Pruning and hand fruit thinning of 'Montenegrina' mandarins (Citrus deliciosa Tenore), economical aspects

Abstract

With thc objective to evaluate the effects of pruning and hand fruit thinning to control altemate bearing and ameliorate fruit quality of 'Montenegrina' mandarins (Citrus deliciosa Tenore), buddcd on 'Caipira' Orange, was conducted the present study in a seven-year old private orchard, located in Butiá-RS, southem Brazil (29°57'S - 51°40W). The following treatmcnts were applied: A) Control I (trees with heavy fruit load); B) Control 2, trees not bearing fruits; C) Hand thinnig in February of 66% of fruits on heavy loaded trees; D) Pruning in December, of heavy loaded trees; E) Pruning in December of heavy loaded troes plus hand thinning of 33% of the fruits; F) Pruning in December, of no bearing trees.The treatmcnts were applied in a randomized block design with four replicatcs and 3 plants as experimental unit. Thc averagc time required for pruning, thinning and harvesting the fruits of each tree, and weight of fruits classified in three categories were determined. An average price of R$ 0.38/kg for fruits of first plus second category and R$ 0.08/kg for the fruits of third category was considered. We concluded that pruning and hand thinning of 33% of the fruits, on heavy loaded trees, enhances growers income and reduces altemate beteing.