A method for cultivating a high-yield tree shape of carya illinoinensis
By cultivating and pruning in stages, and combining the main trunk layered type and open-center type tree shape, the high-yield tree shape of thin-shelled pecans can be quickly formed, which solves the problems of slow formation of high-yield trees and poor ventilation and light penetration in the existing technology, and achieves early high yield and high production.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- JIANGSU SHUIMU NONGJING CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-04
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-07
AI Technical Summary
In current thin-shelled pecan cultivation, the main trunk layered pruning method results in slow tree formation and late fruiting, with low early yields. In addition, the open-center tree pruning method has poor ventilation and light penetration, which limits the yield in the later stages.
Combining the advantages of the central trunk layered type and the open-center type tree shape, through phased cultivation and appropriate pruning measures, the main trunk is established 1-2 years after planting, the first layer of main and lateral branches is controlled 3-4 years after planting, and the first and second layers of main and lateral branches are controlled 5-6 years after planting, thereby adjusting the tree structure and promoting early fruiting and high yield.
Shorten the tree shaping cycle, improve ventilation and light conditions, promote early fruiting and high yield, increase fruiting area and quantity, improve fruit quality, and adapt to thin-shelled pecan cultivation under different soil conditions.
Smart Images
Figure BDA0005169409250000051
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention belongs to the field of thin-shelled pecan cultivation technology, specifically relating to a method for cultivating high-yield tree shapes for thin-shelled pecans. Background Technology
[0002] Thin-shelled pecans belong to the tall tree species. Their growth characteristics include strong trunk dominance and pronounced apical dominance, making it difficult to produce yields in a short period, and resulting in relatively late fruiting.
[0003] Currently, in the cultivation of thin-shelled pecans, the training of fruit-bearing trees mostly adopts a tiered trunk system. Typically, each fruiting layer is 1-1.5 meters long, and through manual pruning of 2-3 layers, the initial fruiting tree shape is formed. This pruning method provides good ventilation and light penetration, resulting in an aesthetically pleasing tree shape, a large fruiting area, and high yield, making it suitable for areas with favorable growing conditions and varieties with strong trunk dominance. However, because this pruning method involves tiered training of the main branches, it leads to slow tree formation, later fruiting, lower early yields, and a long period before the economic benefits of the fruit trees become apparent, which is not conducive to the widespread application of thin-shelled pecan cultivation.
[0004] The pruning method for open-center tree shapes focuses on promoting branching and fruiting branches rather than cultivating a distinct central leader. This method allows the tree to quickly develop its shape and enter the fruiting period earlier, and it is easy to manage. It is particularly suitable for open-center varieties planted in areas with poor soil conditions. However, it has drawbacks: premature canopy formation leads to poor ventilation and light penetration, and the restricted canopy development can have irreversible negative impacts on later yields. Summary of the Invention
[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the present invention aims to provide a method for cultivating high-yield pecan trees, thereby achieving rapid shaping of high-yield trees, shortening the tree cultivation cycle, and accelerating the high yield of thin-shelled pecan fruits.
[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:
[0007] A method for cultivating high-yield pecan trees, comprising the following steps:
[0008] (1) Establish the main stem 1-2 years after planting and cultivate the first layer of branches;
[0009] (2) Control the first layer of main and lateral branches 3-4 years after planting, and cultivate the second layer of branches;
[0010] (3) Control the first and second layers of main and lateral branches after 5 to 6 years of planting, and cultivate the third layer of branches.
[0011] Furthermore, in step (1), when the first layer of branches of the thin-shelled pecan container seedlings are ready for transplanting, the seedlings are 150cm to 180cm tall and the main trunk is established by binding with bamboo poles. The first layer of branches and some new branches are topped, shortened, or removed to form the initial shape of the fruiting tree. In the winter of the first year after transplanting, diseased and weak branches, crossing branches, overlapping branches, and parallel branches are pruned.
[0012] Furthermore, in step (2), in the spring of the third year after the thin-shelled pecan is planted, all the sprouts of the first layer of branches are removed, and the branches that sprouted in the spring of the second year are cut off, leaving 3 to 5 sprouts in different directions at 60cm to 70cm above them; in the summer, the first layer of main branches are pinched, the vigorous main and lateral branches are shortened, and the crossing branches, competing branches, overlapping branches, and parallel branches are cut off; in the autumn and winter, the lateral branches on the first layer of branches that are left as fruiting branches are pulled to leave space for the growth of the upper and lower lateral branches.
[0013] Further, in step (2), in the spring of the fourth year, remove the sprouts below the first layer of branches and between the second layer of branches and the first layer of branches. Retain 2-3 sprouts in different directions, 70-80cm above the second layer of branches. In summer, pinch the main and lateral branches, shorten the stronger main branches of the first layer, and remove excess lateral branches. In autumn and winter, adjust the height of the steel mesh according to the angle of the second layer of main branches to the trunk (45°-55°) to fix the opening angle of the main branches.
[0014] Furthermore, in step (3), in the spring of the fifth year after the thin-shelled hickory planting, all sprouts below the second layer of branches are removed, the branches sprouting in the spring of the fourth year are cut off, and 3 to 4 sprouts in different directions are retained 60cm to 70cm above them. The upper branches and upper buds of the first and second layers of main and lateral branches are retained to strengthen the backbone branches, so as to facilitate the later sprouting of fruiting branches. In summer, the first and second layers of lateral branches are pinched, the vigorous main and lateral branches are shortened, and the weaker main and lateral branches, i.e., backbone branches, are shortened. In autumn and winter, the lateral branches on the second layer of branches that are left as fruiting branches are pulled to leave space for the growth of the upper and lower lateral branches. The stronger branches in the third layer of branches are shortened, and the weaker branches are shortened.
[0015] Furthermore, in step (3), in the spring of the 6th year, all buds on the main trunk are removed, and the first and second layer of main branches are pinched off; in the summer, the first and second layers are shortened and nutrient branches are removed, and weak branches and non-fruiting branches in the 2-3 year old small branch groups are removed; medium-sized fruiting branch groups are shortened to promote branching; in autumn and winter, the height of the steel mesh is adjusted according to the angle between the third layer of main branches and the main trunk of 30° to 45°, and the opening angle of the main branches is fixed.
[0016] Beneficial effects: Compared with the existing technology, the advantages of the present invention are: The present invention uses large container seedlings with fruiting to establish orchards. After 6 years of planting, it can cultivate branches with a reasonable three-layer structure and optimized spatial layout, which can accelerate the formation of the target tree, shorten the cultivation cycle, make the fruit tree branches appropriately dense, have good ventilation and light conditions, and have more fruiting branches, thus achieving early fruiting and high yield of thin-shelled pecans.
[0017] This invention combines the advantages of both the tiered trunk tree shape and the open-center tree shape. Based on the tiered trunk shape, it employs phased cultivation and appropriate pruning measures to adjust the tree structure and achieve rapid shaping. This shortens the cultivation cycle for high-yield thin-shelled pecan trees, optimizes branch space, ensures proper branch density, improves ventilation and light penetration, and promotes early fruiting and high yield, thus enhancing the precocity and productivity of thin-shelled pecans. This invention is beneficial for the promotion and industrialization of thin-shelled pecans. Detailed Implementation
[0018] The technical solution of the present invention will be described in detail below through specific embodiments, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described. Unless otherwise specified, the experimental materials used in the following embodiments were all purchased from commercial channels.
[0019] Example 1: A method for cultivating high-yield pecan trees, which is implemented through the following steps:
[0020] 1. Establish the main stem 1-2 years after planting and cultivate the first layer of branches.
[0021] The main purpose of pruning young thin-shelled pecan trees is to cultivate the main trunk and the first layer of branches. When container-grown thin-shelled pecan seedlings are ready for transplanting, the first layer of branches has already been promoted at a height of 160cm. The main trunk is established by binding them with bamboo poles. Measures such as topping, shortening, and removing the first layer of branches and some new shoots are taken to initially form the shape of the fruiting tree. In the winter of the first year after transplanting, diseased, weak, crossing, overlapping, and parallel lateral branches are pruned.
[0022] In the second spring, remove all sprouts below 160cm in height from the main stem, retaining three sprouts in different directions, 90cm above existing branches. In summer, pinch off the tips and shorten branches to promote main stem growth. In winter, install several thin, elongated cement posts parallel to the pecan planting direction on both sides, binding steel bars to them. The steel bars are crisscrossed to form a small grid with 20-30cm spacing, and the grid is laid flat at the first layer of branches. Adjust the height of the grid according to the 75° angle between the first layer of main branches and the main stem, then use nylon rope to pull the main stem to the target angle and secure it firmly to the nearby steel bars.
[0023] 2. Control the first layer of main and lateral branches 3-4 years after planting, and cultivate the second layer of branches.
[0024] In the spring of the third year after planting thin-shelled pecans, remove all sprouts from the first layer of branches. Prune the branches that sprouted in the second spring, retaining four buds in different directions 70cm above them, resulting in a 160cm distance between the second and first layers of branches. In summer, pinch off the tips of the first-layer main branches, shorten vigorous lateral branches, and remove crossing, competing, overlapping, and parallel lateral branches. In autumn and winter, train the lateral branches on the first layer that will be fruiting branches to allow space for the growth of upper and lower lateral branches.
[0025] In the spring of the fourth year, remove any sprouts below the first layer of branches and between the second layer of branches and the first layer of branches. Retain three sprouts in different directions, 80cm above the second layer of branches. In summer, pinch off the tips of the main and lateral branches, shorten the stronger main branches of the first layer, and remove excess lateral branches. In autumn and winter, adjust the height of the reinforcing mesh according to the 55° angle between the second layer of main branches and the trunk to fix the opening angle of the main branches, which is beneficial to the overall spatial layout of the tree.
[0026] 3. Control the first and second layers of main and lateral branches 5-6 years after planting, and cultivate the third layer of branches.
[0027] In the 5th to 6th year after the thin-shelled pecan is planted, the first and second layers of branches have already formed. In the later stage, the focus is on cultivating the third layer of branches, promoting the growth of the first and second layer of fruiting branches, and the outward growth of the main branches to achieve the purpose of expanding the crown.
[0028] In the spring of the fifth year after planting thin-shelled pecans, remove all sprouts below the second layer of branches. Prune the branches that sprouted in the fourth spring, retaining four buds in different directions 70cm above them, resulting in a 150cm distance between the third and second layer of branches. Retain the upper branches and upper buds of the first and second layer of main and lateral branches to strengthen the framework branches and promote the later development of fruiting branches. In summer, pinch off the tips of the first and second layer of lateral branches, shorten vigorous main and lateral branches, and prune back weaker main and lateral branches (the framework branches). In autumn and winter, train the lateral branches on the second layer that will be fruiting branches to allow space for the growth of upper and lower lateral branches. Shorten the stronger branches in the third layer and prune back the weaker branches.
[0029] In the spring of the 6th year, remove all sprouts on the main trunk and pinch the tips of the first and second tiers of main branches. In summer, prune back the first and second tiers of branches, remove vegetative branches, and remove weak and non-fruiting branches in 2-3 year old branch groups. Prune back medium-sized fruiting branch groups to promote branching. In autumn and winter, adjust the height of the steel mesh according to the 30° angle between the third tier of main branches and the main trunk to fix the opening angle of the main branches.
[0030] Comparative Example 1
[0031] The following steps are used to prune thin-shelled pecans to create a tiered trunk shape:
[0032] In the first year of shaping and pruning: When establishing the orchard, select strong seedlings with a ground diameter of about 1.5cm. After planting, set the trunk height to 60-80cm and retain 3-4 buds near the set trunk height to sprout transitional nutrient branches. Remove other shady buds in time. In July, select the strongest central branch as the central trunk. Pinch or shorten other branches in June-August to control the growth of lateral branches and concentrate nutrients for the height and thickness growth of the main trunk.
[0033] In the second year, the central trunk is cut back twice when it reaches a height of 1.6-2.0m. At a height of 1.5-1.8m, 3-4 permanent large lateral branches are cultivated. When they are long enough, they are cut back 1.0m away from the trunk. If they are less than 1.2m long, they are left to be cut back the following year.
[0034] The third year of shaping and pruning: One month after the branches sprout, when the new shoots of the current year grow to more than 50cm, pinch the tip of each new shoot. Around mid-to-late June, 3-4 tender branches will grow on each branch, which are the fruiting branches of the fourth year. In autumn, the central trunk is shortened again at a distance of about 1.5m from the first round of permanent lateral branches to promote the growth of the second round of permanent lateral branches.
[0035] Fourth-year shaping and pruning: Since most of the first-layer fruiting branches have flowered and fruited, the fruiting branches will stop producing new branches; for those branches that have not flowered or fruited, those with strong growth should be pinched off in late May; when the central trunk grows to 1.5-1.8m, it should be shortened to promote the sprouting of the third layer of lateral branches.
[0036] The fifth year's shaping and pruning: Pruning targets strong branches that have not flowered or fruited, as well as second-layer lateral branches. In late May, pinch off the tips and shorten overly vigorous growth to encourage the formation of fruiting branches in the second half of the year. At the same time, weak and overlapping branches should be removed from the base.
[0037] In the sixth year, the thin-shelled pecan tree is basically transitioning from vegetative growth to reproductive growth. In addition to continuing to pinch and shorten some strong branches in late May, it is also necessary to shorten and pull overly dense branches to allow them to grow into open spaces. Diseased, dead, and overlapping branches should be pruned from the base in autumn to facilitate wound healing. At this time, the thin-shelled pecan tree has basically formed an ideal tiered trunk shape with a height of 5-6m.
[0038] The transitional vegetative branches left in the first year are now bearing fruit. If the upper canopy does not affect them, they can be retained; or they can be removed at the level of the main trunk.
[0039] Comparative Example 2
[0040] Open-center pruning method for thin-shelled pecans: After planting, establish a trunk height of 1.2-1.5m. In the second year, select 3-4 branches, without cultivating a distinct main trunk. Shorten the branches to encourage secondary branching. From the third year onwards, focus on pinching and topping to promote the growth of fruiting branches. This method allows for earlier fruiting, but later yields will be limited.
[0041] The following table shows the conclusions drawn from the comparison between Example 1 and the comparative example in terms of tree cultivation period and average yield over a fixed 8-year period:
[0042] Comparison of thin-shelled pecan yield under different pruning methods
[0043]
[0044] As can be seen from the table above, the tree-shaped training method of the present invention can make the fruiting branches evenly distributed and increase the fruiting area; can reasonably adjust the relationship between the fruiting branches and the main and lateral branches to increase the number of fruits; can make full use of sunlight, greatly increase the effective conversion of photosynthesis, and improve fruit quality; and can shorten the cycle of high-yield tree-shaped training after orchard establishment and accelerate the realization of early fruiting and high yield.
[0045] As described above, although the invention has been shown and described with reference to specific preferred embodiments, it should not be construed as limiting the invention itself. Various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
Claims
1. A method for cultivating high-yield pecan tree shapes, characterized in that, The steps include the following: (1) Establish the main trunk and cultivate the first layer of branches 1-2 years after planting; the first layer of branches should be promoted when the thin-shelled pecan container seedlings are 150cm-180cm tall and the main trunk should be established by binding with bamboo poles. The first layer of branches and some new branches should be topped, shortened and removed to form the initial shape of the fruiting tree; in the winter of the first year after planting, remove diseased and weak branches, crossing branches, overlapping branches and parallel branches; in the spring of the second year, remove all buds below 160cm of the main trunk and retain the remaining buds. Three buds sprouting in different directions, 90cm above the existing branches; pinching and pruning branches in summer to promote the growth of the main stem; setting up several slender cement vertical stakes on both sides parallel to the pecan planting direction in winter, and binding steel bars on them; the steel bars are crisscrossed to form a small grid with a spacing of 20-30cm, and the steel mesh is laid flat at the first layer of branches; adjusting the height of the steel mesh according to the angle of 75° between the first layer of main branches and the main stem, and then using nylon rope to pull the main stem to the target angle and tie it firmly to the nearby steel bars; (2) Control the first layer of main and lateral branches 3-4 years after planting and cultivate the second layer of branches; In the spring of the third year after planting thin-shelled pecans, remove all sprouts of the first layer of branches, prune the branches that sprouted in the second spring and retain 3-5 sprouts in different directions at 60cm-70cm above them; In summer, pinch the first layer of main branches, shorten the vigorous main and lateral branches, and prune crossing branches, competing branches, overlapping branches, and parallel branches; In autumn and winter, prune the lateral branches on the first layer of branches that are left as fruiting branches. Train the branches to allow space for the growth of upper and lower lateral branches; in the spring of the fourth year, remove the buds below the first layer of branches and between the second layer of branches and the first layer of branches; retain 2-3 buds in different directions, 70cm-80cm above the second layer of branches; in summer, pinch the main and lateral branches, shorten the stronger main branches of the first layer and remove excess lateral branches; in autumn and winter, adjust the height of the steel mesh according to the angle of the second layer of main branches to the main trunk (45°-55°) to fix the opening angle of the main branches; (3) Control the first and second layers of main and lateral branches and cultivate the third layer of branches in the 5th year after planting. In the spring of the 5th year after planting thin-shelled pecans, remove all sprouts below the second layer of branches, cut off the branches that sprouted in the spring of the 4th year and retain 3-4 sprouts in different directions at 60cm-70cm above them. Retain the upper branches and upper buds of the first and second layers of main and lateral branches to strengthen the main branches and facilitate the later sprouting of fruiting branches. In summer, pinch the first and second layer of lateral branches, shorten the vigorous main and lateral branches, and shorten the weaker main and lateral branches, i.e., the main branches. In autumn and winter, pull the lateral branches that are left as fruiting branches on the second layer of branches to leave space for the growth of the upper and lower lateral branches. Shorten the stronger branches in the third layer of branches and shorten the weaker branches. In the spring of the 6th year, remove all sprouts on the main trunk and pinch the first and second layer of main branches. In summer, shorten the first and second layers, remove the nutrient branches, and remove the thin and weak branches and non-fruiting branches in the 2-3 year old small branch groups. Large-scale pruning of medium-sized fruiting branches promotes branching; in autumn and winter, adjust the height of the steel mesh according to the angle between the third-layer main branches and the trunk (30°~45°) to fix the opening angle of the main branches.