Determination of Pruning Times of Ziziphus Xylopyra (Willd.) in Uttar Pradesh

Suitable age of shoots, at the time of introduction of the lac insect on them, is necessary for the latter's successful colonization and the ultimate increased yield of lac. Systematic trails of the culture on ghont (Zizyphus xylopyra Willd) in Uttar Pradesh were carried out for the first time. Results indicate that (i) for raising Katki crop (June-July to October- November cycle), the trees should be pruned in May for introducing lac insects on them in June-July of the following year i.e. on 13-14 months old shoots. (ii) for raising Baisakhi crop (October-November to June-July cycle), the trees should be pruned in April for introducing lac insects on them in October-November the same year i.e. on 6-7 months old shoots.