrient uptake.

Techniques:

Anchoring the tree to the ground.

Absorption of water and nutrients.

Carbohydrate storage during the lethargic period.

Symbiotic relationships with mycorrhizae to increase absorption.

Particularities by tree category:

  • Pome and stone fruit: Development of a shallow root system, requiring good soil ventilation.
  • Nuts: Deep root system with resistance to drought.
  • Tropical and Subtropical: Shallow system, sensitive to salinity.

Basic Departments:

    • Torso (main axis): Provides mechanical support and transport of water and nutrients.
    • Shoots: They bear leaves, flowers and fruits and form the basis for shaping pruning.

Shoot Growth

Mechanisms:

  • Peak growth: Growth from the meristematic peak (height increase).
  • Lateral augmentation: Thickening of the trunk through a canvas.
  • Latent eyes: Development of new shoots or fruit-bearing branches.
Role of Leaves:

  • Photosynthesis: Production of sugars and energy.

  • Transpiration: Regulation of moisture and temperature through stomata.

  • Respiration: Activation of enzymatic reactions for growth.

Leaf Structure:

  • Epidermis: Contains stomata for gas exchange.

  • Mesophyll: Photosynthetic tissue rich in chloroplasts.

  • Vascular tissues: Xylem and phloem for the transport of water and nutrients.

Special Adaptations:

  • Citrus trees: Waxy epidermis for drought resistance.

  • Nut trees: Smaller leaves to reduce water loss.

  • Tropical trees: Large leaves to enhance photosynthesis in warm environments.

  1. Transportation:
  • Time: Spring or summer, depending on the species.
    • Flower
  • Dichotomy:
    • Perfect flowers: Bearing male (stamens) and female (pistil) organs.
    • Monogenic flowers: Bearing only male or only female parts (e.g., walnut).
  1. Environmental Benefits:
  • Self-fertilization: In varieties such as peach.
  • Cross-fertilization: In species such as the apple tree, which require two varieties for production.
  • Pollinators: Bees and insects that contribute to the transport of pollen.
  1. Drainage System:
  • It results from successful fertilization and development of the follicle.
  • Affected by:
    • Temperatures: Frost or excessive heat reduce fruiting.
    • Availability of boron (B): Critical for pollen tube development.
    • Adequacy of water and nutrients.

Fruit Development

  • First stage (cell division): Growth of size due to cell proliferation.
  • Second stage (cellular dilatation): Increase in size due to storage of sugars and water.
  • Third stage (maturation): Changes in color, aroma and composition of sugars-acids.

Environmental Benefits:

Sugar buildup: Improve taste and quality.

Acid reduction: Balance between sweetness and acidity.

Pectin formation: Supports texture and resistance to manipulation.

Drainage System:

  • Climatic conditions: Temperature, humidity and sunlight.
  • Nutrition: Sufficient potassium (K) for uniform maturation.
  • Irrigation: Constant moisture to prevent cracks and diseases.

3. Planting Installation and Preparation

  1. Transportation:
  • Temperature:
    • Pome and stone fruit: They require cold periods (winter lethargy).
    • Citrus and Tropical species: Thrive in mild, frost-free climates.
    • Nuts: Mediterranean climate with dry summers.
  • Humidity:
    • Sufficient atmospheric humidity favors growth in sensitive species, such as kiwifruit.
  • Winds:
    • Protection from strong winds with windbreaks.
  1. Environmental Benefits:
  • Most fruit trees require full sunshine (at least 6–8 hours per day).
  • Species such as avocados may need partial shading in warm climates.
Soil Analysis:

Soil pH:

  • 6–7 for pome and stone fruits.

  • 6–6.5 for citrus.

  • 6–7.5 for nut trees.

Organic Matter:
Application of compost or manure to enhance soil fertility.

Nutrient Availability:
Additional testing for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K).

Soil Improvement:

Drainage:
Installation of drainage systems in heavy soils.

pH Adjustment:
Application of limestone to raise pH or ammonium sulfate to lower pH.

Deep Plowing:
To loosen compact soils and improve soil structure.

Planting Systems:

Row Planting:
Traditional system that allows easy orchard management.

High-Density & Super-High-Density Planting:
Ideal for pome fruits, stone fruits, and olives, particularly for mechanical harvesting.

Planting Distances:

  • Pome fruits: 3–5 m between rows and 1–2 m between trees.

  • Stone fruits: 4–5 m between rows and 2–3 m between trees.

  • Citrus: 5–6 m for optimal light exposure.

  • Nut trees: 6–8 m due to large trunk and canopy size.

  • Tropical species: 3–4 m, with shading if required.

4. Fertilization

Proper fertilization of fruit trees is essential to maintain their health, increase productivity and improve fruit quality. Nutrient requirements vary by tree class, variety, age, soil type, and climatic conditions.

Requirements

    • Nitrogen (N):
        • Role: Promotes vegetative growth and protein synthesis.
        • Quantities: 8–12 kg N/acre depending on productivity.

      Application

      • period:
        • Spring: For leaf and shoot growth.
        • Summer: Maintaining growth and fruiting.
      • Phosphorus (P):
          • Role: Enhances the root system and flower growth.

        Application

        Amounts: 4-6 kg P/acre.

        • period: Before planting and during basic fertilization.
      • Potassium (K):
          • Role: Increases fruit quality and size, improves color during ripening.

        Application

        Amounts: 10-15 kg K/ha.

        • period: Spring-Summer, during fruit growth.
      • Calcium (Ca):
        • Role: Prevents bitter pit and enhances the strength of cell walls.
        • Application: Foliar or through soil during fruit growth.
      • Magnesium (Mg) and Microelements (Zn, B, Fe):
        • Application through foliar sprays to cover deficiencies.
Programs
  • Basic Fertilization (Winter):
    • P and K are incorporated into the soil before germination.
  • Surface Lubrication (Spring-Summer):
    • Application of N and K in liquid form or through fertigation.
  • Foliar Nutrition:
    • B and Ca before and during fruit setting.

Requirements

    • Nitrogen (N):
        • Role: Regulates germination and fruit quality.

      Application

      Rates: 6-10 kg N/ha.

      • period: Spring and early summer.
    • Phosphorus (P):
        • Role: Enhancing root growth and flowering.

      Amounts: 4-5 kg P/ha.

      • Application period: Before flowering.
    • Potassium (K):
        • Role: Improves fruit taste and size.

      Application

      Amounts: 10-12 kg K/ha.

      • period: During fruit growth and ripening.
    • Calcium (Ca):
      • Protects against physiological disorders such as cracking.
      • Application: Foliar spraying during fruit growth.
    • Boron (B) and Zinc (Zn):
      • Necessary for flowering and fruit setting.
Programs
  • Basic Lubrication:
    • Apply P and K in autumn or winter.
  • Surface Lubrication:
    • Nitrogen in spring and supplementary K in summer.
  • Foliar Nutrition:
    • Boron before flowering and calcium after fruit setting.
Requirements
    • Nitrogen (N):
        • Critical for the germination and quality of the fruit.

      Doses: 10-15 kg N/ha.

    • Phosphorus (P):
        • Roots and flowering.

      Doses: 3-5 kg P/acre.

    • Potassium (K):
        • Resistance to drought and taste improvement.

      Doses: 12-18 kg K/ha.

    • Calcium (Ca): Cortical
      • stability and crack reduction.
    • Magnesium (Mg) and Zinc (Zn):
      • Prevention of chlorosis.

 

Programs
  • Basic Fertilization:
    • Apply P and K before spring.
  • Water fertilization:
    • Continuous application of N and K during fruit growth.
  • Foliar Nutrition:
    • Zinc and magnesium before flowering.

The right balance of macroelements (N, P, K) and trace elements (B, Zn, Fe, Mn) is essential for optimal growth, high fruiting and maintaining the health of fruit trees. Each nutrient plays a specific role in the physiology of plants, while their lack or excess can cause growth disturbances.

  1. Nitrogen (N):
  • Role:
    • Promotes vegetative growth (leaves, shoots).
    • Increases photosynthetic capacity and protein synthesis.
    • Supports flower growth and fertility.
  • Deficiency symptoms:
    • Yellowing of older leaves (chlorosis).
    • Decreased growth and smaller fruits.
  • Excessive use:
    • Excessive vegetation at the expense of fruiting.
    • Increased risk of disease attacks.
  • Recommended doses: 8–15 kg/str depending on species and productivity.
    1. Phosphorus (P):
    • Applicatiuon:
        • It enhances root growth and flowering.

      Promotes fertilization and fruit setting.

      • It contributes to the ripening of fruits.
    • Deficiency symptoms:
      • Reduced growth of roots and flowers.
      • Dark green color on the leaves and flowering delay.
    • Overuse:
      • Compete with iron (Fe), causing a Fe deficiency.
    • Recommended doses: 3-6 kg/ha as a basic fertilizer.
    1. Potassium (K):
  • Application:
      • Improves the quality and size of the fruit.

    Enhances disease resistance and color quality.

    • Regulates mouth opening and water management.
  • Deficiency symptoms:
    • Brown tips on leaves (necrosis).
    • Fruits with poor growth and reduced taste.
  • Overuse:
    • Competition with magnesium (Mg), causing a shortage of Mg.
  • Recommended doses: 10–18 kg/str depending on the needs of the species.
    1. Ασβέστιο (Ca):
    • Role:
      • Stabilizes cell walls.
      • Prevents problems such as bitter pit in pome fruit.
    • Symptoms of deficiency:
        • Poor fruit structure and tendency to crack.
      Application: Foliar or through irrigation (2–4 kg/acre).
    1. Μαγνήσιο (Mg):
  • Ρόλος:
      • Main element in chlorophyll (photosynthesis).
    Helps transport phosphorus (P).
  • Deficiency symptoms:
    • Yellowing between nerves in older leaves.
  • Application: Magnesium sulfate or foliar sprays (1–3 kg/acre).
  1. Potassium (K):
  • Role:
    • Contributes to protein synthesis and disease resistance.
  • Deficiency symptoms:
    • Yellowing of new leaves and reduced growth.
  • Application: Sulfur fertilizers or organic matter (1–3 kg/acre).
    1. Boron (B):
  • Role:
      • Necessary for fertilization and fruit setting.

    Regulates the movement of sugars.

  • Deficiency symptoms:
    • Incomplete fertilization and fruit deformation.
  • Application: Foliar spraying before flowering (50–100 g/acre).
    1. Phosphorus (P):
  • Role:
      • It enhances flower formation and metabolism.

    Deficiency symptoms:

    • Small leaves (rosetting) and reduced growth.
  • Application: Zinc sulfate or foliar (0.5-1.5 kg/acre).
  1. Potassium (K):
    • Role:
      • Necessary for chlorophyll and photosynthesis.
  • Symptoms of deficiency:
    Chlorosis on young leaves with green nerves.
    Application: Iron chelate or foliar formulations (0.5-1 kg/acre).
  1. Calcium (Ca):
  • They regulate enzyme reactions and strengthen defense.
  • Application: Through copper preparations or foliar spraying.

The application of fertilization to fruit trees should be based on the phenology (growth stages) of the crop, ensuring that nutrients are available at the right time. The lubrication strategy includes basic lubrication, surface lubrication and foliar applications, depending on the needs of each stage.

  1. Lethargy (Winter):
    Goal: Replenish soil nutrients to support growth in later stages.
    Applications:
    Phosphorus (P): Root development.
    Potassium (K): Cold resistance and fruit quality improvement.
    Calcium (Ca): Strengthen cell walls.

    Fertilization
    Type: Base fertilization with manure or compound fertilizers (N-P-K).
    Dosage: 10–15 kg N, 5–6 kg P, 12–18 kg K per acre.

    Start of Vegetation (March-April):
    Objective: Support vegetative growth and flowering.
    Applications:
    Nitrogen (N): Enhance stem and leaf growth.
    Boron (B): Improve flowering and fruit set.
    Magnesium (Mg): Photosynthesis and chlorophyll production.

    Type: Surface fertilization using nitrogen fertilizers (urea or urosulfate).
    Foliar sprays: Iron chelate and boron before flowering.
    Dosage: 0.5–1 kg/acre.

    Flowering and Fruit Setting (Spring–Early Summer):
    Objective: Improve flower fertility and fruit setting.
    Applications:
    Zinc (Zn): Enhance flower formation.
    Boron (B): Support fertilization and pollen tube growth.
    Calcium (Ca): Stabilize cell walls.

    Type: Foliar application of trace elements during flowering.
    Fertigation: Nitrogen and potassium via irrigation.
    Dosage: 2–3 kg/acre foliar boron and zinc.

    Objective: Enhance fruit growth, quality, and size.
    Applications:
    Potassium (K): Transport sugars and increase fruit size.
    Calcium (Ca): Prevent cracking and strengthen fruit.

    Fertilization
    Magnesium (Mg): Support photosynthesis.
    Type: Surface fertilization in two phases with potassium.
    Foliar sprays: Calcium for preventing physiological disorders.
    Dosage: 10–15 kg K/acre and 2–4 kg Ca foliar.

    Maturity (August-September):
    Objective: Improve taste, color, and durability during transport and storage.
    Applications:
    Potassium (K): Improve quality.
    Magnesium (Mg): Stabilize photosynthesis.
    Zinc (Zn): Increase disease resistance.

    Type: Fertigation with gradual K and Mg supply.
    Foliar sprays: Magnesium and microelements.
    Dosage: 8–10 kg K/acre and 1–2 kg Mg/acre.

What is trans foliar nutrition?
The application of water-soluble or liquid fertilizers directly to the foliage of the trees for rapid absorption by the stomachs and skin of the leaves.

Leaf Fertilization Advantages:

  1. Immediate Provision of Nutrients:
  • Suitable for critical stages such as flowering and fruit setting.
  1. Trace elements:
  • Especially when the soil has pH problems or low bioavailability.
  1. Trace elements:
  • Avoiding losses due to leaching or binding to soil.
  1. Low Dose – High Efficacy:
  • Small quantities can cover short-term needs.

2.

    • Spring:
      • During vegetative growth to enhance flowering.
    • Before Fruit Setting:
      • Support fertilization with boron (B) and zinc (Zn).
    • During Fruit Growth:
      • Enhance the size and quality with potassium (K) and calcium (Ca).

Fruit

  • Maturation:
    • Improve taste and strength with magnesium (Mg) and potassium (K).

Suggested Formulations and Doses of Foliar Nutrition:

Nutrient

Role

Stage

Dose (g/100L)

Nitrogen (N)

Germination

Spring

200–300 g

Boron (B)

Fruit set and fertility

Pre-anth phase

50–80 g

Zinc (Zn)

Regulation of enzyme reactions

Flowering

80–100 g

Calcium (Ca)

prevention

Growth

150–200 g

Magnesium (Mg)

Photosynthesis and ripening of fruits

Summer

100–150 g

Iron (Fe)

Prevention of chlorosis

Spring-Summer

100–200 g

Instructions for Effective Implementation:

  • Spraying time:
    • Morning or afternoon hours to avoid evaporation.
  • Liquid Foliage Coverage:
    • Complete coverage without excessive spraying leading to runoff.
  • pH of Solution:
    • Adjust pH to 6-6.5 for optimal absorption.
  • Avoid Mixing Formulations: Compatibility
    • test before application.

Insufficient or excessive nutrient supply to fruit trees can cause physiological abnormalities, reduced growth, low yields, and deterioration in fruit quality. Proper diagnosis of nutrition problems is essential to take corrective action.

1. Nitrogen (N)
Deficiency symptoms:
Chlorosis (yellowing) on older leaves.
Reduced shoot and leaf growth.
Delayed flowering and small fruits.
Treatment:
Soil application: Urea (46-0-0) or urosulfate (34-0-0).
Fertigation: Potassium nitrate (KNO₃).
Foliar application: 200–300 g N/100L spray during spring.

2. Phosphorus (P)
Deficiency symptoms:
Reduced root development.
Dark green leaf color.
Delayed flowering and fruit setting.
Treatment:
Basic fertilization: Superphosphate (0-20-0) or ammonium phosphate (16-20-0).
Fertigation: Phosphoric acid or soluble products, 5–10 kg P/acre.
Foliar application: 100–200 g P/100L water before flowering.

3. Potassium (K)
Deficiency symptoms:
Burning and necrosis at leaf edges (especially older leaves).
Small nuts, low sugar content, poor taste.
Reduced drought resistance.
Treatment:
Basic fertilization: Potassium sulfate (0-0-50) or potassium chloride (0-0-60).
Fertigation: Potassium nitrate (KNO₃), 10–15 kg/acre.
Foliar application: 200–300 g K/100L water during fruit ripening.

4. Calcium (Ca)
Deficiency symptoms:
Fruit cracking or irregularities.
Reduced fruit resistance to transport and storage.
Necrosis at root and leaf tips.
Treatment:
Basic fertilization: Gypsum (calcium sulfate) or calcium nitrate.
Fertigation: 0.5–1 kg/acre.
Foliar application: 150–200 g Ca/100L water, 2–3 applications.

5. Magnesium (Mg)
Deficiency symptoms:
Chlorosis between veins on older leaves.
Premature leaf drop and reduced fruit growth.
Treatment:
Basic fertilization: Magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄).
Fertigation: 0.5–1 kg/acre.
Foliar application: 100–150 g Mg/100L water, 2–3 applications.

6. Sulfur (S)
Deficiency symptoms:
Yellowing of young leaves, similar to nitrogen deficiency.
Weak growth and reduced disease resistance.
Treatment:
Basic fertilization: Ammonium sulfate (21-0-0) or potassium sulfate (0-0-50).
Fertigation: 0.5–1 kg/acre.
Foliar application: Calcium sulfate (CaSO₄).

1. Boron (B):
  • Deficiency symptoms:
    • Poor flowering and incomplete fertilization (reduced fruit set).
    • Deformed wrists and bark abnormalities.
  • Treatment:
    • Foliar: 50–80 g/100L of water before flowering.
    • Fertilization: Add 0.5-1 kg/acre.
2. Zinc (Zn):
  • Deficiency symptoms:
    • Small leaves (rosetting) and small intercostal spaces.
    • Delayed flowering.
  • Treatment:
    • Foliar: 80–100 g Zn/100L of water at the beginning of growth.
    • Fertilization: Add 0.5-1 kg/acre.
3. Iron (Fe):
  • Symptoms:
    • Chlorosis in young leaves with bright green ribs.
    • Slow growth and fruit reduction.
  • Treatment:
    • Foliar: 100–150 g Fe/100L of water with iron chelate.
    • Fertilization: Add 0.5-1 kg/acre.
4. Manganese (Mn):
  • Deficiency symptoms:
    • Yellowing between nerves in young leaves.
    • Decreased fruit set.
  • Treatment:
    • Foliar: Iron chelate sprays (EDDHA) 100–150 g/100L of water.
    • Fertilization: Add 0.5-1 kg/acre.
5. Copper (Cu)
  • Deficiency symptoms:
    • Inability to form new shoots.
    • Reduced disease resistance.
  • Treatment:
    • Foliar: Iron chelate sprays (EDDHA) 100–150 g/100L of water.
    • Base lubrication: Copper sulphate.

4. Irrigation and Water Management

Pome Fruits (Apple, Pear, Quince):
High water requirements, especially during fruit development.
Volume: 400–800 m³/ha/year.

Stone Fruits (Peach, Apricot, Cherry):
Moderate to high needs, particularly during flowering and ripening stages.
Volume: 300–700 m³/ha/year.

Citrus (Orange, Lemon):
High year-round water demands due to large leaf surface area.
Volume: 700–1000 m³/ha/year.

Nut Trees (Walnut, Almond):
Moderate requirements, relatively drought-tolerant.
Volume: 200–500 m³/ha/year.

Tropical and Subtropical Trees (Avocado, Mango):
High water demand due to sensitive root systems.
Volume: 800–1200 m³/ha/year.

Target:

    • Combination of water and fertilizers through drip irrigation.
        • Uniform nutrition.
        • Pros:
      • Fertilizer savings and cost savings.
      • Avoid superficial leaching of nutrients.

Smart Irrigation:

  • Precision technologies for soil moisture monitoring and watering planning.
  • Advantages:
    • Reduce water consumption by up to 40%.
    • Adapting to climate change and protecting water resources.
    • Use of sensors and remote control systems (IoT).
    1. Adaptation to Climate Change:
  • Increased irrigation in times of drought or heat.
  • Reduce watering in rainy season to avoid excessive moisture.
  1. Environmental Benefits:
  • Spring – Flowering: 2–3 waterings/week.
  • Summer – Fruit Growth: 3–4 waterings/week.
  • Autumn – Maturation: 1–2 waterings/week.
  1. Drainage System:
  • Using humidity sensors for accurate data.
  • Recommended soil moisture: 60–80% of field capacity.
  1. Transportation:
  • Symptoms:
    • Leaf rolling, premature fall of flowers and small fruits.
  • Impact:
    • Reduced production and low quality of fruit.
  • Treatment:
    • Increased frequency of watering at critical stages of development (flowering and ripening).
  1. Environmental Benefits:
  • Symptoms:
    • Yellowing of leaves, root rot and development of fungal diseases.
  • Effects:
    • Reduction of oxygen in the root system and loss of nutrients.
  • Tackling:
    • Adjusting irrigation based on soil moisture.

7. Pruning and Formatting

  1. Maintaining Proper Structure and Balance:
  • Create a sturdy frame for better wrist support.
  • Improve lighting and ventilation inside the crown.
    1. Environmental Benefits:
    • Vegetation control for balance between leaves and fruits.
    • Enhancing fruit set and improving fruit quality.
    1. Disease prevention:
  • Removal of weak or dry branches that can act as foci of infection.
    1. Macroelements and Microelements:
  • Height reduction for easier access to wrists and sprays.
Pruning Types

1. Formative Pruning:
Purpose: Establish the tree framework during the first years.
Timing: Applied during the first 1–3 years after planting.
Techniques:

  • Central Leader: A single main trunk is maintained.

  • Open Vase: Formation of 3–4 main branches in an open shape.

2. Fruiting (Production) Pruning:
Purpose: Maintain productivity and enhance fruit set.
Timing: Annually from the 4th year onwards.
Techniques:

  • Removal of old fruiting branches to encourage renewal.

  • Preservation of productive buds for the next fruiting cycle.

3. Renewal Pruning:
Purpose: Restore neglected or aged trees to productive condition.
Timing: On mature trees or after severe damage.
Techniques:

  • Drastic removal of large branches.

  • Stimulation of new shoots for canopy regeneration.

    • Winter Pruning:
        • Suitable for deciduous species (pome fruit, stone fruit).

      It is

      • applied when the trees are dormant.
    • Summer Pruning:
      • Useful for controlling shoot growth and improving lighting.
      • Especially for citrus and subtropical species.
  • Renewal pruning (Fall):
    • Applied to aged trees or after extreme weather conditions.

8. Harvesting and Post-harvest Management

Pome Fruits (Apple, Pear, Quince):

  • Harvest Time: When fruits reach their characteristic color and target sugar level (Brix).

  • Ripeness Indicators: Easy detachment from the branch, good transport and storage durability.

Stone Fruits (Peach, Cherry, Apricot):

  • Harvest Time: When fruits achieve full color and aromatic profile.

  • Note: Handle carefully due to their delicate skin.

Citrus (Orange, Lemon):

  • Harvest Time: When the peel develops the desired color and the balance of acidity and sweetness is optimal.

  • Tip: Avoid over-ripening to maintain transport resistance.

Nut Trees (Walnut, Almond):

  • Harvest Time: When shells open naturally.

  • Storage: Keep in dry conditions to prevent moisture and mold.

Tropical & Subtropical Fruits (Avocado, Mango):

  • Harvest Time: During physiological maturity but before over-ripening.

  • Post-Harvest: Controlled cooling and humidity are essential to maintain freshness.

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