What are the causes of frost damage in Sichuan pepper? Detailed explanation of the latest preventive measures

Frost damage to Sichuan pepper occurs frequently in winter and spring, and because farmers' preventive techniques are outdated, large areas of Sichuan pepper suffer freezing damage, seriously affecting the development of the Sichuan pepper industry. So what are the causes of frost damage in Sichuan pepper? How should it be prevented? Let's take a look together with the editor.

1. Causes of frost damage

During the overwintering period or during the spring tender shoot period, because extreme weather causes a sudden drop in temperature, the temperature of the whole tree or part of it drops below freezing point, causing damage to the crop, and because ice formation in the intercellular spaces inhibits the tissue, it causes the death of Sichuan pepper tissue. Frost damage to Sichuan pepper is mainly divided into two major categories. One is frost damage during the overwintering period caused by a sharp drop in temperature or sustained low temperatures. This kind of frost damage mainly appears in the tree body, branches and trunk, and root system, among which frost damage to branches and trunk is the most harmful. The other is frost damage caused by sharp cooling during the transition between autumn and winter or winter and spring, mainly damaging branches and trunk, flower clusters and root system. Cold air invasions in late winter and early spring often cause reduced yield or total crop failure of Sichuan pepper.

2. Preventive measures for winter frost damage

First, when establishing the orchard, choose varieties with strong cold resistance, and at the same time, according to local extreme weather, choose fields with fertile soil, relatively gentle slope and facing the sun while sheltered from the wind. After harvesting Sichuan pepper and in the late growth stage, fertilize in time, control the amount of nitrogen fertilizer applied, increase the application of phosphorus and potassium fertilizer, do a good job in pest and disease control, and strengthen tree vigor. Before overwintering, methods such as mounding soil around the tree disk, whitewashing the trunk, wrapping the trunk with straw, and spraying insulation agents can be used for cold protection and heat preservation.

3. Preventive measures for spring cold waves

Before the arrival of spring cold waves, emergency preventive measures need to be taken to raise the temperature in the pepper orchard, so that the parts of Sichuan pepper susceptible to frost damage remain above the critical temperature for damage and avoid frost damage. Methods such as wrapping the trunk, irrigation or spraying water, and smoke generation can be used for frost protection. Before overwintering, use rice straw or crop stalks to wrap young Sichuan pepper trees for warmth and cold protection; irrigation should be carried out 2-3 days before frost, changing the soil water content through irrigation, regulating the temperature changes near the ground around the tree body, and reducing the degree of frost damage to the tree body and flower organs caused by drastic temperature changes; smoke generation in the pepper orchard can raise the temperature by 1-2 degrees, but care should be taken not to start an open flame.

4. Remedial measures

After frost damage occurs in Sichuan pepper, remedial measures should be taken in time. Especially when frost damage appears on the trunk, irrigate or spray growth regulators in time to ensure sufficient fertilizer and water in the early stage and ensure recovery of tree vigor. For frozen branches and shoots, the dead parts can be cut off before and after budding. After pruning, apply a protective agent to the wounds to reduce water transpiration, prevent pest and disease invasion, and enhance the stress resistance of the tree body.

The above is an introduction to the causes of frost damage in Sichuan pepper and preventive measures. We hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.