According to the author's experiment, proper pruning of pepper plants can boost production by 15-20%, making it a highly effective technique for increasing yield. Typically, each pepper plant develops four main branches. As summer approaches, these branches produce eight lateral shoots. When the foliage becomes too dense, it creates what is known as the "swarm of bees" phenomenon—where the canopy becomes overcrowded, leading to smaller and fewer fruits, increased fruit drop, and a higher risk of disease. This not only lowers the quality of the harvest but also significantly reduces overall yield. Therefore, removing the eight side branches improves air circulation and light exposure, which helps prevent diseases and concentrates the plant’s energy into the four main branches, resulting in more and larger peppers, thus boosting both production and income.
First, timing is crucial for pruning. It should be done during the hot summer months, ideally between late July and mid-August. At this stage, the first round of peppers has already been harvested, and the plants are in a phase where the temperature difference between day and night is minimal. This makes it the optimal time for pruning to maximize yield.
Second, the areas to prune should focus on the top of the four main branches. The eight lateral branches should be removed promptly to avoid overgrowth and maintain plant health.
Third, the pruning method requires careful execution. Use sharp, clean pruning shears to make smooth cuts and avoid damaging the plant or introducing infections. Never try to bend or break branches by hand, as this can harm the plant. During the process, remove any diseased or pest-infested branches, those that have produced too many fruits and are drooping, or broken branches due to poor management. All cut branches should be taken out of the field, especially those with pests, to prevent the spread of disease.
Finally, after pruning, it's essential to enhance field management. Weeds should be removed regularly, and any signs of pests or diseases must be addressed immediately. Apply 10 kg of urea per acre as a top dressing to promote growth and fruiting. In dry conditions, water the plants along with the fertilizer to ensure its effectiveness. You can also use foliar sprays, applying them every 7 days or so, up to 2–3 times. Each application should consist of 250 grams of urea and 150 grams of potassium dihydrogen phosphate mixed with 75 liters of water. Spray evenly, preferably in the evening on cloudy or sunny days to maximize absorption and minimize evaporation.
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