Around 250 growers and specialists strengthened their skills in tree training, variety and rootstock selection, and pruning adapted to local conditions.
Uzbekistan — The Government of Uzbekistan and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) conducted a series of practical field training sessions in Samarkand, Jizzakh, Tashkent, Andijan, Fergana and Namangan regions as part of their cooperation to strengthen the sweet cherry value chain. Around 250 sweet cherry growers, agronomists and orchard specialists participated.
The training was organized under the global project promoting the One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) initiative through the FAO–China South-South Cooperation Programme. Funded by the Government of the People’s Republic of China through its Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, the project supports Uzbekistan, in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture, in strengthening the entire sweet cherry value chain—from production and post-harvest handling to processing, marketing and access to international markets.
The sessions focused on tree training methods that support early bearing and allow pruning and harvesting from the ground, reducing reliance on ladders and specialized platforms. Project specialist Shukhrat Abrorov drew on nearly 20 years of experience in Uzbekistan to present locally adapted approaches, including the Kym Green Bush (KGB) system.
Participants examined tree development from planting through the establishment period and into the productive years. Demonstrations showed how successive heading cuts can increase the number of upright leaders, balance tree growth and maintain light penetration within the canopy.
Particular attention was given to matching varieties with suitable rootstocks and training systems. Participants compared the growth and fruiting characteristics of Lapins, Sweetheart, Skeena, Santina, Regina and Kordia. They also reviewed the suitability of vigorous rootstocks such as Mazzard, Colt, Mahaleb and CAB 6P, and semi-vigorous rootstocks including MaxMa 14, Krymsk 5 and MaxMa 60, for the KGB system. The sessions emphasized that applying a system without considering variety and rootstock characteristics can increase the risk of heat stress, restricted growth or reduced yields.
“Managing a low-canopy orchard is not simply a matter of reducing tree height. The number of main leaders, the variety’s fruiting characteristics and the vigour of the rootstock must be compatible. That is why we explained each pruning decision in relation to the condition of the tree,” said
Shukhrat Abrorov, Project Specialist.
The programme also addressed orchard management under Uzbekistan’s hot summers and cold winters. Participants discussed the importance of consistent irrigation and nutrient management during the first three years of establishment, particularly to support regrowth after pruning. Measures to protect trunks from sunburn when temperatures exceed
40 °C were also covered.
Sessions on pruning schedules examined the importance of completing summer formative cuts by mid-June under the conditions discussed. Late-developing shoots may not become sufficiently woody before winter, increasing their susceptibility to frost damage. Participants also considered the risks of bacterial canker and gummosis associated with pruning in December–January or during wet weather.
Field demonstrations helped participants assess common errors, including retaining too few main leaders, which can encourage excessive vegetative growth; summer pruning of weak trees; and excessive shading within the canopy. At the end of the sessions, participants received practical orchard assessment checklists and assignments to develop pruning plans suited to local conditions.
“Across the six regions, we focused on specific management decisions—from variety and rootstock compatibility to pruning schedules and the number of main leaders. Our aim is to strengthen the ability of growers and local specialists to assess their orchards and plan management practices on an informed basis, helping them produce competitive products,” said
Muhammadjon Qosimov, National Project Coordinator.
Uzbekistan is one of the OCOP demonstration countries representing Europe and Central Asia under the global project, with sweet cherry as its priority product. The field training series builds on the knowledge exchange and cooperation developed during the OCOP regional workshop held in Namangan in May 2026 and subsequent technical sessions in the Fergana Valley.
The practical sessions strengthened participants’ knowledge and skills in tree training, seasonal pruning and the identification of common orchard management errors. Assessing changes in fruit quality, yields and harvesting costs will require application of the practices over subsequent seasons and continued monitoring.
16/02/2026 
