Training & Plant Architecture
Pruning, Branch Selection & Source-Sink Balance
Pruning changes the number and position of growing sinks and the source leaves that support them. Branch selection is therefore a structural and physiological decision, not simply removal of everything below a fixed height.
Key concepts
- Growing shoots and flowers compete for assimilates and mineral resources
- Source leaves support multiple sinks through the phloem network
- Pruning changes architecture and hormonal signaling as well as resource demand
- Different branch positions can experience different light and airflow
What to measure or observe
- Record branch number and position before pruning
- Track shoot growth after pruning
- Compare retained branch light exposure
- Observe wound closure and plant recovery
Common mistakes
- Using one pruning height on plants of different structure
- Removing source leaves and branches without distinguishing them
- Pruning stressed plants heavily
- Assuming lower position alone makes a branch unproductive
Visuals this lesson still needs
- Source-sink branch map
- Pruning decision tree
- Branch-position light comparison
- Post-pruning recovery sequence