How to Promote Flowering in Shatang Mandarin Oranges: Key Technical Points Explained in Detail

Shatang mandarin orange (Citrus reticulata 'Shatang') is currently one of the more widely planted citrus varieties. It generally flowers and bears fruit in the second year after planting, with high yield and good temperature conditions, and relatively high economic value. However, because the tree vigor is overly vigorous or the tree does not flower, or flowers late, this affects yield, so measures must be taken to promote flowering in a timely manner to achieve high and stable yields. Let's take a look at the details below.

1. Root Cutting

Shatang mandarin orange absorbs nutrients and water from the soil through its root system to maintain growth. When overly vigorous tree vigor affects normal flowering, we can adopt the measure of root cutting to reduce the absorptive capacity of the root system and decrease the plant's absorption of water and nutrients, thereby inhibiting vegetative growth and promoting the plant's transition to reproductive growth. This method works better on plants with relatively vigorous tree vigor. Root cutting is generally carried out from September to December. First, dig a trench 50 cm wide and 30 cm deep within the tree canopy, with the length depending on the canopy size, expose the roots for 1 month, then backfill with soil. However, this method is suitable for areas with relatively high winter temperatures and no frost damage.

2. Ring Girdling

Ring girdling is a measure adopted in production. It can prevent nutrients from flowing downward in the tree, promote the accumulation of nutrients in the upper part, promote flower bud differentiation, and make the plant produce more flowers. The timing of ring girdling depends on local climatic conditions, and it is generally carried out from October to November. Use a specially made ring girdling knife to cut through the phloem of the branches, with the depth reaching the xylem but without damaging the xylem. After ring girdling, attention should be paid to fertilizer and water management, and the wounds should be disinfected properly. At the same time, note that strong pesticides such as lime sulfur mixture should not be sprayed, so as to avoid the wounds failing to heal normally, which would lead to flower and leaf drop later on.

3. Chemical Regulation

According to modern research, the differentiation of Shatang mandarin orange is related to its hormonal regulation. Therefore, when Shatang mandarin orange flower buds are differentiating, spraying a higher concentration of gibberellin will inhibit its flower bud differentiation, while a lower concentration will promote its flowering. So in production, paclobutrazol is often sprayed. Generally, from August to December, for plantings with relatively vigorous tree vigor, spray paclobutrazol once every half month for 2-3 consecutive times. Of course, it can also be applied by watering, with an appropriate amount of paclobutrazol poured on each plant according to the size of the canopy.

The above is an introduction to the flower promotion techniques for Shatang mandarin oranges. We hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.