What are the cultivation techniques for the citron tree? Planting methods and management points
The citron tree is an evergreen shrub or small tree of the Rutaceae family, bearing white flowers in spring and fruit from October to November, and is widely cultivated in the Yunnan region. Below is an introduction to its cultivation techniques.
Cultivation techniques for the citron tree
1. Propagation
It can be propagated by seed or cuttings. For seed propagation, sow in spring and grow for 2-3 years before planting out; for cutting propagation, carry out in spring during the hot, humid season and grow for 1-2 years before planting out. In spring, dig holes at a row and plant spacing of 3m×3m, plant 1 seedling per hole, cover with soil and press firm, then water.
2. Pruning
During the young tree stage, focus on light pruning to build the tree framework; after selecting the central leader and the extended branches of the main and secondary main branches, carry out moderate or heavy heading back, lightly heading back the remaining shoots, and retain the weaker shoots in the middle and lower parts. During the full fruiting stage, focus on renewing the fruiting branch groups, cutting out diseased, weak, dead, crossing and overlapping branches, and use the method of opening a “skylight” to thin out excessively crowded scaffold branches, so as to improve ventilation and light penetration and maintain the balance between shoot growth and fruiting.
3. Fertilizer and water management
Fertilization should follow a balanced formula, adhering to the principle of “valuing base fertilizer, applying early fertilizer and fruit-stabilizing fertilizer, and supplementing foliar fertilizer.” The base fertilizer should account for 50—60% of the annual fertilizer application, mainly organic fertilizer with a small amount of nitrogen fertilizer, and is best applied in early November.
4. Pest and disease control
The main pests and diseases of citron are anthracnose, aphids and red spider mites. Control measures focus mainly on strengthening fertilizer and water management, supplemented by chemical control.