ZaragoZa® Almond Orchard in Its Second Year: Regulated Pruning That Builds Production

An almond orchard established using the ZaragoZa® system, planted between January and February 2024, is observed in July 2025, when the video was recorded, after completing two full vegetative cycles. During this period, the trees have already undergone two to three topping operations and two edging interventions, both essential for shaping the bush structure and stimulating lateral branching.

Following a widespread development of the canopy, a key phase is now introduced: regulated pruning. This operation is light and targets only the tips of the shoots, with cuts of just a few centimeters. Although seemingly simple, this intervention has a decisive physiological impact.

Reducing the shoot tips helps limit apical dominance in the most vigorous shoots, often referred to as dominant shoots, which are primarily responsible for auxin production and the upward allocation of resources. By interrupting this mechanism, the plant redistributes its energy toward lateral branches, which become the core of future production.

Under conditions of controlled water stress, from the second week of July through September, these lateral structures slow their vegetative growth and begin to accumulate reserves. This process first activates flower induction and then flower differentiation toward the end of summer. It is at this stage that the production potential of the orchard is effectively established.

Timing is critical. Within 30 months of planting, corresponding to the third leaf stage, the trees must enter production. In this case, with transplanting carried out in 2024, the first harvest is expected in August 2026. This outcome depends on the precision and consistency of the interventions performed.

The planting layout, with 5.5 meters between rows and 2.5 meters within the row, along with the initial cut at approximately 90 to 100 centimeters, has encouraged the development of primary branches within the 70 to 100 centimeter zone, forming the foundation of the productive wall. Vertical growth will be gradual and carefully managed in the following years.

Video

As the orchard develops, canopy management will increasingly rely on mechanization. The use of a pruning blade, inclined at approximately 30 to 35 degrees, will allow work along the lateral walls, maintaining an orderly and efficient structure even across large areas.

The principle is clear: production is not built solely through water and nutrition, but above all through pruning. More fruit bearing branches lead to more flowers and therefore greater production potential.

Video

The ZaragoZa® system is based on precise interventions, correct timing, and the integration of manual and mechanical management. No step should be overlooked, as each operation has a specific timing and directly influences the final result.

Editorial Note
Original content by Agronomist Vito Vitelli, developed and optimized with the support of artificial intelligence tools for educational, informational, and technical enhancement purposes.

Outreach activity carried out in collaboration with: