How to Grow Shiranui Oranges? A Detailed Guide to the Latest Planting Methods
The reason the Shiranui orange is called "ugly orange" is that its appearance is truly unattractive, so it fully lives up to the name "ugly orange." Academically, it has a rather nice name: Shiranui. Many people also call it convex-top mandarin, ugly eight, and the like. It is a product of grafting using the top-grafting variety-change technique. Although it is ugly, the fruit is extremely sweet and tastes very good. So today let us study the planting methods for Shiranui oranges together.
1. Orchard Construction
Generally, any site where citrus can be grown can be used to plant Shiranui oranges. In other words, the orchard site for Shiranui oranges is chosen on gently sloping land with fertile soil, moderate soil pH, and relatively high terrain, while also having well-developed transportation around it, convenient irrigation, and sufficient water sources. Generally, plots meeting these conditions can all be used for orchard construction.
2. Cultivation Techniques
Shiranui oranges can generally be planted in spring and autumn, specifically in February each year and from September to November. When planting, we need to prepare the land in advance. Usually pit cultivation is sufficient: dig the planting pits, each 80 to 90 cm wide and deep, then spread about 40 to 50 cm of base fertilizer into the planting pit, and cover it with a layer of fine soil about 3 to 4 cm thick. The row spacing between planting pits is generally about 4 m, and the plant spacing is about 3 m. Then plant the purchased Shiranui orange seedlings. When planting, note that the seedling roots should be fully spread out and the seedling should be held upright, then backfill with soil and water an appropriate amount.
3. Water and Fertilizer Management
Water and fertilizer management is very important; it directly affects the yield and quality of Shiranui oranges. When fertilizing, we must fully consider the nutrients needed for the growth of Shiranui oranges, mainly using organic fertilizer, rationally using chemical fertilizer, and adopting soil ring application, furrow application, and hole application methods, combined with foliar fertilizer. During the seedling stage of Shiranui oranges, topdressing must be carried out at least 5 to 6 times a year. During this period, nitrogen fertilizer is mainly used to promote branch growth, together with a three-element compound fertilizer. For adult Shiranui orange trees, topdressing is generally 3 to 4 times a year, divided into growth fertilizer, flower-promoting fertilizer, fruit-strengthening fertilizer, and maintenance fertilizer. According to different growth stages, rationally control the nutrient configuration. Finally, watering must be done scientifically. During dry weather, maintain soil moisture; when rainfall is heavy, drain promptly. Be sure to avoid alternating too much and too little water. Also, in the later stage of fruit growth, appropriately reduce water to accumulate sugar and improve the quality of Shiranui oranges.
4. Pruning and Shaping
Pruning and shaping the branches and leaves of Shiranui oranges is also a way to increase yield. When pruning and shaping, what we must ensure is the air circulation and three-dimensional structure within the orchard. During the young tree stage, mainly light pruning is used to regulate the growth balance among branches. For Shiranui orange trees that have just begun to bear fruit, pruning is generally mainly aimed at the backbone branches at all levels, promoting the growth of side branches, and scientifically adopting the ring-cutting technique. For Shiranui orange trees in the full fruiting stage, pruning is carried out according to the principle of removing old branches, dead branches, dense branches, diseased branches, and weak branches.
5. Pest and Disease Control
The most important disease of Shiranui oranges is anthracnose. We can prevent it by rationally controlling the use of nitrogen fertilizer, and at the same time use chlorothalonil or zineb for control. Next, foot rot is also relatively serious, and carbendazim can be used for control. Shiranui oranges have many insect pests, including mites, scale insects, aphids, citrus leafminer, longhorn beetles, and flower bud maggots. We can use pyridaben, methidathion, dimethoate, cyhalothrin, technical-grade insecticide, and jiaDi powder for control respectively.
In fact, the planting methods for Shiranui oranges are not very different from those for other citrus fruits. What we need to do is, while understanding the planting methods for other citrus fruits, pay attention to some of the more unique growth habits of Shiranui oranges. In this way, growing Shiranui oranges will naturally present no problems. If you want to learn more information, remember to follow us.