What are the key points of winter management techniques for Sichuan pepper?

The first is "pruning", which means shaping and pruning. Winter is a great season for pruning Sichuan pepper. When pruning, the "seven branches" must be cut off, namely: water sprouts, dead branches, diseased and pest-infested branches, overly dense branches, crossing branches, overlapping branches, and weak slender branches. Then the cut branches should be gathered and burned, which can eliminate pests and pathogens overwintering on the branches and trunks. Through shaping and pruning the Sichuan pepper tree, the tree vigor can be regulated, the lifespan of the Sichuan pepper tree can be extended, and the yield and quality of Sichuan pepper can be improved.

The second is "scraping", which means scraping off rough bark. Many insect eggs overwinter in the cracks of the rough bark of the pepper tree, and mulberry white scale insects parasitize the trunk. The scraped rough bark and gummosis spots should be gathered and burned, then apply Liujiaowei and Suolibaer pesticides, and then smear thin mud to cover the wounds, which can eliminate pathogens and insect eggs. This method also has the effect of rejuvenating tree vigor. In high-cold regions, it is better to do this in spring.

The third is "coating", which means whitewashing the trunk. Whitewashing can reduce freezing damage, delay the sprouting and flowering of the pepper tree, and protect the pepper tree from late spring frost damage. In addition, it can also kill overwintering insect eggs and pathogens hidden in the bark. The pesticide for whitewashing the trunk includes "high-efficiency whitewash agent", which is extremely effective.

The fourth is "spraying", which means spraying pesticides. Some pathogens and insect eggs overwinter not only on dead branches, fallen leaves and weeds, but can also parasitize and overwinter in places such as tree forks. Therefore, before the pepper tree sprouts, spray Suolibaer and "99" insecticide net pesticide once generally; it is best to spray before the Sichuan pepper leaves fall, and the control effect is excellent. At the same time, other trees around the pepper orchard should also be sprayed to prevent the spread of pests and diseases. The fifth is "cleaning", which means cleaning the pepper orchard. Some pathogens and insect eggs of the pepper tree overwinter parasitizing on dead branches and rotten leaves. In winter, before turning the orchard soil, clean up the debris in the pepper orchard, gather and burn it, which can eliminate overwintering pathogens and insect eggs.

The sixth is "fertilizing", which means changing soil and applying fertilizer. Dig away the old soil at the base of the Sichuan pepper tree to expose the roots, and cut off diseased roots. Sprinkle Genfusan pesticide, then replace with new soil and bury it well, which can prevent and control root rot. Then, under the canopy of the Sichuan pepper tree, use ring-shaped, radial, and strip-shaped fertilization methods to apply farmyard manure, phosphate fertilizer, and potassium fertilizer, and apply some nitrogen fertilizer appropriately.

The seventh is "turning", which means turning the Sichuan pepper orchard soil. By using the natural conditions of low temperature and drought in winter, turning the orchard soil brings overwintering pests in the soil to the surface to freeze to death or be eaten by birds. The turning depth should preferably be 20-25 cm. It is best to do this before the soil freezes. Turning the pepper orchard soil can not only eliminate overwintering pests, but also improve soil physical and chemical properties, improve soil structure, and enhance the soil's ability to retain water and moisture in winter.

The eighth is "watering", which means watering in winter. When entering the "Sanjiu" period, giving the Sichuan pepper a full watering of winter water can play a role in keeping it warm for safe overwintering, increasing nutrition, and improving the tree's resistance.