Detailed Explanation of the Key Technical Points for the Cultivation and Management of Dwarf Apple Saplings
Dwarf apple saplings are actually a planting technique based on ordinary apple nursery stock, using dwarfing and close planting to reduce field operations, improve the utilization rate of land resources, and increase apple yield and quality. So how can we grow dwarf apple saplings? And how should dwarf apple saplings be cultivated and managed? Let's take a look at the specific planting introduction below.
1. Selecting Varieties
When selecting varieties of dwarf apple saplings, the first thing we need to consider is the environment of the planting site, because different varieties are suited to different environments. For example, in Shandong, M-series varieties are suitable for planting; in Liaoning, GM256 is suitable; and in Chengde, SH40 is suitable. In addition, apple varieties are also divided into early-maturing and late-maturing types. For early-maturing varieties, we can choose No. 1 Apple, Huayu Apple, etc., while for late-maturing varieties, we can choose Yanfu No. 8, Yanfu No. 10, etc.
2. Reasonable Close Planting
The planting density of dwarf apple saplings is an issue we need to consider. To a certain extent, it can be said to be denser than that of ordinary apple saplings, because it uses plant dwarfing to increase the planting density per unit area. Generally, about 50 to 100 apple saplings can be planted per mu, and the planting density distribution should be reasonably carried out according to different varieties of apple saplings and the fertility level of the soil.
3. Pruning and Shaping
The most important point for dwarf apple saplings is the pruning and shaping of branches and leaves. Generally, we use a natural open-center tree shape, or an umbrella shape. This kind of tree shape is complete overall, grows vigorously, has good light penetration, and has a large fruiting area. When pruning, we first retain the main trunk, then prune the remaining branches and leaves cleanly to promote the growth of secondary branches, and gradually cultivate tertiary branches and lower-level branches. After the canopy of the apple tree has formed, we need to control the growth vigor of the canopy to prevent excessive vegetative growth of branches and leaves.
4. Fertilizer and Water Management
After dwarf apple saplings are planted, we should focus on fertilizer and water management. When planting, we should apply sufficient base fertilizer. The base fertilizer is mainly decomposed farmyard manure, used together with a small amount of compound fertilizer. After the plants survive, fertilizer and water must keep up to avoid water deficiency and fertilizer deficiency. Early fertilization is mainly nitrogen fertilizer, to promote branch growth, cultivate the tree shape, and maintain tree vigor. By the middle growth stage of the apple trees, the use of nitrogen fertilizer should be reduced to avoid excessive growth, while the application amount of phosphorus and potassium fertilizer should be increased to promote flower bud differentiation and enter the fruiting stage as early as possible.
5. Temperature Management
Apple growth has very strict temperature requirements, and dwarf apple saplings are the same. Generally, the temperature for apple growth should preferably not be higher than 35 degrees, with the highest temperature being 30 degrees, but this kind of weather should preferably not last more than one month. In other words, the suitable temperature for the growth of dwarf apple saplings is about 20 to 28 degrees, and the temperature difference between day and night should also be relatively large, preferably about 10 degrees, otherwise it will affect the enlargement of the apples.
The above is a brief introduction by the editor to the cultivation and management of dwarf apple saplings. I hope it can help everyone. If you still have any questions, you can leave a comment below.