How to protect citrus leaves in winter? Latest tips shared
After citrus enters the dormant period in winter, most of the tree's nutrients are stored in the leaves, so proper leaf protection in winter not only helps enhance the tree's cold resistance and promote flower bud differentiation, but also benefits the sprouting, flowering and fruiting of the following year. So how should citrus leaves be protected in winter? Come and take a look with the editor.
1. Spraying to protect leaves
Focus on controlling red spider mites. The red spider mite is one of the main pests harming citrus. It has no obvious diapause period. Even when winter temperatures are low, red spider mites still cause serious damage, and it is one of the main causes of abnormal leaf drop in citrus. When the number of red spider mites found on each leaf exceeds one, propargite or fenbutatin oxide and other pesticides can be sprayed for control.
2. Fertilizing and spraying growth regulators
After citrus is harvested, nutrients are depleted. If fertilizer is not applied in time, some orchards will show curling and wilting of old leaves. Therefore, fertilizing immediately after fruit picking can keep the leaf color dark green and help the tree recover its vigor relatively quickly. Paclobutrazol can also be sprayed, which can enhance chlorophyll synthesis in the leaves, improve leaf photosynthesis, and prevent premature leaf aging.
3. Pruning
Proper pruning can significantly improve light conditions and promote leaf photosynthesis. When pruning, follow the principle of leaving empty space and removing dense growth, and leaving strong growth and removing weak growth. Timely thin out dense branches, crossing branches and overlapping branches, and also cut off water sprouts, drooping branches and branches with severe pests and diseases.
4. Drought resistance, waterlogging prevention and freezing prevention
Drought and lack of water can easily cause the root system to dry up, weaken its ability to absorb nutrients and water, increase leaf transpiration, and cause leaf drop. Therefore, after winter begins, when drought occurs, water in time to resist drought. Furrow irrigation or hole irrigation can be adopted, combined with spraying water on the leaves. If there is rainy weather, drain water in time after the rain. In addition, after fruit harvesting, combine deep soil plowing and apply a heavy fertilizer once, then earth up after fertilizing to raise soil temperature. In the early stage of Frost's Descent, whitewash the trunk or wrap it with straw to help it overwinter.
The above is an introduction to winter citrus leaf protection techniques. I hope it can help you. To learn more related knowledge, please keep following us.