What does pruning involve in the context of crop management?

Pruning in crop management primarily involves cutting away dead or damaged limbs and other parts of plants to promote overall health and prevent the spread of diseases. By removing these compromised parts, crops can focus their energy on healthy growth rather than attempting to maintain damaged tissues. This practice is essential in reducing the risk of infection by pathogens, as injured plant tissues can serve as entry points for diseases.

In contrast, removing weeds from around the base of plants, applying fertilizer, and extending the growing season are all important practices in crop management, but they do not accurately define what pruning entails. Weeding focuses on competition management, fertilization targets nutrient supply, and extending the growing season relates to optimizing environmental conditions for growth. Pruning specifically refers to cutting back plant material to enhance plant health and resilience.