Reading Note
Canopy management is the manipulation of tree canopies to
optimize the production of quality fruits.
Its components like pruning, canopy opening and tree training,
affects the
quantity of sunlight intercepted by trees,
as tree shape determines the presentation of leaf area to
incoming radiation.
The canopy management is a reflection of the crop’s physiology
which is influenced by the relationship between vegetative and
reproductive growth
It is also dependent on : spacing, pruning and training, irrigation and
nutrition, application of growth regulators and environmental
regulation
A well-managed canopy enhances the quality of fruits and aids in
predicting the yield potential of a crop
The objective of canopy management practices is
optimization of sunlight interception,
photosynthetic capacity and fruit microclimate
improving yield and quality
Canopy management is one of the most important factors
influencing yield
Pruning can be used to
improve tree shape,
to influence its growth,
flowering and fruitfulness,
to improve fruit quality,
to repair injury,
to encourage light and spray penetration.
CM practice system, besides increasing the productivity, should
also aim at the production of better quality fruits.
Various studies reported that the highest total soluble solids, total
sugars and non-reducing sugars of the fruit were observed in
pruning tree where the light penetration was at its maximum.
Light interception
Production of plant biomass and growth is controlled by the amount
of light intercepted in a canopy
The quantity of light available in the canopy depends on the
population of plants and their three-dimensional growth,
particularly with canopy arrangements
Availability of light in the canopy is a result of the arrangement of
leaves within the canopy structure and properties of its architecture
Avocado canopies consist of relatively long lived leaves that are
exposed to varying light conditions throughout their lifespan.
Because of the flushing nature of avocado shoots, most leaves will
develop in full sun then exist in deep shade after re-growth has
occurred,
while other leaves develop in and remain in shaded portions of the
canopy.
Dry matter productions as well as various parameters dealing with
quality and quantity of fruits were reported to have an empirical
relationship with the amount of light falling on the orchard
high light interception is a prerequisite for maximal yield, whereas
shading causes a reduction in
flower-bud formation,
fruit size, and fruit color.
The great importance of light interception, since it is the main
reason for the increase in yield.
The yield response to pyramid shaping and lowering of the tree
height was considerable.
Photo synthetically active radiation (PAR)
The PAR part of the spectrum (400–700 nm)
The crop’s biomass, which is the basis for crop yield is reflected by
the capability to absorb and convert PAR.
Canopy structure has a significant effect on plant radiation
interception, which is achieved by controlling how light is
distributed within the canopy
light distribution in the canopy provides full knowledge on the core
procedures of radiation capture and how energy is transformed into
biomass
Radiation in an orchard ecosystem, via the processes of leaf
photosynthesis, can promote photosynthetic biochemical reactions
and supply chemicals and energy required for the optimal growth,
development, and production of fruits
The spatial distribution of PAR within the canopy in the
intermediately-thinned orchard was relatively homogeneous,
compared with PAR distribution in the densely-planted orchards.
Plant structure and density affect the amount of solar radiation
intercepted into the canopy.
Therefore, the ability of a crop to accumulate biomass is associated
with the quantity of solar radiation captured by the crop’s canopy
Increasing plant density and shading significantly decreased
photosynthesis rate in leaves which were as a result of a decline in
PAR in higher densities and shaded plots.
Radiation use efficiency
RUE is a significant factor in crop development in addition to photo
synthetically active radiation.
the amount of dry matter production resulted from absorbed
radiation by a plant
it is the value of the slope of the linear relationship between biomass
production and PAR
An ideal canopy structure can result in efficient solar radiation
interception and henceforth influence light availability
It offers a foundation for understanding the effect of the
environment on crop performance.
Leaf area development is crucial as it maximizes interception of
solar radiation and attainment of high crop productivity
Plants can maximize canopy light interception by increasing both
leaf surface area and the efficiency of light interception for each unit
of leaf area
Higher RUE may result from
improved nutrient availability,
less root biomass,
lower transpiration rates and a higher ambient CO2
concentration as a consequence of less canopy photosynthesis in
the shade.
Close spacing lowered radiation conversion coefficients
