Resumo

NAVALL, M.; EWENS, M.; SENILLIANI, G  e  LOPEZ, C.. Pruning effects on young plantations of Prosopis alba Griseb in Santiago del Estero, Argentina. Quebracho (Santiago del Estero) [online]. 2015, vol.23, n.2, pp.77-78. ISSN 0328-0543.

Because of its ecophysiological characteristics, good wood properties, and satisfactory growth in plantations, Prosopis alba Griseb (white mesquite or algarrobo blanco) is a native species with a great afforestation potential in the Chaco region. However, the sympodic branching trend of the species results in an architectural pattern that affects the wood quality of plantation trees, thus becoming one of the greatest challenges in the forest management of Prosopis plantations.

To assess the effect of various pruning techniques and frequencies on growth, shape and quality of tree bole, an experimental plot was installed in an algarrobo blanco plantation containing 625 trees.ha-1, in the experimental field located in Fernández, Santiago del Estero.

The pruning treatments significantly improved the architectural pattern of the trees, lowering the number and thickness of codominant branches, in comparison with the control. However, in all cases, pruning had a negative impact on both diameter and height growth. Late pruning practices induced the formation of large scars resulting from pruning thick branches, which will affect log length and/or wood quality in the future. We recommend to start shaping pruning during winter dormancy, when plants are 3-4 cm in collar diameter, and continue with low intensity winter or spring-summer pruning, until the length of the main stem is defined.

Palavras-chave : Pruning; Architectural system; Silvicultural management; stem shape.

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