What planting density is generally suitable for pomegranates?

AbstractThe planting density of pomegranates is related to some extent to the variety, tree form and site conditions. Generally, on mountain slopes with poor soil and scarce water, the row spacing is controlled at about 2×3m-3×4m; on plains with fertile soil and sufficient water, the row spacing is controlled at about 3×3m-3×4m. Varieties with luxuriant branches and leaves need wider row spacing, while varieties with upright branches can be planted slightly denser. The specific density should be adjusted according to actual conditions.

The density for planting pomegranates is adjusted according to their variety, tree form and site conditions. If pomegranates are planted on mountain slopes with poor soil, relatively shallow soil layers and poor irrigation conditions, the row spacing is generally controlled at 2-3m×3-4m; if planted in plain areas with fertile soil, thicker soil layers and abundant water, the row spacing can be about 3×3m-3×4m;

For example, for Taishan Dahong pomegranate, varieties with luxuriant branches and leaves that spread out in all directions generally have a row spacing of 3×4m, while varieties with upright branches such as Lintong Dahongtian pomegranate have a row spacing of 2-3m×3-4m; the density for single-trunk training can be controlled at about 2×3m, and the density for 2-3 trunk training is best controlled at about 3×4m.

Common pests and diseases of pomegranate and their control

1. Pomegranate stem window moth

This pest mainly damages the branches and trunk of pomegranate. The general control methods are:

From the beginning of July each year, inspect frequently and thoroughly. If branches or treetops are found to be damaged by the pest, they should be cut off immediately, and the larvae inside should be killed; after the pomegranate tree begins to sprout in spring, all dead branches on the tree that have not produced leaves should be cut off and burned to kill the larvae overwintering in them.

For pest larvae generally in 2-3-year-old branches, 500 times dipterex solution or 800 times dimethoate mixture can be injected from the lowest frass hole of the branch, and then the insect hole should be sealed with medicated mud to kill the larvae.

Newly hatched larvae can only bore into the branches after 2-3 days, so during the peak period of pest hatching, timely spraying 1500 times solution of 40% omethoate, 50% methamidophos or 40% monocrotophos can control the larvae from boring into the treetops, and the general control effect can reach about 84.9-98.4%.

In addition to the above methods, the saplings can also be directly sprayed with chemicals. The effect is better than injection through the insect hole, and it can also control to a certain extent the damage to saplings by other leaf-eating pests such as the yellow slug moth. Generally, after the first spraying, spray a second time about 20 days later for a better effect.

2. Peach fruit borer

This pest mainly damages pomegranate fruit. In severe cases, the damage rate to fruit can even reach about 50-70%. During planting, the following methods can be used for control:

In winter, inspect and clean the orchard and kill the overwintering larvae; before the trees begin to sprout in early spring, promptly scrape off the rough cracked bark, pick off the infested fruits on the trees or gather the fallen fruits damaged by the pest and burn them together; use sugar-vinegar solution or sex pheromones to confuse and kill male adults; in the early stage of hatching of the first-generation larvae, spray 1000 times solution of 50% fenitrothion emulsifiable concentrate, 40% omethoate emulsifiable concentrate or 50% dipterex emulsifiable concentrate for prevention.