Objective To clarify the optimal pruning intensity for Artocarpus heterophyllus in the Minnan producing area, optimize tree structure, balance vegetative and reproductive growth, and enhance yield, fruit quality and physiological functions.

Method A field experiment was conducted using 8-year-old bearing Artocarpus heterophyllus trees. Four treatments were established: light pruning (T1), moderate pruning (T2), heavy pruning (T3), and no pruning (control, CK). Indicators including new shoot growth, branch composition, canopy light transmittance, leaf photosynthetic physiology, fruit setting rate, yield and fruit quality were systematically measured.

Result The results indicated that different pruning intensities had an significant effect on the growth, fruiting and physiological traits of Artocarpus heterophyllus. Moderate pruning (T2) exhibited the optimal comprehensive performance: it significantly improved new shoot diameter, the proportion of effective fruiting branches and canopy light transmittance, and notably increased leaf chlorophyll content and photosynthetic rate. Compared with CK, T2 increased the fruit setting rate by 28.6%, with an average single fruit weight of 10.2 kg and a per plant yield of 119.3 kg (35.0% higher than CK). The pulp of T2 treatment had a soluble solid content of 15.8% and an edible rate of 42.3%, showing the best commercial quality. Light pruning (T1) had a mediocre effect with limited improvement in physiological indicators, while heavy pruning (T3) disrupted the tree physiological balance, reduced photosynthetic capacity, inhibited tree vigor and ultimately led to yield reduction.

Conclusion This study determines the optimal pruning intensity for high-quality and high-yield Artocarpus heterophyllus cultivation in the Minnan region, reveals the regulatory mechanism of pruning at the physiological level, and provides theoretical basis and technical support for the standardized cultivation of Artocarpus heterophyllus.