Kiwifruit Girdling: Latest Methods and Precautions Explained
Girdling is one of the tasks commonly carried out during kiwifruit cultivation. It is mainly used to interrupt the transport system of the bark, so that substances synthesized by photosynthesis cannot be transported downward, thereby increasing the accumulation of organic matter in the fruit and achieving the purpose of increasing yield. So how should girdling be carried out? What should be noted when girdling? Let's find out together.
1. Girdling position and tree age
The best choice of girdling position for kiwifruit is on the main trunk. Generally, girdling is carried out on older trees with vigorous growth. It can be done 1-2 times a year: vigorous trees can be girdled twice, moderately growing trees once, while weak trees and trees affected by pests and diseases are not suitable for girdling, and trees younger than seven years are not recommended for girdling. If friends without experience want to give it a try, they can choose to do it on a primary branch or secondary branch, or girdle two half-circles, staggered opposite each other above and below, with a spacing of 10cm.
2. Girdling time
Girdling is mostly chosen in July, when most kiwifruit have already entered the sugar conversion stage of their growth period. At this time, summer shoots grow extremely fast and compete with fruit growth and development for water and nutrients. Therefore, summer pruning generally needs to be done once every half month. Girdling reduces auxin content and increases ethylene, thereby inhibiting vegetative growth and promoting reproductive growth. It can effectively cap the shoot tips and promote the maturation of branches.
3. Management after girdling
The girdling period occurs in a high-temperature, high-humidity environment, which is highly prone to outbreaks of pests and diseases. Therefore, after girdling, the wound should be bandaged promptly to prevent infection and invasion by pathogens. Girdling can cause yellowing and decline of tree vigor, so during the flower spike emergence stage and fruit expansion stage, fertilizer and water management should be strengthened, with particular attention to applying more foliar fertilizer.
4. Precautions
When girdling, be sure to pay attention to the force used, and do not damage the xylem, otherwise it will have a great impact on the transport of fertilizer and water. The girdling width is recommended not to exceed half a centimeter, and the spacing between two girdles should be greater than 10 centimeters. Vigorous, older fruit trees are suitable for girdling, but orchards with trees under 7 years old are not recommended for girdling, and young trees and diseased trees are not recommended for girdling. Tools should be disinfected when girdling, and disinfection should be carried out after each tree is treated, so as to prevent the spread of diseases between fruit trees. The second girdling should be carried out after the wound from the first girdling has healed. Girdling cannot be done on all branches, and the distance between two girdles must not be too close, as this can very easily cause the bark to peel off.
The above is an introduction to kiwifruit girdling methods and precautions. We hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.