Pruning and Plant Training Flashcards

Disbudding in chrysanthemum production is done primarily to:

Answer: Produce one large terminal flower per stem

Disbudding removes lateral flower buds so that all energy is directed to the single terminal bud, yielding a larger, exhibition-quality bloom.

The practice of pinching herbaceous annuals and perennials promotes:

Answer: Bushier habits and more branching

Removing the growing tip (pinching) breaks apical dominance, stimulating lateral bud development and producing a fuller, more compact plant with more flowers.

When making a three-cut method for removing large tree limbs, what is the purpose of the first undercut?

Answer: To prevent bark from tearing when the limb falls

The first undercut (from below, about one-third through the branch) prevents the weight of the falling limb from stripping bark down the trunk.

Crossing or rubbing branches should be removed during pruning because they:

Answer: Create wounds that invite pathogens and structural weaknesses

Branches that cross and rub create abrasion wounds that strip bark, exposing the tree to fungal and bacterial pathogens while also creating structural weak points.

Wound dressings and tree paints applied after pruning cuts are:

Answer: Generally not recommended as they can trap moisture and pathogens

Research has shown wound dressings do not accelerate wound closure and can seal in moisture and pathogens, potentially increasing decay compared to leaving cuts to seal naturally.

Coppicing is a historic pruning practice that involves:

Answer: Cutting stems to near ground level on a regular cycle to produce multiple young shoots

Coppicing cuts woody shrubs or trees nearly to the ground to stimulate vigorous juvenile regrowth, historically used for producing poles, firewood, and ornamental colored stems.