How to Promote Flower Bud Differentiation in Wax Apple? A Detailed Guide to Practical Methods
Wax apple is a very popular fruit. It has high nutritional value, can also be used as medicine, and has a certain ornamental value. During the growing period, the flower bud differentiation of wax apple is related to the later yield and quality. So how do you promote flower bud differentiation in wax apple? Let's find out together.
1. Control fertilizer
Nitrogen fertilizer promotes vegetative growth, so controlling fertilizer means controlling the application of nitrogen fertilizer. In the 1-2 months before flower induction in wax apple, apart from applying a small amount of nitrogen fertilizer to trees with weaker vigor, no other nitrogen fertilizer or organic fertilizer should be applied; only phosphorus and potassium fertilizer and trace elements need to be applied. If the bud forcing time is at the end of September, when the temperature is relatively high, applying nitrogen fertilizer too early will cause the tree to sprout a large number of new shoots and lead to failure of bud forcing, so you must wait until bud forcing is completed before applying nitrogen fertilizer.
2. Girdling
Girdling can cut off the tree's nutrient transport, inhibit vegetative growth, and promote reproductive growth. Generally, 1 month before bud forcing, girdle the trunk at 30 cm above the ground. The girdling width is generally 1-3 cm and can be determined according to the strength of the tree vigor; generally, the stronger the tree vigor, the relatively wider the girdling width, and vice versa. This not only helps promote flower bud differentiation but also promotes timely healing of the wound. If the wound has already healed after flower induction, it should be done once more. If the wound has not healed after flower induction is completed, measures such as mounding soil and applying a healing agent should be taken to speed up wound healing.
3. Root pruning
In addition to girdling, which can inhibit vegetative growth, root pruning can also be used. According to the tree age and growth vigor, half a month before flower forcing, dig a ring-shaped trench 20-30 cm deep by hand at 40-60 cm from the edge of the canopy to cut off part of the tree's root system. However, this method is only suitable for trees with strong vigor; trees with weaker vigor are not suitable for it.
4. Shading
The shading method can be used to lower the temperature. During the day, it can weaken light intensity and reduce the temperature by 4-9 degrees. Shading can interfere with the tree's photosynthesis, reduce nutrient synthesis, and promote flower bud differentiation. A shade net with a shading rate of 90%-95% is suitable; if the canopy leaves are dense, 60% is suitable, so as to achieve the ideal flower induction effect. The shading period must also be grasped well, and it should be considered from the maturity of the leaves as well as the flower induction time. Generally, it is carried out when the third flush of shoots and leaves has matured. The number of shading days should also be determined according to the climate and the flower induction date. To ensure fruit quality, the number of shading days should not be too many; 35-45 days is suitable.
The above is an introduction to how to promote flower bud differentiation in wax apple. We hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.