How to manage navel oranges during the fruit expansion period? Key technical points explained in detail
Navel orange is a very popular orange variety, mainly distributed in southern China. Navel oranges contain large amounts of vitamin C, carotene and other nutrients, which can promote blood circulation and prevent gallbladder diseases. Navel oranges also have a certain planting area in China, and the planting management of navel oranges is very important. Especially during the fruit expansion period, it directly affects yield and quality. So how should navel oranges be managed during the fruit expansion period? Let's take a look below!
1. Timely topdressing
Around June to July, the summer shoots gradually mature, and the growth rate of the roots also accelerates, beginning to enter the peak growth period. At this time, we should apply topdressing in time to promote the growth of fine roots and fruit expansion, and then ensure the fruit accumulates sufficient nutrition for autumn shoot germination. The topdressing time is generally about 2-3 weeks before autumn shoots germinate, arranged reasonably according to tree vigor. Generally, older trees with weak growth can release shoots earlier, while the opposite can release shoots appropriately later. When fertilizing, ensure balance and uniformity, and appropriately supplement trace elements for the fruit trees, which can promote fruit expansion, preserve flowers and fruits, and improve the disease resistance of the fruit trees.
2. Reasonable watering
Navel orange growth requires sufficient water, especially during the expansion period when the demand for water is greater. Water is a key factor affecting navel orange expansion, and has an important impact on fruit size, sugar content, and so on. Therefore, during the navel orange expansion period, sufficient water must be ensured to promote fruit growth and development. We should water reasonably according to soil moisture conditions. If there is no rainfall for more than a week, water in time. In high-temperature environments, first use spray watering to lower the temperature of the tree canopy, then water. Do not overwater, to prevent root rot from waterlogging that leads to navel orange fruit cracking.
3. Applying foliar fertilizer
During the expansion period, foliar fertilizer should be sprayed appropriately, especially after new buds emerge, foliar fertilizer should be supplemented in time to promote leaf growth. Foliar fertilizer is mainly nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer. When new shoots stop growing and the tips physiologically abscise, then increase the proportion of phosphorus and potassium fertilizer to promote fruit expansion and autumn shoot maturity. When spraying foliar fertilizer, brassinolide can be appropriately added to promote leaf nutrient absorption and improve the conversion rate of foliar fertilizer. Brassinolide can promote fruit cell division, help fruit expansion, reduce fruit cracking and fruit drop, and also help chlorophyll synthesis and enhance photosynthetic capacity.
4. Pest and disease control
The expansion period of navel oranges is generally around August each year, and this time is also a high-incidence stage for various pests and diseases, so we also need to strengthen pest and disease control work. Common pests and diseases of navel oranges include canker disease, citrus psyllid, and so on. Pest and disease control should focus on prevention, and the growth of navel oranges should be observed frequently. Achieve early detection and early treatment of pests and diseases to prevent the spread of the disease and expansion of the affected area. Especially when navel oranges sprout shoots, the probability of pest occurrence increases, so each autumn shoot should be sprayed at least twice. Generally, spraying begins when the shoots grow 1-2 cm, and then spraying is done again 2-3 weeks later for control.
When watering, we should also pay attention to temperature and light, to prevent long-term drought followed by soil rainfall from causing fruit cracking and leading to fruit drop. Therefore, management should be strengthened, the tree disk should be appropriately covered, and an appropriate amount of grass should be grown to improve soil moisture retention, lower temperature, and reduce water evaporation. That is all for today's introduction. This article is for reference only, and I hope it can help everyone!