Fundamentals of Horticulture (2+1)

Methods of Training

• Method of training of a plant is determined by the nature of plant, climate, purpose of growing, planting method, mechanization, etc. and therefore, intelligent choice is necessary.

Training in herbaceous annuals and biennials

• These plants are usually grown without any attempt to alter their growth patterns because even if useful not practical being in large number in field.
• However, for some of ornamental value and creeping nature following types of training is affected.
1. Staking or supporting of vine like plants.
2. Training on pergola or trellis of vine type fruit plants or even indeterminate type tomatoes.
3. Nipping of apices for encouraging lateral growth to give bushy appearance or fulsome appearance in pot plants like Aster, Marigold and Chrysanthemum.
4. De-shooting or removal of lateral buds for making single stem for large flowers as in Chrysanthemum and Dahlia.
5. Staking with bamboo sticks and tying together various shoots in potted Chrysanthemum.

Training of woody perennials

• The woody perennials, which are widely spaced and remain on a place for a long duration, are trained for develop strong framework for sustainable production of quality produce and for ornamental beauty in different shapes (topiary).
• In these plants following types of training are followed.