To achieve high yields in goji berry (Lycium barbarum), flower and fruit retention techniques are key

Severe flower and fruit drop is an important cause affecting goji berry yields. Several effective control methods are introduced here.

1. Foliar fertilizer spraying

On the basis of applying good base fertilizer, foliar fertilizer spraying during the flowering and fruiting period can reduce flower and fruit drop. However, different types and ratios of fertilizer sprays have different effects on preventing flower and fruit drop. According to experiments: foliar fertilizer spraying increases the fruit-setting rate by 38% compared with water spraying. The best effect is achieved with a ternary compound fertilizer of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, with a ratio of 1:1:1 being the most effective; compared with water spraying, it reduces flower and fruit drop by 55%, increases the thousand-grain weight of fruit by 2%-77%, and increases the soluble solids content by 11%.

2. Foliar rare earth spraying

According to experiments: spraying goji berry foliage with a 0.1% concentration of rare earth fertilizer can reduce flower and fruit drop by 19%-42%, increase the thousand-grain fruit weight by 13%, and also promote tree growth, increasing the hundred-leaf weight of spring shoots and chlorophyll content, and strengthening phosphorus absorption. For rare earth spraying concentration, young trees should use 0.05%-0.10%, and mature trees do best with 0.10%-0.15%. If sprayed twice a year, it is best to spray once in mid-June and once in early July. Rare earth can be applied alone or in combination with "Aiduoshou".

3. Foliar spraying of plant growth regulators

(1) a-Naphthaleneacetic acid: During the peak flowering and fruiting period of goji berry (early June to early July), spraying the canopy with a 15×10-6 to 100×10-6 concentration of a-naphthaleneacetic acid can reduce flower and fruit drop and increase the thousand-grain fruit weight.

During use, because the concentration is too low to prepare easily, a high-concentration stock solution can first be made, and then a certain amount of the stock solution can be taken and diluted with water. For example, dissolve 1 gram of the chemical in 1000 milliliters of hot water; each 1 milliliter of the solution then contains 1 milligram of a-naphthaleneacetic acid. If a 15×10-6 concentration solution is to be prepared, measure 15 milliliters of the stock solution and add 985 milliliters of hot water.

(2) 2,4-D: 2,4-D can be used to prevent flower and fruit drop in fruit trees and vegetables and to form seedless fruits. It can also promote early fruit ripening and increase yield. During the peak flowering and fruiting period of goji berry, spraying the canopy with a 15×10-6 to 100×10-6 concentration aqueous solution of 2,4-D can reduce flower and fruit drop and increase the thousand-grain fruit weight.

(3) Aiduoshou: Aiduoshou has effects on plants such as promoting development, advancing flowering, improving quality, and preventing flower and fruit drop. During the flowering and fruiting season of goji berry, spraying the canopy with a 0.1%-0.15% concentration of Aiduoshou can reduce flower and fruit drop by 12%-16% and increase yield by 12%-35%.