Special Note: Pinching
Apical dominance results in poor branching. The
causes include:
Overgrown and spindly plants
Low DLI (keep ≥ of ≥10 moles•
m−2•d−1)
Excessive plug crop time
Inadequate plug height control
Pinching is a good solution to remedy the situation.
Pinching can occur in plug trays (shear) or after
transplant.
Pinch at transplant: Soft pinch, leaving 4 basal nodes.
Pinch can delay flowering; the extent of the delay
depends upon the timing and location of the pinch.
Do not pinch if using LIP.