Pruning secrets for bountiful papaya

Here are some practical tips for a successful pruning. Timing of the pruning before the rainy season would be ideal. If at all you prune during a rainy period, you will have to protect the stump well with a cover to prevent rain water from getting inside the stem. Otherwise the stem might rot away. After pruning, when the tree starts growing back, try to retain only the best shoots. Usually there is a natural selection in that those at the top will finally overgrow those at lower levels. Occasionally, a better shoot may be seen below the top level. In that case smaller shoots above it may be trimmed off. It will be nice to retain one shoot on either side so that weight will be balanced when there are plenty of fruits.