Gonggan Mandarin Orange Cultivation Methods and Key Technical Points

Gonggan mandarin orange has the title of "King of Citrus" in China. It is a fruit that combines the merits of both orange and mandarin, and of course it is a hybrid product of mandarin and orange. Its cultivation history in China is very long. In ancient times, gonggan was even a tribute fruit reserved for emperors. So how is gonggan cultivated? Today let us step into the world of gonggan cultivation together and explore its cultivation methods.

1. Orchard Site Improvement

Since gonggan holds such a high status, the selection of the planting site is also very important. Generally, fields, mountain land, hills, and plains are chosen with rich soil organic matter content, deep soil layers, well-developed soil structure, abundant water resources, complete drainage and irrigation systems, and convenient transportation for easy shipping. We need to reclaim the land according to the plan, and dig planting holes at fixed points. The planting holes should be about one meter wide and seventy cm deep. Apply sufficient base fertilizer, then cover with a layer of fine soil.

2. Planting and Afforestation

For gonggan seedlings, we should select seedlings with well-developed root systems, thick and strong growth, no pests or diseases, a height of about sixty to eighty cm, and relatively thick stems. Before planting, the branches and leaves of the seedlings need to be properly pruned. If planting on flat land, the spacing is generally about three meters between rows and two meters between plants, while on sloping land, the spacing is three point five meters between rows and two point five meters between plants. The planting time is generally when buds sprout in spring each year and around October to November in autumn. Finally, about half a month after planting, appropriate watering is needed.

3. Young Tree Management

The management of young trees mainly promotes the growth of branches and leaves, and the fertilizing principle is to apply frequently and lightly. About ten days after planting, a topdressing is needed, mainly nitrogen fertilizer, to strengthen the shoots. Then about one month after planting, an appropriate amount of urea should be applied and watered in after dilution. Fertilization is needed at least five to six times a year, and the fertilizer concentration gradually increases as the branches grow. In the second year of fertilization, besides nitrogen fertilizer, a three-element compound fertilizer also needs to be added. By the third year, compound fertilizer is the main type, combined with organic decomposed fertilizer. In order to promote early fruiting and high yield of gonggan, reasonable shaping and pruning are necessary to control the growth at the top. Methods such as guy-wire shaping and bud wiping to control shoots are used for pruning and shaping. Watering and drainage should also be carried out according to the water requirements for gonggan growth. At the same time, hilling, loosening soil, and weeding should be carried out at least three times a year.

4. Mature Tree Management

For mature gonggan trees, management mainly involves topdressing and pruning of branches and leaves. For mature fruit trees, generally only four fertilizations are needed each year. The first is when branches and leaves sprout in spring, mainly nitrogen fertilizer. The second is before flowering, mainly phosphorus fertilizer. The third is after flowering to promote fruit enlargement, mainly potassium fertilizer and phosphorus fertilizer. The last is after fruit harvest, to maintain the fruit trees and ensure a high yield the following year. Pruning of gonggan trees is generally carried out in summer, mainly to remove dense growth, diseased branches, dead branches, and old branches, so as to achieve high yield. Secondly, to protect flowers and fruits, we also need to carry out girdling. Finally, water must be reasonably controlled, especially during the fruiting period. Water should not alternate between too much and too little, otherwise fruit cracking will occur. In the later stage of fruit growth, water should be appropriately reduced to allow gonggan to accumulate sugar.

The above is what the editor wants to introduce to you today: the cultivation methods of gonggan. In fact, there are still many points to pay attention to when cultivating gonggan, but the editor's energy is also limited. However, if everyone wants to learn more about gonggan, you can contact the editor.