Esikarsimointi

Esikarsimointi is a Finnish term that translates to "pre-pruning" or "thinning" in English. It refers to a horticultural practice where excess or unwanted growth is removed from plants before the main pruning or harvesting season. The primary goal of esikarsimointi is to improve the quality and yield of the final product by directing the plant's resources to the most promising parts.

This practice is particularly common in viticulture (grape cultivation) and fruit tree management. In vineyards, esikarsimointi might involve removing some of the developing shoots or leaves early in the growing season. This can help to reduce the overall fruit load, leading to larger and more concentrated grapes, which in turn can result in higher quality wine. It also improves air circulation within the canopy, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.

For fruit trees, esikarsimointi can involve removing excess fruitlets that have set after flowering. This prevents the tree from becoming overladen, which can lead to small, poor-quality fruit and potential branch breakage. It also helps to ensure that the tree has enough energy to develop a good harvest for the current season and to prepare for the next. The timing of esikarsimointi is crucial; it is typically done when the plant's growth is vigorous but before significant energy has been invested in the parts that will be removed.