Highlighting the importance of timely pruning and maintenance practices, Prof. Dr. Özge Özden emphasized that pre-bud pruning, pre-flowering and correct dosage of Bordeaux mixture application, surface tillage, and pre-summer water management planning are crucial for yield and plant health. March stands out as a critical period for pruning, spraying, and soil care in trees. Prof. Dr. Özge Özden, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at Near East University, which is among the top 500 universities in the world, pointed out that due to the early seasonal transitions in our region, which is influenced by the Mediterranean climate, correct timing is decisive in agricultural practices. Prof. Dr. Özden offered suggestions to producers regarding pruning, Bordeaux mixture application, soil tillage, and water management. Stating that pruning operations should be carried out on time, Prof. Dr. Özden emphasized the importance of protecting the trees with a fungicidal solution called ‘Bordeaux mixture’, a mixture of copper and lime, after pruning. She underlined that spraying should not be applied during the flowering period. Özge Özden warned, “It is recommended to apply it before flowering; application should not be done in rainy and windy weather.”
Attention to Rejuvenation Pruning!
Professor Dr. Özge Özden emphasized the importance of pruning at the right time, especially for stone fruit trees. She stressed that pruning for species such as peaches, apricots, nectarines, plums, and olives should be carried out in January-February, after the trees have finished leaf fall. Professor Dr. Özden stated, “The pruning process should be completed before the trees enter the budding period. Since spring starts early in Cyprus, the trees also bud and bloom early; this must be taken into account. In addition, because pruning density and cutting angles differ for species like peaches and apricots, the methods to be applied to each fruit type should be evaluated separately.” Professor Dr. Özden explained that pruning after flowering negatively impacts yield, saying, “Pruning during this period causes the tree’s energy to be misdirected, reducing fruit set and leading to significant yield losses.”
She also noted that citrus trees do not require much winter pruning. Özden, on the other hand, stated that it would be more appropriate to carry out rejuvenation pruning in the orchard towards the end of March. Prof. Dr. Özden said, “In rejuvenation pruning of citrus trees, the pruning time should be decided taking into account seasonal transitions and climatic events. Seasonal rainfall and the general condition of the fruit trees must be taken into consideration.”
Protection against diseases with Bordeaux mixture
Drawing attention to the importance of spraying after pruning, Prof. Dr. Özge Özden stated that the trees can be protected with “Bordeaux mixture.” Prof. Dr. Özden said, “Bordeaux mixture, consisting of a mixture of copper sulfate, lime, and water, provides effective protection against fungal diseases when applied after pruning.” Emphasizing that it especially prevents the spread of “black spot” and “branch blight” pathogens, Prof. Dr. Özden added, “It also helps prevent the entry of bacterial pathogens through the openings created after pruning.” Prof. Dr. also stressed that Bordeaux mixture should be applied at the right time. Özden stated, “This application should not be done during the flowering period; it should be carried out before flowering, in dry and windless weather.”
Dosage Adjustment is Crucial
Professor Dr. Özge Özden stated that dosage adjustment is crucial in Bordeaux mixture application, emphasizing the need for careful control of the amount used. Professor Dr. Özden said, “The copper in Bordeaux mixture is an effective protector for trees; however, excessive use can burn newly budded shoots and cause brown spots on the leaves.” Reminding that copper belongs to the heavy metal group, Professor Dr. Özden added, “When used in high doses, it accumulates in the soil, leading to a decrease in beneficial microorganisms.” Regarding the application dosage, Professor Dr. Özden stated, “During the winter period when leaves are absent, Bordeaux mixture should generally be applied at a rate of 2 percent.”
Soil Care and Water Management Should Not Be Neglected
Highlighting the importance of pre-spring soil care, Professor Dr. Özge Özden noted that light tillage can be done, especially in March, to break up the crust that forms on the surface. Özden stated, “A shallow, superficial tillage is sufficient to aerate the soil that softens in winter.” He added that animal manure can be applied approximately a week after tillage, and that “superficial hoeing after fertilization increases soil fertility.” Regarding deep plowing, Professor Özden cautioned, “Deep plowing in the spring damages active roots and stresses the tree; therefore, it should be avoided. Generally, hoeing to a depth of 5 to 7 centimeters is sufficient to revitalize the soil.”
Water your gardens and prepare them for summer!
Professor Dr. Özge Özden emphasized the great importance of water management, especially before the summer months, stating that necessary measures should be taken early to preserve soil moisture. Professor Dr. Özden said, “In our country, water shortages are frequently experienced during the summer months, causing the soil to dry out quickly; therefore, organic ‘mulch’ application should be done after plowing. Organic mulch and shallow tilling preserve soil moisture and support root development, increasing fruit yield and quality.” She stated that organic materials such as straw and pruning residues should be preferred as ‘mulch,’ adding that these applications preserve soil moisture and support plant growth. Professor Dr. Özden also reminded that gardens should be prepared for summer, saying, “Following all these processes, drip irrigation systems should be installed, and gardens should be ready for the summer period.”
*Compatible with SDG 2, SDG 12, and SDG 15.