How to Promote Flowering in Shantang Mandarin: A Detailed Tutorial on the Latest Techniques and Methods
Shantang mandarin is currently one of the more widely planted citrus varieties. It generally can bloom and bear fruit in the second year after planting, with high yield and temperature, and relatively high economic value. However, because excessive tree vigor or failure to bloom, or delayed blooming, affects the yield, it is necessary to take timely flowering promotion measures to achieve high and stable yields. Let's take a look at the detailed content below.
1. Root pruning
Shantang mandarin absorbs nutrients and water from the soil through its root system to maintain growth. When excessive tree vigor affects normal flowering, we can adopt root pruning measures to reduce the absorptive capacity of the root system, decrease the plant's absorption of water and nutrients, thereby inhibiting vegetative growth and promoting the plant's transition to reproductive growth. This method works better for plants with relatively strong vigor. Root pruning is generally carried out from September to December. First, dig a trench 50 cm wide and 30 cm deep within the canopy; the extent depends on the canopy. Expose the roots for 1 month, then backfill with soil. However, this method is suitable for areas with relatively high winter temperatures and no freeze damage.
2. Girdling
Girdling is a measure adopted in production. It can prevent nutrients from flowing downward in the tree, promote accumulation of nutrients in the upper part, promote flower bud differentiation, and make the plant bloom more. The timing of girdling depends on local climatic conditions, generally carried out from October to November. Use a specially made girdling knife to cut through the phloem of the branches, with the depth reaching the xylem but without damaging the xylem. After girdling, pay attention to fertilizer and water management, do a good job of disinfecting the wounds, and at the same time be careful not to spray strong pesticides such as lime sulfur mixture, so as to avoid the wounds failing to heal normally and causing flower and leaf drop later.
3. Chemical regulation
According to modern research, the differentiation of Shantang mandarin is related to its hormonal regulation. Therefore, during flower bud differentiation of Shantang mandarin, spraying a higher concentration of gibberellin will inhibit its flower bud differentiation, while a lower concentration will promote its flowering. Therefore, in production, paclobutrazol is often sprayed. Generally, from August to December, for plantings with relatively strong tree vigor, spray paclobutrazol once every half month, for 2-3 consecutive times. Of course, it can also be applied by watering. According to the size of the canopy, apply an appropriate amount of paclobutrazol to each plant.
The above is an introduction to the flowering promotion techniques for Shantang mandarin. We hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.