SYSTEM OF TRAINING

1. Central Leader System:

• In this system, the trunk is allowed to grow without any hindrance and there will be less growth among the side branches
• This method is occasionally found in nut bearing trees and apple
• Narrow spaced and weak crotch branches are removed by pruning
• At developed stage, the tree looks like a pyramid
• The trees maintained in this style are physiologically strong
• However, horticultural practices like pruning, spraying, harvesting, etc are difficult to carry out as the tree becomes tall. Eg: nut fruits

Fig : Central ladder system

2. Open centre(multiple, leader, vase shape) system

• In this system, main stem is cut off as headed back allowing the side branches to develop
• It should be done 1 m above the ground
• Cutting is done after 1 year of transplanting
• Due to heading back, the tree becomes spreading type with central portion open
• Light penetration is uniform and easy which helps in the development of fruits in inner branches
• As the tree becomes low headed, the horticultural practices, pruning, thinning, spraying and harvesting becomes easy
• However tree becomes bushy and crowded. So crotches may break under severe stress and fruit load. Eg : plum, peach, apricot, cherry, etc.

Fig : Open centre system

3. Modified leader system

• It is an intermediate of central leader and open centre system
• Here, main stem is allowed to grow 4-5 years then cut off, leaving 3-4 branches below it
• Cutting should be done at 2m above ground level
• This is the most desirable and applied type since it has benefits for both central leader and open centre system

Fig : Modifies leader system