Detailed Explanation of Key Cultivation Techniques for Dwarf Apple Trees
Dwarf apple trees are a current cultivation trend. Dwarfed fruit trees are easier to manage and easier to pick. They can shorten the time to fruiting. There are many advantages, so dwarf cultivation is now generally used. How to cultivate dwarf apple saplings and what to pay attention to - let's look at the specific cultivation methods together now.
1. Seedling Raising Methods
When propagating rootstock now, first carry out tiered treatment of the rootstock. When the rootstock grows to a certain height and thickness, grafting can be carried out. Select suitable scions and carry out grafting in autumn. After grafting, pay attention to care, keeping warm and moist, and removing rootstock sprouts to promote graft survival. After survival, do not rush to remove the ties in winter. In winter, pay attention to freeze protection management.
2. Fertilizer and Water Management
After the fruit trees are grafted, for the management of the grafted seedlings, pay attention to watering and fertilizing, mainly to promote growth. Fertilize about once every one to two months, and water after each fertilization. However, watering is not limited by fertilization. Water whenever the soil is roughly dry. Maintain 60% soil moisture. Water must not accumulate; the ditches in the orchard should be dredged, and after heavy rain, drain promptly. In the later stage of growth, mainly apply phosphorus and potassium fertilizers; in the early stage, mainly apply nitrogen fertilizer. Use organic fertilizer together with chemical fertilizer.
3. Pest and Disease Control
Common diseases are anthracnose and ring rot. Use a 300-fold solution of Liangguoan, silicone, and a 600-fold solution of Wofengsu sprayed together twice to treat ring rot, then use a 60-fold solution of Kuifuling with silicone added for trunk spraying and brushing. Use a 600-fold solution of 80% Baoye complex-state mancozeb with a 2000-fold solution of 45% prochloraz microemulsion to treat anthracnose. For some common insects, aphids and mites, insect traps can be used.
4. Pruning Methods
For seedling growth, mainly keep the trunk and main branches, then remove unwanted branches. Leave about 3 trunks and 5 main branches, and later branches can be retained level by level. Remove water sprouts, dense branches, diseased and pest-damaged branches, and excess auxiliary nourishing branches. Young trees have not yet taken shape. There are also no aging branches; the main goal is to help them take shape through reasonable pruning.
Dwarfing is a good way to cultivate fruit trees, and it is also true for apple trees. Cultivation requires attention to some basic management measures.