How to promote flower bud differentiation in wax apple? A detailed guide to practical methods
Wax apple is a very popular fruit. It has high nutritional value, can also be used as medicine, and has a certain ornamental value. During the growing period, flower bud differentiation in wax apple directly affects the later yield and quality. So how do you promote flower bud differentiation in wax apple? Let's find out together.
1. Control fertilizer
Nitrogen fertilizer promotes vegetative growth in the plant, so controlling fertilizer means controlling the application of nitrogen fertilizer. In the 1-2 months before flower induction in wax apple, apart from applying a small amount of nitrogen fertilizer as appropriate to plants with weaker tree vigor, no further nitrogen fertilizer or organic fertilizer should be applied; only phosphorus and potassium fertilizers and trace elements need to be applied. If the bud forcing time is at the end of September, when temperatures are relatively high, applying nitrogen fertilizer too early will cause the plant to sprout a large number of new shoots and lead to failure of bud forcing, so you must wait until bud forcing is complete before applying nitrogen fertilizer.
2. Girdling
Girdling can cut off the plant's nutrient transport, inhibit vegetative growth, and promote reproductive growth. Generally, about 1 month before bud forcing, perform girdling on the main trunk 30 cm from the ground. The girdling width is generally 1-3 cm and can be determined according to the strength of the tree vigor; generally, the stronger the tree vigor, the relatively wider the girdling width, and vice versa. This not only helps promote flower bud differentiation in the plant but also promotes timely healing of the wound. If the wound has already healed after flower induction, it should be done once more. If the wound has not healed after flower induction is complete, measures such as mounding soil around the base and applying a healing agent should be taken to speed up wound healing.
3. Root pruning
In addition to girdling, which can inhibit vegetative growth in the plant, root pruning can also be used. According to the plant's age and growth vigor, half a month before flower forcing, manually dig a ring-shaped trench 20-30 cm deep at 40-60 cm from the edge of the canopy to cut off part of the plant's root system. However, this method is only suitable for plants with strong vigor; plants with weaker vigor are not suitable for it.
4. Shading
The shading method can be used to lower the temperature. During the day, it can reduce light intensity and lower the temperature by 4-9 degrees. Shading can interfere with the plant's photosynthesis, reduce nutrient synthesis, and promote flower bud differentiation. A shade net with a shading rate of 90%-95% is suitable; if the canopy leaves are dense, 60% is suitable, to achieve the ideal flower forcing effect. The shading period must also be grasped well, considering leaf maturity and the flower forcing time. Generally, it is carried out when the plant's third flush of leaves matures. The number of shading days should also be determined according to the climate and the flower forcing date. To ensure fruit quality, the number of shading days should not be too many; 35-45 days is suitable.
The above is an introduction to how to promote flower bud differentiation in wax apple. We hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.