High density planting of cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.)

High density planting of cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.)

2001

A:PS

A density trial of cashew (A. occidentale clone VTH-174) was carried out at the National Research Centre for Cashew, Experimental Station, Shantigodu, Karnataka, India during 1982-94 to study the growth behaviour, root distribution, photosynthesis, weed biomass, dry branch accumulation and yield under varying plant densities (156, 278, 625, 1111 and 2500 trees/ha). The density was reduced to 50% in the treatment with 1111 trees/ha and to 25% in the treatment with 2500 trees/ha in the 7th year. Density was reduced to 50% by the 11th year in the treatment with 625 trees/ha. Higher density treatment resulted in deeper root penetration, lower moisture at depths above 60 cm, greater light interception, and as a result, greater mutual shading induced drying of branches. Yield levels were maintained in higher density plots by pruning to 80% light interception or at later stages by diagonal thinning. Maintaining 625 tree/ha (4 x 4 m) for the first 11 years and diagonal thinning thereafter to reduce the population to 50% (8 x 5.7 x 5.7 m) resulted in maximum cumulative nut yield (4.94/ha) and profit (US $2464.90/ha).

v.78(1):19-28, TROPICAL AGRICULTURE

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