Is Guiyuan the Same as Longan? Introduction to High-Yield Cultivation Techniques

Guiyuan is a fruit abundantly produced in China, more commonly seen in the Guangdong region. Many people love this round little fruit; after peeling off the outer skin, the flesh wraps around the pit. Guiyuan tastes very sweet and has a high sugar content, so it is a fruit with a very high calorie count. Guiyuan likes to grow in areas with relatively high temperatures and humidity. It is easy to cultivate and manage, and the yield is also very high. Many growers have taken a fancy to its economic benefits. So is Guiyuan the same as longan? What are the high-yield cultivation techniques?

1. Is Guiyuan the same as longan?

Longan refers to the fresh fruit. After longan is dried in the sun with the shell and pit, it is called dried longan. If the shell and pit are removed and only the flesh is kept, then after drying in the sun it is called Guiyuan. Therefore, Guiyuan and longan are actually the same thing. Longan also has many other names, such as Yizhi, Bimu, lizhinui, yalizhi, mudan, lizhu, yanluan, jiaolei, yuanian, mipi, yuan yan rou, and so on.

2. High-Yield Cultivation Techniques for Guiyuan

1. Site selection

Although Guiyuan has a certain degree of drought resistance, when planting, a location close to a water source should still be chosen. The soil is best if it is red soil, sandy soil, or yellow soil, with deep soil layers and strong water and fertilizer retention capacity. This is very beneficial for the healthy growth and development of Guiyuan.

2. Seedling selection and field planting

Choose seedlings with well-developed root systems, robust plants, deep green leaf color, and no pests or diseases. Apart from winter, Guiyuan can be planted in all other seasons. When transplanting, make sure the seedling roots come into full contact with the soil, and water thoroughly to set the roots. After field planting, keep the soil moist to ensure the seedlings survive. It is best to plant on overcast and rainy days.

3. Fertilizer and water management

Fertilization for Guiyuan includes flower-promoting fertilizer, fruit-promoting fertilizer, and foliar topdressing. The first flower-promoting fertilizer is applied from late February to early March, and the second flower-promoting fertilizer from late March to early April. The fruit-promoting fertilizer is applied from mid-May to early June, after the first physiological fruit drop ends and before the second physiological fruit drop begins (that is, when the small fruits are the size of soybeans).

During the fruit development period, if there is excessive rain, pay attention to promptly draining accumulated water. In case of drought, it is even more necessary to irrigate promptly to retain moisture, ensuring normal fruit development.

4. Pest and disease control

The main pests and diseases of Guiyuan include: downy blight, witches' broom disease, leaf spot disease, anthracnose, stink bugs, fruit borers, and so on.

Based on the phenological period of Guiyuan, the occurrence patterns of pests and diseases, and the degree of damage, determine the spraying time, frequency, and types of pesticides. Generally, spray 3 to 5 times a year. While spraying, add an appropriate amount of phosphorus and potassium source, boron fertilizer, and Hailingjing biological stimulant (foliar type). This both prevents and controls pests and diseases and also provides foliar topdressing to protect flowers and fruits.

Use high-efficiency, low-toxicity pesticides for integrated control as much as possible. Also note that pesticides should be rotated with each pest and disease control application. Do not spray pesticides during the flowering period, and do not spray organophosphorus pesticides during the young fruit stage.