Encouraging/Forcing Branching

[FigMania]

I have been successful in forcing branching in young apple trees in an area I'd like a branch by making an incision in the bark/cambium layer above a node. I guess the tree senses trouble and will often produce growth there. I don't have any experience with figs yet. I only have a couple of trees and a few young starts that I'm not yet willing to play with.

I want to keep all of my trees in the 6' to 8'MAX height range so I can pick easily w/o ladders. This goes for all of my fruit trees. I'm hoping to pick up some trees that are at that height from a nursery this week. Probably Black Jack and Cali Brown Turkey. I haven't been to that nursery in about 2 months so I'm having some trouble recalling specifics. but they come in 15 g pots and are about 5' tall with no growth on the trunks until it hits about 4.5' IIRC. The caliper of about 1". I wold like to have a bit of growth below the first limbs if possible.

So, if any of you have thoughts regarding this.. please let me know.

[LouNeo]

Ive seen some people have success inducing lateral growth from otherwise non pushing buds by dabbing a growth hormone mixed with wax and then bending the tree slightly to expose it to sun I guess. Ive not tried to do it though, I wonder if making the slices you mention would work with figs. Its possible, I will see what I have in the greenhouse I can make a couple slices in tomorrow and let you know if buds start swelling.

[FigMania]

Thanks, Lou.. This might well help for a lot of future issues where a branch might have broken off or otherwise harmed. Productive is one thing.. but productive and 'balances' is possibly a better thing. I'll be looking forward to your reply. I don't have a greenhouse. I may be getting one really soon though.. there is a local "small box store that has one that is quite small.. maybe perfect. I believe it's made by FlowerHouse or something like that. Marked down 30% right now as it's been up for two years but looks new. About $75 including shelves. 6'7 x 4'7 x 2'6. If not for figs.. should be great to get a head start on veg's.

[AscPete]

Notching is the name of the technique that induces branching by "notching" the bark above a dormant bud or node to stop the downward flow of Auxins (hormones).
https://www.ourfigs.com/forum/figs-h...d-slender-tree

A few members have tried hormones to induce branching.
https://www.ourfigs.com/forum/figs-h...ing-top-growth

IMO the simplest and most effective method for fig trees is to prune off all the branch tips (3 or more nodes) and unwanted branches. Pruning remove the auxins that are produced in the branch tips and allows bud break along the older mature wood. The unwanted buds (future branches) are removed before they develop fully.
https://www.ourfigs.com/forum/figs-h...-espalier-form


Good Luck.

[Atlatl]

Great info! The pictures certainly speak a thousand words. Thank you

[AscPete]

Atlatl ,
You're welcome...

[FigMania]

Thanks Pete. Now on to my mildew problem.. Any help would be appreciated.. the throes of a newbie.

[AscPete]

You're welcome...
After brushing way any mycelia / fluff I sometimes lightly spray the suspect cuttings (and potting mix surface if required) with a 25% Hydrogen Peroxide mist which is 1 part 3% Peroxide / 3 parts water. Good luck.

[HouFig]

Thank you Pete this is a great reminder before the season fully opens.

[Dave]

Is this the BAP powder that everyone is using? http://www.ebay.com/itm/6-Benzylamin...MAAOSwagdXRkbb

[Dave]

the exact same one Tony?

[don_sanders]

That's the right stuff but that is a lot of it. You only need a couple grams.

[don_sanders]

I think this was the one that I used.

http://m.ebay.com/itm/172232385971?_mwBanner=1