How to Promote Flowering in Shaitang Mandarin Oranges? A Full Analysis of Measures and Methods

As the saying goes, flowers come before fruit; only when flowers bloom well can fruit set well. Many growers of Shaitang mandarin oranges adopt flower promotion measures during production to improve yield and quality. So how should Shaitang mandarin oranges be encouraged to flower? Let's take a look.

1. Chemical flower promotion

Chemical flower promotion is a relatively common method. It mainly involves spraying paclobutrazol to inhibit the growth of Shaitang mandarin orange branches and trunks, but the timing of the spray must be well controlled. Generally, it is sprayed after the autumn shoots have matured, and a second spray is applied 20-30 days later; this is a safe and effective method.

2. Root pruning to promote flowering

For paddy fields or orchards with shallow root systems, root pruning is carried out after harvest or in December, by hoeing the soil around the canopy to cut the roots. For young trees and vigorous trees, hoe 4-5 cun deep, while middle-aged fruiting trees should be hoed shallowly. Most of the surface roots must be cut and the trees left to dry until the leaf color slightly fades to green before it is effective. Root pruning is also a relatively safe flower promotion method, and the effect is even better when combined with waterlogging.

3. Girdling or tying with iron wire

For vigorous trees with deep main roots, girdling is suitable for flower promotion. Girdling is carried out in mid-to-late December. Young trees can be girdled on the main trunk, while for large trees it is better to girdle the main branches. Weak trees should not be girdled. About 1 week after girdling, the canopy can be seen to fade in color. If a deep-rooted rootstock still has dark green leaves that do not fade by mid-to-late January, girdling can be done once more. If leaf drop occurs after girdling, water should be applied promptly, and watering and fertilizing should be brought forward in spring to strengthen shoots and flowers. After girdling, pesticides with strong stimulating effects such as lime sulfur mixture and pine-tar mixture should not be sprayed. Tying with iron wire involves binding the trunk or branches with No. 14-16 iron wire so that 2/3 of the wire sinks into the bark without damaging the xylem. Depending on the age and size of the tree, the main trunk or branches can be tied; after 1 month, the wire is removed according to changes in leaf color.

4. Bending and twisting branches

For young fruiting trees, especially vigorous trees entering production for the first time, upright strong branches are more likely to appear. To encourage such branches to flower and bear fruit, in addition to girdling, branch bending and twisting can also be used. The method is to bend the leggy branches with straw or plastic bags after the autumn shoots have matured; when the leaf color fades from dark green to light green, the binding can be removed. Twisting involves using the hands to twist a branch a full turn from its base, injuring the bark and xylem, until the leaf color turns light green.

  The above is an introduction to the flower promotion measures and methods for Shaitang mandarin oranges. We hope it can help you. To learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.