Detailed Explanation of Key Points of Mulberry Cultivation and Management Techniques
Mulberry is the fruit of the mulberry tree. Mulberries are extremely rich in nutrients and various health-care functions, with a delicious taste, and have been very popular since ancient times. However, traditional mulberry cultivation was mainly based on growing mulberry leaves to raise silkworms, but now, with the development of the planting industry and people's demand for mulberries, the mulberry planting area oriented toward mulberry fruit cultivation is also becoming wider and wider. So how should mulberries be managed when grown? Below, the editor brings you the management techniques for mulberries. Let's take a look!
1. Shaping and pruning
Usually, before planting, the plant needs to be cut back to a height of about 25 cm, and when the new shoots grow to about 18 cm, the growing tips should be pinched off in time to promote the sprouting of side branches and increase the area of the tree canopy. In June of the second year after planting, when the mulberries are ripe, summer pruning work should begin. Each fruiting mother branch should retain about 3 buds, then be cut back to promote the sprouting of new shoots. In winter, all weak, diseased, and pest-damaged branches that grew in summer should be cut off. However, an appropriate number of fruiting mother branches should be retained, and the poorly developed parts about 18 cm at the top of the branches should be cut off.
2. Bud removal and tip pinching
Bud removal and tip pinching should be carried out according to the age of the tree. Fruit trees that have borne fruit for more than two years should have their buds removed at the end of March each year, removing the adventitious buds on the trunk and the weak buds at the base of the fruiting mother branches. Observe the growth of the fruit trees regularly, and begin pinching the tips when there are about 5 new leaves at the top of the fruiting mother branches. The specific time for pinching tips is determined by the planting region and the age of the tree, but it is generally after Qingming Festival. Pinching tips at this time helps promote the transition of the fruit tree from vegetative growth to reproductive growth, promotes the tree's absorption of light, increases mulberry yield, and enhances mulberry quality.
3. Water and fertilizer management
Mulberries have a relatively large demand for water and fertilizer, especially during the budding period in spring and summer. If there is a water shortage during these two periods, water should be replenished in time. Otherwise, the new buds will have weak growth capacity and are prone to pests and diseases, which will have a relatively serious impact on the growth of mulberries. Then, in winter each year, apply sufficient base fertilizer and control the amount of fertilizer used. The main fertilizer should be farmyard manure, reducing the proportion of chemical fertilizer application. After each pruning, an appropriate amount of quick-acting nitrogen fertilizer should be applied as a top dressing, and during periods such as the flowering stage and young fruit stage, foliar fertilizer should be sprayed appropriately to increase the sugar content of the fruit, promote fruit development, and improve quality.
4. Timely harvesting
Harvesting mulberries also involves certain techniques. Under normal circumstances, mulberries usually mature around May each year. Observe the changes in the fruit. When the fruit color gradually changes from red to purple and the surface is glossy and translucent, it indicates that the fruit is almost ripe. When harvesting, pay attention to the harvesting method. Handle the fruit gently to avoid breaking the skin, which would damage the fruit and reduce its storability. After harvesting, it should be placed in plastic boxes or similar containers, and after harvesting it should be brought to market in time, because mulberries are relatively fragile, so injury should be avoided and they should be brought to market as soon as possible.
The above is a brief introduction to mulberry cultivation and management techniques. Mulberry cultivation is relatively simple, but because mulberry trees have many pests and diseases, pest and disease prevention and control management should also be done well during the planting process. That is all for today's introduction. This article is for reference only. If you want to learn more related information, please continue to follow us!