A Detailed Guide to the Key Cultivation Techniques for Red Delicious Apples
The Red Delicious apple originated in California, USA, and is also called Red Delicious; in China it is mainly grown in the high-altitude areas of Tianshui, Gansu, and it is rich in nutritional value. Today, the editor will introduce to you the key cultivation techniques for Red Delicious apples. Let's take a look together!
1. When to plant
Red Delicious apples are generally planted around March each spring. Usually, if planted that year, they can bear fruit the following year, and by the third year they can reach full production. The best planting time is before summer, because summer temperatures are high and saplings planted then generally do not survive easily; the same is true in winter, as low temperatures also make survival difficult. After planting, remember to take freeze-protection measures in the winter of that same year to prevent the saplings from suffering frost damage and causing unnecessary losses.
2. High-density planting
Generally, fruit trees are planted sparsely, maintaining spacing between plants and rows, or using a method of dense trees and sparse branches by pruning their branches and leaves during planting to increase air circulation between plants. But Red Delicious apples are different: they can be planted at high density, and this also helps increase yield. To ensure high and quality yields, generally in the first two years after planting, the growth of the tree is promoted so that the individual develops well. By the third year, it is a transition period: individual growth is suppressed and the population is controlled, causing the tree to shift from long branches to short branches and from growing wood to bearing fruit.
3. Fertilizer and water management
Before planting, dig holes and apply 7-8 kg of farmyard manure per hole. After planting, water thoroughly, then cover with soil and mulch to keep warm and retain moisture. In the second year, continue to apply compound fertilizer as a top dressing, combining it with watering so the plant produces many branches and many long branches. As the plant gradually grows, the amount of fertilizer should also gradually increase. When fertilizing, organic fertilizer and compound fertilizer are generally applied in autumn, while nitrogen fertilizer can be broadcast with watering. To avoid nutrient loss, each application should not be too large; as long as a sufficient supply of fertilizer and water is ensured, the tree grows very quickly and bears more fruit, creating good conditions for high and quality yields.
4. Pest and disease control
Pest and disease control mainly emphasizes prevention, and it must be early. The main diseases of Red Delicious apples include alternaria leaf spot, anthracnose, and ring rot. These diseases mainly harm leaves and the flowering period. About one week after flowering, spraying 50% mancozeb can control these diseases. The main pests are red spiders and aphids; likewise, spraying 2000-3000 times diluted clofentezine at flowering can control them for 2-3 months. In addition, when the rainy season arrives, basic copper sulfate and insecticides can be sprayed for comprehensive pest and disease control.
Red Delicious apples are rich in nutritional value and also have the effects of lowering blood lipids, lowering blood pressure, and preventing cancer. They are a healthy fruit for middle-aged and older people, and their economic prospects are good.
To grow high-yield, high-quality Red Delicious apples, you still need to learn more about cultivation techniques. I hope this article by the editor can help you!