Eight Key Points of Winter Management for Sichuan Pepper Trees Explained in Detail

The first is "pruning", which means shaping and pruning. Winter is a great season for pruning Sichuan pepper trees. When pruning, the "seven branches" must be removed, namely: water sprouts, dead branches, diseased and pest-infested branches, overly dense branches, crossing branches, overlapping branches, and weak slender branches. Then the removed branches should be gathered and burned, which can eliminate pests and pathogens overwintering on the branches and trunk.

The second is "scraping", which means scraping off the rough bark. Many insect eggs overwinter in the cracks of the rough bark of pepper trees, 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 cover the wounds with thin mud, which can eliminate pathogens and insect eggs. This method also has the effect of rejuvenating tree vigor.

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

The fourth is "spraying", which means spraying pesticides. Some pathogens and insect eggs not only overwinter on dead branches, fallen leaves and weeds, but can also parasitize and overwinter in tree forks and other parts. Therefore, before the pepper trees sprout, spray once with Suolibaer and "99" insecticide generally. It is best to spray before the Sichuan pepper leaves fall, for an excellent control effect. At the same time, other trees around the pepper orchard should also be sprayed to prevent the spread of diseases and pests.

The fifth is "cleaning", which means cleaning the pepper orchard. Some pathogens and insect eggs of pepper trees parasitize and overwinter on dead branches and rotten leaves. In winter, before turning the soil in the orchard, sweep the debris in the pepper orchard clean and gather it for burning, which can eliminate overwintering pathogens and insect eggs.

The sixth is "applying", which means replacing soil and applying fertilizer. Dig open the old soil at the base of the Sichuan pepper tree to expose the roots, and prune diseased roots. Sprinkle Genfusan pesticide, then replace with new soil and bury 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, with an appropriate amount of nitrogen fertilizer.

The seventh is "turning", which means turning the pepper orchard soil. By taking advantage of 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 the physical and chemical properties of the soil, improve soil structure, and enhance the soil's ability to retain water and moisture in winter.

The eighth is "watering", which means winter watering. When entering the "Sanjiu" period, give the Sichuan pepper trees one thorough winter watering, which can provide warmth for safe overwintering and increase nutrition, improving the tree's resistance.