Detailed Explanation of Early Spring Management Measures and Technical Points for Peach Orchards

For early spring management of peach orchards, focus on ditching, supplementary fertilizing, gap filling, and applying eradication agents, which helps form strong buds and lays the foundation for high yield and quality peaches that year.

1. Clear ditches for smooth drainage

Low-lying terrain and heavy clay soil mean waterlogging damage is a major constraint on high yield and quality of peach trees. Especially since precipitation was low since the second half of last year, it is highly likely that rainfall will be excessive this year. If the ditch system in the peach orchard does not drain smoothly, severe waterlogging will damage roots and weaken tree vigor. Therefore, for the main drainage ditches and perimeter ditches of the peach orchard, labor should be organized for thorough clearing, removing weeds and silt to ensure unobstructed drainage. Where conditions permit, the furrow ditches should also be deepened.

2. Apply spring fertilizer early based on tree vigor

For mid-season varieties that bore heavy fruit last year, such as Baifeng, Fenglu, and Taqiao peach trees, as well as some weak trees that have not received winter fertilizer since last winter, spring fertilizer should be applied early. Fertilization rates: imported compound fertilizer 0.5-1 kg per tree; domestic compound fertilizer 1.5-2 kg per tree. Apply in ring-shaped trenches and cover with soil after application. Fertilization time: end of February.

3. High-branch grafting

For wild peach trees in orchards three years or older, high-branch grafting can be used for top-working. Branch grafting generally has a high survival rate, and with a complete root system and thick rootstock, it can flower and bear fruit the following year, yielding a harvest. By the third year, it can produce yields comparable to trees of the same age. You can hire someone to do the grafting, timing it for the end of February to early March, when sap begins to flow, for the highest survival rate. Trees with poor varieties can also be top-worked by branch grafting to purify the variety.

4. Apply eradication agents at the appropriate time

Lime sulfur mixture has a strong killing effect on overwintering scale insects and aphids, and has a special effect in preventing peach tree shrinkage disease. It is the only control agent for this disease, and can also concurrently prevent peach brown rot and anthracnose. It is an excellent disease and pest eradication agent. The application time should be between early March and March 10, when the bud scales show slight red. The spray concentration can be reduced to 3-4 degrees Baume. For large growers with more than 10 mu, it is better to boil lime sulfur mixture yourself, as it has high utilization and lower cost. Small growers can spray lime sulfur mixture crystals, using 1.5-2 packets (400 g/packet) dissolved in one backpack sprayer of water.

5. Fill gaps and transplant in time

For newly planted peach orchards this year, under the premise of deep ditches and raised beds, strive to complete planting by late February. For missing trees or wild peach seedlings in one- to two-year-old peach orchards, fill gaps and plant in late February, apply adequate base fertilizer, and water thoroughly to promote survival and early growth.