The American hybrid apricot plum is a highly desirable fruit tree, known for its vibrant fruit color, sweet and rich flavor, high soluble solids content, strong storage tolerance, and excellent adaptability to various growing conditions. Its resilience to stress makes it an ideal choice for both commercial and home orchards. Below are detailed techniques for shaping and pruning this variety.
First, tree shaping: Based on the growth habits of the American hybrid apricot plum, two suitable tree forms are recommended: the multi-trunk natural open-center shape and the double-layer open-center shape. In the multi-trunk system, the trunk should be about 50 cm tall, with 4–5 main branches arranged at a 45-degree angle. Each main branch should have 2–3 lateral branches, spaced at a 60-degree angle. The shaping process begins by cutting the trunk to a height of 60–70 cm after planting. Once new shoots reach 30 cm in length during spring, select 5–7 of them to grow further while removing the rest. When these shoots reach 50 cm, choose 4–5 evenly spaced branches as main branches, and pinch back the remaining ones. During winter pruning, cut back the main branches to 50 cm for a short cut, allowing slower growth. From the second year onward, gradually develop 2–3 lateral branches 50 cm above the base of each main branch.
For the double-layer open-center shape, the trunk is also around 50 cm tall, with the first layer containing three main branches at a 45-degree angle, each having 3–4 lateral branches at 60–80 degrees, spaced 80–100 cm apart. The second layer includes two main branches, which are directly developed from the main stem. Shaping involves several steps: first, dry pruning to a height of about 70 cm, then selecting and retaining 3–4 well-placed branches within the plastic band. Winter pruning involves short cuts of 50 cm and careful thinning. In the second or third year, specific buds are left on the upper side of the branches to form the upper canopy, ensuring proper spacing and light penetration.
Summer pruning focuses on improving air circulation and light exposure. Since the American hybrid apricot plum tends to produce short fruiting spurs and has strong branching ability, excessive pruning can lead to leggy growth. Therefore, summer pruning should emphasize thinning rather than cutting. Remove overlapping, dense, or inward-growing branches, as well as upright and leggy shoots. Techniques include topping to promote secondary growth, ring cutting (girdling) to control vigor, and branch pulling to adjust branch angles without flattening. Additionally, remove any unwanted sprouts or suckers that compete for nutrients.
Winter pruning follows the principle of “light shear and slow release.†Main branches should be pruned to 50–60 cm, while lateral branches on the main stems should be kept around 40 cm to encourage fruiting. Other branches should be selectively removed if they are too thin, dense, or crossing. When making cuts, always leave the following bud or a lateral bud to maintain the hierarchy between the main and side branches. This approach ensures balanced growth and long-term productivity.
Overall, proper shaping and pruning not only enhance fruit quality but also improve tree health and longevity. By following these techniques, growers can maximize yield and enjoy the full potential of the American hybrid apricot plum.
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