What Are the Prospects for Ehime Orange Cultivation in 2020? With Detailed Cultivation Techniques

Ehime orange is a hybrid citrus variety introduced from Japan. Because of its tender, melting flesh and refreshing fragrance, it is loved by a large number of consumers, and it is also called “jelly orange” since it tastes just like jelly. So what are the prospects for cultivating Ehime oranges in 2020?

I. What are the prospects for cultivating Ehime oranges in 2020?

1. Ehime orange ripens in mid-October, making it a relatively early-maturing citrus variety. At the same time, there are few competing citrus varieties on the market, so its competitiveness is relatively strong. In addition, because Ehime orange is an early-maturing citrus, it does not need to overwinter, so it is much easier to manage than some late-maturing citrus varieties.

2. At present, the planted area of Ehime oranges in China is still relatively small, far smaller than that of other citrus fruits on the market, so the Ehime orange market is not yet saturated, and the prospects for cultivation are still very promising.

3. In recent years, Ehime orange was made popular by WeChat sellers and e-commerce platforms, earning the name “internet-famous jelly orange”, and it has gradually come into people's view. From various news reports, one can see that growers who plant dozens of mu of Ehime oranges can earn over a hundred thousand yuan a year. In addition, the current wholesale price of Ehime oranges is relatively higher than that of other citrus fruits, and they can be sold on internet platforms, so the prospects are still quite good.

II. Ehime orange cultivation techniques

1. Soil: To plant Ehime oranges, choose a site with fertile, thick soil layers more than 60cm deep. The soil is best slightly acidic, with a pH between 5.5-7.0. If planting on a hillside, make sure the slope is less than 25°.

2. Light: In order for it to produce fuller fruit, plant it in a location with good light so it can synthesize and accumulate more nutrients. Specifically, plant it in a sunny spot, though in summer when the light is especially strong, it needs a little shading.

3. Ventilation: The place where it is planted should have good ventilation conditions, which allows its branches to grow stronger. If ventilation is lacking for a long time, it is very likely to develop diseases such as foot rot and anthracnose, affecting fruiting.

4. Fertilization: The needs of Ehime orange for various nutrient elements should be fully met, and it is recommended to apply more organic fertilizer, along with rational application of inorganic fertilizers and formula fertilizers. Fertilization should also be guided by leaf analysis results, orchard soil analysis results, and the phenological periods of Ehime orange. Base fertilization mainly on soil application, combined with foliar feeding. Methods such as ring trench application, strip trench application, hole application and broadcasting fertilizer on the soil surface can be used. Young trees should be fertilized frequently and lightly, mainly with nitrogen fertilizer, combined with phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, applying fertilizer 5-6 times during the sprouting periods of spring, summer and autumn shoots.