Flowering and fruiting are critical stages in the life cycle of fruit-bearing plants, as they are directly related to the production of fruits, which are the primary reproductive structures of these plants. In this presentation different methods used for improving flowering and fruiting in fruit crops are discussed

1. Improvement in Flowering & Fruiting
of Fruit plants
Prof. PARSHANT BAKSHI
Head, Fruit Science, SKUAST-Jammu, INDIA

2. Speaker Introduction
✉ parshantskuastj@gmail.com
📞 +91 - 9419101601
https://www.krishisandesh.com
 Dr. Parshant Bakshi, Professor & Head, Fruit Science
SKUAST-Jammu, J&K UT, India is having more than 20 years
of experience in research, teaching & extension activities. He
visited China and Thailand.
 Dr. Bakshi is having more than 120 publications in national
and international journals of repute.
 He has been adjudged for best poster and oral presentation at
various national and International platforms.
 He has guided 14 research students (08 M.Sc. and 06 Ph.D.)
as chairman and 34 as co-chairman and authored 8 books and
9 manuals.
 He handled 03 externally funded project as P.I. and 14 as Co-
P.I. He is the life member of 12 societies of Horticulture and is
the fellow of Hi-Tech Horticultural Society.
 He has RG score of 25.64; h-index 14.0 and planted 12,000+
fruit plants under Save Horticulture mission and awarded.
 The Walk and Talk video in Strawberry was awarded Best
Video by MANAGE, Director

3. Flowering and fruiting are critical stages in the life cycle
of fruit-bearing plants, as they are directly related to the
production of fruits, which are the primary reproductive
structures of these plants.

4.  Reproduction: Flowers produce seeds and ensure the continuation of the
plant species.
 Seed dispersal: Fruits aid in the dispersal of seeds through various means.
 Nutrient storage: Fruits provide essential nutrients for seedlings.
 Pollinator attraction: Flowers attract pollinators for cross-pollination.
 Genetic diversity: Cross-pollination enhances genetic diversity.
 Economic importance: Fruits are valuable crops for food and trade.
 Aesthetics: Flowering and fruiting in fruit plants give their visual appeal.
 Ecosystem support: Fruit plants support wildlife and contribute to
biodiversity.
ROLES OF FLOWERING AND FRUITING IN FRUIT PLANTS

5. IMPROVEMENT IN FLOWERING OF FRUIT PLANTS
Improvement in flowering of fruit plants can be achieved through various
methods which includes:
 Thinning (Hand/chemical thinning)
 Pruning
 Deficit irrigation/withhold water
 Plastic culture and environmental manipulations
 Canopy management
 Use of plant growth regulators
 Supply of adequate amount of water, nutrients & light.

6. 1. THINNING IN FRUIT PLANTS
Thinning is a horticultural practice that involves removing excess fruits or flowers
from a plant to enhance overall fruit quality and promote better flowering.

7. 1.Resource Allocation: Thinning helps the plant allocate its resources more
efficiently. By reducing the number of developing fruits, the plant can redirect
energy, nutrients, and water to the remaining fruits, promoting their optimal
development and maturation.
2.Reduced Competition: When there are too many fruits on a plant, they often
compete for limited resources. Thinning reduces this competition, allowing the
remaining fruits to receive more sunlight, nutrients, and space, which can lead to
better flowering and fruiting in subsequent seasons.
3.Consistent Yield: Thinning promotes consistent and higher-quality yields by
preventing the plant from overbearing, which can lead to smaller, lower-quality
fruits. A balanced and controlled fruit load encourages the plant to produce larger,
more flavorful fruits.
ROLES OF THINNING IN FRUIT PLANTS

8. 4.Prevention of Biennial Bearing: Thinning helps prevent biennial bearing, a
phenomenon where fruit plants produce a heavy crop one year and a light crop or
no crop at all the next year. Thinning evens out the fruiting load, reducing the
likelihood of biennial bearing and promoting more consistent flowering and fruiting
each year.
5.Branch Strength: Excessive fruit load can strain branches, leading to breakage.
Thinning reduces this risk by lightening the load on branches, ensuring their
strength and integrity. Strong, healthy branches are better able to support future
flowering and fruiting.
6. Improved Air Circulation: Thinning increases air circulation within the canopy of
the plant, reducing the risk of diseases that thrive in humid and crowded conditions.
Improved air circulation contributes to the overall health of the plant and supports
better flowering.
7. Enhanced Pollination: Thinning can positively impact pollination by reducing the
number of flowers that need pollination. This ensures that pollinators can more
effectively visit the remaining flowers, leading to better fertilization and fruit set.

9. 2. PRUNING IN FRUIT PLANTS
Pruning is a vital horticultural practice that can influence and regulate flowering
and fruiting in fruit plants.

10. 1.Stimulating New Growth: Pruning encourages the development of new shoots
and branches. These young, vigorous shoots often bear more flowers and fruiting.
By selectively pruning to promote new growth, one can influence the timing and
abundance of flowering.
2.Removing Old or Unproductive Wood: Fruit plants may have old or diseased
branches that no longer contribute to fruit production. Pruning helps remove these
unproductive parts, directing the plant's energy toward the growth of new, fruitful
branches.
3.Balancing Canopy Structure: Proper pruning helps maintain an open and
balanced canopy structure. This ensures that sunlight penetrates evenly throughout
the plant, reaching all parts of the canopy. Improved light distribution can
stimulate flowering in inner and lower sections of the plant.
ROLES OF PRUNING IN FRUIT PLANTS

11. 4. Controlling Size and Shape: Pruning controls the size and shape of fruit plants.
By managing the overall size, one can prevent shading within the canopy,
promoting better light exposure and air circulation.
5.Thinning Out Excess Growth: When a fruit plant produces an excessive number of
branches, it may lead to overcrowding and reduced flowering. Pruning helps thin out
the branches, allowing the plant to allocate resources more efficiently and focus on
developing quality flowers and fruits.
6.Timing of Flowering: Certain fruit plants produce flowers on specific types of
growth, such as lateral shoots or new growth from the current season. Pruning at the
right time can influence the type of growth, thus affecting the timing of flowering.
7.Renewal Pruning: Some fruit plants benefit from renewal pruning, where older,
unproductive wood is systematically removed to make room for new growth.
This rejuvenation process often results in increased flowering and fruiting.

12. 3. DEFICIT IRRIGATION IN FRUIT PLANTS
Deficit Irrigation/ Withhold water is essential for the health and growth of fruit plants.
Strategic water management, including periods of controlled water. Withholding of water,
can influence flowering and fruiting in some species. that can influence and regulate
flowering and fruiting in fruit plants.

13. 1.Stress Induction: Intentionally withholding water for a short period can induce
mild stress in fruit plants. This stress can trigger physiological responses in the
plant, often leading to increased flowering and fruiting as a survival mechanism.
However, it's crucial to carefully manage the duration and intensity of water stress
to avoid causing severe harm to the plant.
2. Reduced Vegetative Growth: Excessive vegetative growth can sometimes inhibit
flowering and fruiting. Controlled water deficit encourages the plant to allocate
resources away from vegetative growth, redirecting them toward reproductive
structures like flowers and fruits.
ROLES OF CONTROLLED OR REGULATED DEFICIT IRRIGATION
IN FRUIT PLANTS

14. 3. Reduced Vegetative Growth: Excessive vegetative growth can sometimes inhibit
flowering and fruiting. Controlled water deficit encourages the plant to allocate
resources away from vegetative growth, redirecting them toward reproductive
structures like flowers and fruits.
4. Improved Flowering Timing: Controlled deficit irrigation can influence the timing
of flowering. By strategically managing water availability during critical growth
stages, one may synchronize flowering with optimal environmental conditions, such as
temperature and light, leading to more successful pollination and fruit set.
5. Disease Prevention: Controlled water deficit can help prevent certain diseases that
thrive in excessively moist conditions. Improved air circulation and drier conditions
can reduce the risk of fungal infections and other water-related diseases that might
negatively impact flowering and fruiting

15. 4. PLASTICULTURE IN FRUIT PLANTS
Plastic culture, also known as plastic mulching, involves the use of plastic materials to
enhance growing conditions. It may not directly influence flowering and fruiting but can
contribute to improve overall plant health and productivity, indirectly by benefiting those
processes, species that can influence and regulate flowering and fruiting in fruit plants.

16. 1. Soil Temperature Management: Plastic mulch helps regulate soil temperature by
warming it in cooler seasons and cooling it in warmer seasons. This temperature
control can create optimal conditions for root development, nutrient uptake, and
metabolic processes, which can indirectly influence flowering and fruiting.
2. Moisture Conservation: Plastic mulch reduces water evaporation from the soil,
helping to maintain consistent soil moisture levels. Adequate and consistent
moisture is crucial for flowering and fruit development, preventing water stress
that could negatively impact these processes.
3. Weed Control: Plastic mulch suppresses weed growth, reducing competition for
water, nutrients, and sunlight. This weed control aspect ensures that fruit plants
receive the full benefit of available resources, promoting healthier growth and
potentially enhancing flowering and fruiting.
ROLES OF PLASTIC CULTURE IN FRUIT PLANTS

17. 4. Disease Prevention: Plastic mulch creates a barrier between the soil and plant,
reducing the likelihood of soil-borne diseases splashing onto the plants during rain
or irrigation. This can contribute to overall plant health and vigour, indirectly
supporting flowering and fruiting.
5. Improved Fruit Quality: Plastic mulch can keep the fruits clean and prevent soil
splashing onto them. This cleanliness can enhance the quality of fruits by reducing the
risk of soil-borne pathogens affecting the fruit surface.
6. Reduced Stress: Plastic mulch can create a more favorable micro-environment
around the plants, reducing stress factors such as temperature extremes &
competition.
Minimizing stress can contribute to healthier and more productive fruit plants.

18. 5. ENVIRONMENTAL MANIPULATION IN FRUIT PLANTS
Environmental manipulations plays a significant role in influencing the flowering and
fruiting of fruit plants. By altering certain environmental factors, growers can optimize
conditions to enhance plant development and reproductive processes.

19. 1. Temperature Control
 Vernalization: Some fruit plants require exposure to a period of cold
temperatures to initiate flowering. This process, known as vernalization, is crucial
for the proper development of buds and subsequent flowering.
 Temperature Extremes: Extreme temperatures, either high or low, can affect
flowering and fruiting. Controlled temperature conditions, especially during critical
growth stages, can optimize the timing and abundance of flowers.
2. Photoperiod Manipulation
 Daylength Extension or Reduction: Certain fruit plants are sensitive to day
length. Manipulating the photoperiod by using artificial lighting or shading can
influence flowering. For example, providing extended daylight hours can induce
flowering in some plants.
ROLES OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANIPULATION IN FRUIT PLANTS

20. 3. Humidity Management
 Reducing Humidity: Lower humidity levels can help prevent fungal diseases that
might impact flowering and fruiting. Improved air circulation in drier conditions
can also reduce the risk of pests and diseases.
4. Water Management
 Irrigation Timing: Strategic irrigation practices can influence flowering and
fruiting. Adequate water during critical growth stages ensures optimal plant health
and reproductive development.
 Water Stress: Controlled water stress, where water is temporarily withheld, can
induce stress responses that may enhance flowering and fruiting in some plants.
However, it's crucial to carefully manage the duration and intensity of water stress
to avoid detrimental effects.
5. Nutrient Availability
 Balanced Fertilization: Providing the right balance of nutrients, particularly
phosphorus and potassium, is essential for flowering and fruit set. Nutrient
deficiencies can negatively impact reproductive development.

21. 6. Pollination Assistance
 Artificial Pollination: In controlled environments, artificial pollination may be
necessary. This ensures that flowers are successfully pollinated, leading to
better fruit set.
7. Wind and Air Movement
 Windbreaks: Protecting plants from strong winds with windbreaks can
prevent physical damage to flowers and improve pollination by stabilizing
the air around the plants.
8. CO2 Enrichment
 Greenhouse CO2 : In greenhouse environments, enriching the atmosphere with
carbon dioxide (CO2) can stimulate photosynthesis and growth, potentially
influencing flowering and fruiting.

22. 6. CANOPY MANAGEMENT IN FRUIT PLANTS
Canopy management is a crucial aspect of horticulture that involves manipulating the
structure and density of a plant's canopy to optimize light exposure, air circulation, and
overall plant health.

23. 1. Light Penetration
 Optimal Light Exposure: Canopy management helps ensure that sunlight
penetrates evenly throughout the canopy, reaching all parts of the plant.
Improved light exposure is essential for photosynthesis, flower initiation, and the
development of quality fruits.
 Reduced Shading: Pruning and thinning out excess growth reduce shading
within the canopy. This allows lower branches and inner parts of the plant to
receive more sunlight, promoting better flowering and fruiting in those areas.
2. Air Circulation
 Reduced Disease Risk: Well-managed canopies allow for better air circulation,
reducing humidity and minimizing the risk of fungal diseases. Improved air
movement can positively impact flowering and fruiting by creating a less
favorable environment for disease development.
ROLES OF CANOPY MANAGEMENT IN FRUIT PLANTS

24. 3. Nutrient Distribution
 Balanced Nutrient Allocation: Canopy management helps ensure that nutrients
are distributed evenly among branches and throughout the plant. This balanced
nutrient allocation supports healthy growth, flowering, and fruit development.
4. Water Management
 Reduced Competition for Water: Thinning out excess branches and foliage
reduces competition for water among plant parts. This ensures that water is
efficiently utilized by the remaining branches and developing fruits.
 Prevention of Water Stress: Proper canopy management can prevent water
stress by optimizing water uptake and reducing transpiration. Consistent soil
moisture is crucial for flowering and fruiting.
5. Temperature Control
 Improved Ventilation: A well-managed canopy allows for improved ventilation,
preventing heat buildup in dense foliage. This can contribute to temperature
control and prevent stress-related issues that might impact flowering and
fruiting.

25. 6. Fruit Size and Quality
 Thinning of Excess Fruit: Canopy management often involves thinning out
excess fruits. This practice ensures that the remaining fruits receive sufficient
nutrients and energy, resulting in larger and higher-quality fruits.
7. Disease and Pest Management
 Easy Monitoring: A well-pruned canopy facilitates easier monitoring of the
plant for signs of diseases and pests. Early detection and intervention can
prevent these issues from affecting flowering and fruiting.
8. Renewal Pruning
 Stimulated Growth: Renewal pruning involves removing older, unproductive
wood to stimulate the growth of new, vigorous shoots. This rejuvenation can lead
to increased flowering and fruiting.
9. Shape and Size Control
 Optimized Plant Form: Canopy management allows growers to shape and
control the size of the plant. This ensures that the plant fits the available space
and receives adequate sunlight, contributing to improved flowering and fruiting.

26. 7. USE OF PGR’s IN FRUIT PLANTS
Plant growth regulators (PGRs) are chemical substances that can influence the growth
and development of plants.

27. 1. Gibberellins (GAs)
 Fruit Size and Seedlessness: Gibberellins can be used to increase the size of
fruits in certain fruit crops. They may also be applied to promote seedlessness in
seedless varieties.
 Breaking Dormancy: In some cases, gibberellins are used to break dormancy in
buds, leading to earlier flowering and fruiting.
2. Auxins
 Fruit Development: Auxins are involved in cell elongation and division. When
applied appropriately, they can enhance fruit development and prevent
premature fruit drop.
 Fruit Thinning: Auxins are sometimes used for thinning excess fruits, ensuring
that the plant's resources are directed towards the development of a manageable
number of high-quality fruits.
ROLE OF PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS IN FRUIT PLANTS

28. 3. Cytokinins
 Delayed Senescence: Cytokinin's can delay senescence (ageing) in plant tissues. This
may contribute to prolonged flowering periods and extended fruiting seasons.
 Fruit Setting: Cytokinin's may be used to promote fruit setting and increase the
number of fruits on a plant.
4. Abscisic Acid (ABA)
 Fruit Maturation: ABA is involved in the regulation of fruit maturation and ripening.
Application of ABA can influence the timing and uniformity of fruit ripening.
5. Ethylene
 Fruit Ripening: Ethylene is a plant hormone involved in the ripening of fruits.
Application of ethylene or ethylene-releasing compounds can be used to control and
synchronize fruit ripening.
6. Brassinosteroids:
Fruit Setting and Size: Brassinosteroids can promote fruit setting and increase fruit
size in certain fruit crops.
7. Abscission Agents:
 Fruit Thinning: Ethephon, an abscission agent, is commonly used to induce fruit drop
in certain fruit crops, helping in fruit thinning and preventing over-cropping.

29. Water, nutrients, and light are essential factors that significantly influence the flowering
and fruiting of fruit plants.

30. 1.Water
 Water Availability: Adequate and consistent water availability is crucial for the health
and development of fruit plants. Insufficient water can lead to water stress, affecting
flowering and fruiting. Conversely, overwatering can lead to root rot and other issues.
 Flower Initiation: Water is essential for the initiation of flowers. Ensuring a steady
water supply during critical stages of flower development is necessary for the
formation of healthy and viable flowers.
 Fruit Development: Consistent water availability throughout the fruit development
stage is vital for proper fruit enlargement and maturation. Inconsistent watering can
result in uneven fruit size and quality.
 Preventing Water Stress: Water stress during flowering and fruiting can lead to
blossom drop and poor fruit set. Proper irrigation practices help prevent water stress
and optimize reproductive development.
ROLE OF WATER, NUTRIENTS AND LIGHT IN FRUIT PLANTS

31. 2. Nutrients
Essential Nutrients: Nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and
micronutrients play a crucial role in flowering and fruiting. They are involved in
various physiological processes, including flower initiation, pollination, and fruit
development.
Phosphorus for Flowering: Phosphorus is particularly important for flower initiation
and development. Adequate phosphorus levels contribute to robust flower formation
and increased fruiting potential.
Balanced Fertilization: Providing a balanced and appropriate fertilizer regimen
ensures that fruit plants receive the necessary nutrients for optimal reproductive
growth. Nutrient deficiencies or imbalances can negatively impact flowering and
fruiting.
Fruit Size and Quality: Proper nutrient management contributes to the development
of larger, high-quality fruits. Certain micronutrients, such as boron, are specifically
important for fruit set and development.

32. 3. Light
 Photosynthesis: Light is crucial for photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert
light energy into sugars, providing energy for growth and development. Healthy
photosynthesis supports overall plant vigor, including flowering and fruiting.
 Photoperiod Sensitivity: Some fruit plants are sensitive to day length (photoperiod).
Manipulating light exposure to meet the specific photoperiod requirements of certain
plants can influence flowering initiation.
 Providing Fruit Color and Sugar Content: Adequate sunlight exposure directly
impacts fruit quality, including color development and sugar content. Fruits exposed to
sufficient light often have better taste and appearance.
 Preventing Shade: Proper pruning and canopy management help prevent shading
within the plant canopy, ensuring that all parts of the plant receive adequate light for
optimal reproductive development.

33. CONCLUSION
 Improving flowering and fruiting in fruit plants requires
a combination of thoughtful practices and considerations.
 Firstly, ensuring optimal soil health by providing the right
balance of nutrients is crucial. Regular soil testing can
help to tailor fertilization to the specific needs of the
plants.
 To enhance flowering and fruiting in fruit plants, focus on
nutrient-rich soil, strategic pruning, consistent watering,
and attracting pollinators.
 Monitor environmental conditions, protect against pests,
and create a balanced ecosystem.
THIS HOLISTIC APPROACH SETS THE FOUNDATION FOR A MORE
FRUITFUL HARVEST.

34. 6. Plastic mulch helps regulate soil temperature by ____________ it in cooler seasons and
____________it in warmer seasons
4. Pruning encourages the development of new __________and _____________.
5. Deficit Irrigation/ Withhold water is essential for the _________ and _________ of fruit plants.
1. ___________ and ____________ are directly related to production of fruit plants
2. Removal of excess fruits or flowers from a plant enhances overall fruit __________.
7. The right balance of ___________ and ___________ nutrients is essential for flowering and fruit set.
8. ____________ can be used to increase the size of fruits.
9. Water stress during flowering and fruiting can lead to blossom _______ and ________fruit set.
A Quick Recap
Prof. PARSHANT BAKSHI, HEAD, FRUIT SCIENCE, SKUAST-Jammu, INDIA
3. ____________horticultural practice that can influence and regulate flowering and fruiting in
fruit plants.

35. Call: +91-9419101601; + 91-7889621152
Email: parshantskuastj@gmail.com
Website: www.krishisandesh.com

36. Thank You
Prof. PARSHANT BAKSHI, HEAD, FRUIT SCIENCE, SKUAST-Jammu, INDIA