Perfect Pruning Quiz: Peach & Guava Quiz

Explore key principles of fruit tree pruning for peach and guava with scenario-based questions ideal for horticulture enthusiasts and growers looking to improve tree health and productivity.

1. Best Timing for Peach Tree Pruning

   When is the most suitable time to prune a peach tree to reduce disease risk and encourage healthy growth?

   1. Autumn after harvesting
   2. Mid-summer when fruit ripens
   3. Late winter before buds swell
   4. During flowering in spring

   Explanation: Pruning peach trees in late winter before buds swell promotes healing and reduces disease risk, as trees are dormant. Autumn pruning can increase susceptibility to cold injury, while pruning during flowering or fruiting can stress the tree and reduce yields.

2. Purpose of Thinning Cuts

   What is the main goal of performing thinning cuts when pruning guava trees?

   1. Remove entire branches to improve airflow
   2. Shorten branch tips to induce bushiness
   3. Cut roots to limit growth
   4. Strip all lower leaves for sunlight

   Explanation: Thinning cuts remove entire branches to enhance light penetration and airflow, minimizing disease. Shortening branch tips is called heading back, which encourages density. Stripping leaves and root cutting do not serve pruning objectives and may harm tree health.

3. Pruning Strategy for Young Peach Trees

   Which pruning method is most commonly used to shape young peach trees for maximum sunlight and fruit production?

   1. Open center (vase) pruning
   2. Tall spindle pruning
   3. Espalier training
   4. Central leader pruning

   Explanation: The open center (vase) system is ideal for peaches, as it opens the canopy for sunlight and air. Tall spindle is for apples, central leader suits some tree types but not peaches, and espalier is rare for peaches due to their growth habit.

4. Signs of Over-pruning Guava Trees

   Which is a likely outcome if a guava tree is pruned too severely in one session?

   1. Improved natural pest control
   2. Excessive water shoots and reduced fruit yield
   3. Immediate increase in fruit set
   4. Enhanced frost resistance

   Explanation: Over-pruning guava often triggers excessive water shoot (sucker) growth and can decrease fruit production. Immediate fruit set or improved pest control are not typical outcomes, and excessive pruning usually reduces frost resistance rather than enhancing it.

5. Sanitation in Pruning Practices

   After pruning diseased peach tree branches, what is the recommended next step to prevent spreading pathogens?

   1. Immediately fertilize the tree
   2. Disinfect pruning tools before next use
   3. Water the pruned branches heavily
   4. Seal all cuts with paint

   Explanation: Disinfecting pruning tools after cutting diseased branches helps prevent pathogen spread between plants. Fertilizing or watering does not control disease transmission, and sealing cuts with paint is often unnecessary and can even trap pathogens.