How to manage young citrus trees in spring? These practical tips you need to master
Young citrus trees refer to the period before they begin bearing fruit; generally, citrus that has been planted for 1-2 years and has not yet started fruiting is called a young tree. At this stage, management mainly focuses on prompting the tree to expand its canopy as quickly as possible and form a tree shape, laying the foundation for its first fruiting. So how should young citrus trees be managed in spring? Follow the editor to learn more.
1. Proper pruning
Before the spring shoots of citrus sprout in spring, proper pruning can be carried out. The principle of pruning is to cut as little as possible on the basis of tree shaping, so as not to affect subsequent growth. In principle, the more branches and leaves a young citrus tree has, the faster the plant grows. However, if growth is not controlled during the process, it is very easy to form a large number of water sprouts and densely growing branches, which is extremely unfavorable to plant growth, so we need to improve pruning to adjust this.
2. Apply spring fertilizer well
Regardless of the soil fertility of the young citrus tree planting site, for the management of young citrus trees, the spring shoot fertilizer in spring still needs to be applied well. Spring fertilizer should be applied in an amount controlled according to the size of the young tree. Spring fertilizer is mainly intended to promote the sprouting and growth of new shoots, so it is mainly nitrogen fertilizer. If sufficient base fertilizer or overwintering fertilizer was applied in the previous autumn, then nitrogen fertilizer can be applied directly, and urea can be chosen. The suggested fertilization method is ring-shaped trench application, followed by covering with soil. Broadcasting is not recommended, as it will cause fertilizer waste. Orchards with the conditions can also adopt integrated water and fertilizer management, following the principle of applying thin fertilizer frequently.
3. Protection of branches and leaves
The main targets of control are pests and diseases that can feed on or damage leaf function. The key pest and disease to control in young citrus trees in spring is aphids. If red spider mites and whiteflies, etc., occur and cause damage, then controlling them afterward is not too late. For controlling canker, it depends on the variety planted. If it is a mandarin-type variety, then it does not need to be considered. For anthracnose, during the vigorous growth period of new shoots, combined with aphid control, it is only necessary to add a little difenoconazole.
The above is an introduction to spring management tips for young citrus trees. I hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.