Formation pruning a year after planting keeps the first branching point (jorquette) at 1–1.5 m. Structural pruning at 16–24 months keeps the tree at an optimum height. From the second year, remove low and hanging branches, excess chupons (vertical shoots), and unproductive, dead, diseased and damaged branches.
Pending expert review
Source
Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Cocoa – Pruning; after cultivation, pp. 205–206
