Planting Methods and Key Technical Points for Shiranui Mandarins

The reason the Shiranui mandarin is called the "ugly mandarin" is that its appearance is truly unattractive, so the name "ugly mandarin" really fits it. Academically, it has a much nicer name: Shiranui. Many people also call it convex-top mandarin, "ugly eight" and so on. It is a product created by grafting using the top-grafting variety-change technique. Although ugly, its fruit is extremely sweet and its taste is very good. So today let us learn together about the planting methods for Shiranui mandarins.

1. Orchard Construction

Generally, any site where citrus can be grown can be used to plant Shiranui mandarins. That is to say, the orchard site for Shiranui mandarins will be chosen on gently sloping land with fertile soil, moderate soil pH, and relatively high terrain, while also having well-developed transportation on all sides, convenient irrigation, and sufficient water sources. Generally, any plot meeting these conditions can be used for orchard construction.

2. Cultivation Techniques

Shiranui mandarins 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; generally, pit reclamation is sufficient. Dig the planting holes, with each hole about 80 to 90 cm wide and deep, then spread about 40 to 50 cm of base fertilizer into the planting hole, and cover it with a layer of fine soil about 3 to 4 cm thick. The row spacing between planting holes is generally about 4 m, and the plant spacing is about 3 m. Then plant the purchased Shiranui mandarin seedlings. When planting, pay attention to fully spreading out the seedling roots and setting the seedling upright, then backfill with soil and water an appropriate amount.

3. Water and Fertilizer Management

Water and fertilizer management is very important, as it directly affects the yield and quality of Shiranui mandarins. When fertilizing, we must fully consider the nutrients needed for the growth of Shiranui mandarins, mainly using organic fertilizer, rationally using chemical fertilizer, and adopting soil ring application, trench application, and hole application methods, combined with foliar fertilizer. During the seedling stage of Shiranui mandarins, topdressing should be carried out at least 5 to 6 times a year; during this period, nitrogen fertilizer is mainly used to promote branch growth, combined with ternary compound fertilizer. For adult Shiranui mandarin trees, topdressing is generally done 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 abundant, drain promptly, and by no means let water be sometimes too much and sometimes too little. In addition, in the later stage of fruit growth, appropriately reduce water to accumulate sugar and improve the quality of Shiranui mandarins.

4. Pruning and Shaping

Pruning and shaping the branches and leaves of Shiranui mandarins is also a way to increase yield. When pruning and shaping, what we must ensure is the airiness and three-dimensional structure of the orchard. During the young tree stage, mainly light pruning is used to regulate the growth balance among branches. For Shiranui mandarin trees that have just begun to bear fruit, pruning is generally mainly focused on the backbone branches at all levels to promote side branch growth, and ring-cutting techniques should be scientifically adopted. For Shiranui mandarin trees in full fruit 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 main disease of Shiranui mandarins is anthracnose, which we can prevent by rationally controlling the use of nitrogen fertilizer, and at the same time we can use chlorothalonil or zineb for control. Next, foot rot is also relatively serious and can be controlled with carbendazim. Shiranui mandarins have many insect pests, including mite pests, scale insect pests, aphid pests, leafminers, longhorn beetles, and flower bud maggots. We can use pyridaben, methidathion, dimethoate, cyhalothrin, technical-grade insecticide, and methamidophos powder respectively for control.

In fact, the planting methods for Shiranui mandarins are not very different from those for other citrus. What we need to do is, while understanding the planting methods for other citrus, pay attention to some of the more unique growth habits of Shiranui mandarins. In this way, planting Shiranui mandarins will naturally present no problems. If you want to learn more information, remember to follow us.