A planting method for promoting early maturity of blueberries under open field substrate cultivation conditions

Abstract

The present application relates to the field of blueberry planting, in particular to a planting method for promoting early maturity of blueberry under open ground substrate cultivation conditions, the planting method comprises the following steps: after fruit harvesting, regulating the EC value of liquid inlet and liquid outlet; updating the crown and reshaping the growth framework; controlling the height and growth point of new shoots; interval control of fertilizer and water; foliar fertilization. The planting method can effectively coordinate the balance relationship between vegetative growth and reproductive growth, promote flower bud differentiation, make the maturity period of blueberry advance to the end of January to the beginning of February, which is beneficial to improve the quality, advance the concentrated market, enhance the market competitiveness, and improve the income.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of blueberry cultivation, specifically relating to a planting technology for promoting early maturity of blueberries under open-field substrate cultivation conditions. Background Technology

[0002] Blueberries, also known as bilberries (Vaccinium coymbosum), belong to the genus Vaccinium in the family Ericaceae. They are perennial shrubs. The fruits are rich in anthocyanins, flavonoids, chlorogenic acid, and various vitamins, among other antioxidants, giving them high nutritional and health benefits. Therefore, they are highly favored by consumers and are a small berry fruit tree with significant economic value and a very promising market prospect.

[0003] In recent years, the Yuxi blueberry industry has developed rapidly, with cultivation techniques gradually improving. Substrate cultivation has replaced soil cultivation, and open-field substrate cultivation is less expensive than greenhouse substrate cultivation, giving it its own development advantages. However, under substrate cultivation conditions, plants exhibit strong vegetative growth, which can easily lead to excessive vegetative growth, inhibiting flower bud differentiation and ultimately affecting the timing, yield, and quality of the fruit. In production, the risk of unsold and low prices caused by concentrated market supply of blueberries has become a bottleneck affecting the development of the blueberry industry. Therefore, regulating the market timing of blueberries and avoiding peak supply periods is a crucial issue that urgently needs to be addressed in blueberry cultivation.

[0004] There is no complete early-flowering technique in the current cultivation technology. Generally, the vegetative growth is controlled by single methods such as summer pruning and autumn pruning to promote flowering, without systematic and comprehensive growth regulation based on the growth characteristics of blueberries. As a result, it is difficult to achieve the goals of early flowering, high yield and concentrated market supply. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides a method for promoting early ripening of blueberries under open-field substrate cultivation conditions. This method can regulate the market launch time of blueberries, allowing them to be harvested earlier, avoiding peak supply periods, and mitigating the risks of unsold or low-priced products caused by concentrated market supply, thereby increasing growers' profits.

[0006] The technical solution adopted in this invention is:

[0007] A method for promoting early ripening of blueberries under open-field substrate cultivation conditions includes the following steps:

[0008] (1) After the fruit harvest, adjust the EC values ​​of the liquid inlet and outlet;

[0009] (2) Renew the canopy and reshape the growth structure;

[0010] (3) Control the height and growth point of new shoots;

[0011] (4) Intermittently control fertilizer and water;

[0012] (5) Foliar fertilization.

[0013] Furthermore, the blueberry variety is the Eurica variety with a tree age of 2 years or more, and the cultivation conditions are open-field substrate potted plants with integrated water and fertilizer management.

[0014] Further, step (1) specifically involves: after the blueberry harvest, adjusting the EC value of the influent to 350 μS / cm and watering for 8 to 12 days, then reducing the EC value of the outfluent to 550 to 600 μS / cm. Seven days after pruning, when the new shoots have sprouted to 2 to 3 cm, the EC value of the influent is gradually restored to the range required for blueberry growth.

[0015] After blueberry harvest, reducing the EC values ​​of influent and effluent can enhance root vitality, promote root growth, and increase the survival rate and branching rate of plants after pruning.

[0016] Further, step (2) specifically includes: when the EC value of the drained liquid drops to 550-600 μS / cm, pruning is carried out in the following order: a. Remove weak branches, overlapping branches, inner branches, drooping branches, and diseased branches; b. Prune the main branches, leaving 2-4 main branches with a height of 40-50cm; c. Prune the secondary branches, selecting 2-3 robust branches with a height of over 30cm and an opening angle of 450-700 on each main branch, and pruning them in staggered layers, with each branch being 25-30cm long; d. Prune the tertiary branches, leaving 1-2 branches on each secondary branch, with 6-8 buds on each branch.

[0017] Furthermore, pruning should be carried out on a sunny day and completed before May 30th.

[0018] Furthermore, during pruning, the buds at the cut of the scissors should be left facing outwards.

[0019] Furthermore, after pruning, the tree height should be controlled at 60cm-65cm, and the crown width at 65cm-75cm.

[0020] Furthermore, when retaining only one tertiary branch, the branch should be placed at the tip of the secondary branch, selecting a robust branch with an opening angle of 35 degrees. 0 ~45 0 When retaining two tertiary branches, the positions of the branches should be staggered, and one of them should be placed at the tip of a secondary branch. Select a strong branch with an opening angle of 35 degrees. 0 ~45 0 .

[0021] Further, step (3) specifically includes: topping vigorous new shoots 2 to 3 times. a. When the new shoots grow to about 20cm to 25cm after pruning, the first topping is performed, and the branch-to-leaf ratio after topping is 1:7 to 10; b. When the new shoots grow to about 20cm after the first topping, the second topping is performed, and the branch-to-leaf ratio after topping is 1:6 to 8; c. When the new shoots grow to about 20cm after the second topping, the third topping is performed, and the branch-to-leaf ratio after topping is 1:6 to 8.

[0022] Furthermore, the new shoots that are topped for the second and third time are vigorous and upright shoots. If the branches have already naturally closed their tops, there is no need to top them again.

[0023] Furthermore, the so-called "topping" involves removing the central leaf and 2-3 unfolded leaves.

[0024] Pinching the tips of vigorous new shoots can effectively control the vegetative growth of the tree, promote the development of more branches, and establish a high-yield, three-dimensional fruiting tree shape.

[0025] Furthermore, step (4) specifically includes: after the third topping, when the new shoots grow to 6cm-8cm, i.e. (around August 20th), start intermittent fertilization and water control, with an interval of 2 days for half a day of fertilization and water control, lasting for 20 days.

[0026] Furthermore, after the control of fertilizer and water, apply 12g of fully water-soluble organic fertilizer + 6g of potassium dihydrogen phosphate to each plant, diluted in 800ml of water, and irrigate the roots twice, with an interval of 7-10 days between each application.

[0027] Furthermore, the potassium dihydrogen phosphate N-P2O5-K2O= 0-34-52, the fully water-soluble organic fertilizer N+P2O5+K2O≥10.0%, fully water-soluble organic matter≥60%, and fully water-soluble humic acid≥30%.

[0028] In autumn, intermittently controlling fertilizer and water promotes lignification of branches, which is beneficial for flower bud differentiation and early formation of flower buds.

[0029] After the fertilization and watering are controlled, supplementing with fully water-soluble organic fertilizer and potassium dihydrogen phosphate is beneficial for the recovery of root vitality and the need for potassium fertilizer during the flower bud differentiation period.

[0030] Further, step (5) specifically includes: a. Foliar potassium fertilizer, using potassium dihydrogen phosphate, after the third topping when the new branches grow to about 6-8cm (around August 20th), apply 80g per mu diluted in 60kg of water for foliar spraying twice, with an interval of 7-10 days between each application; b. Foliar potassium fertilizer + boron fertilizer: after applying potassium fertilizer twice, apply 30g of potassium dihydrogen phosphate + 40g of boron fertilizer per mu diluted in 60kg of water for foliar spraying 2-3 times, with an interval of 7-10 days between each application.

[0031] Furthermore, the boron fertilizer selected is Baoruide, which has a pure boron content of ≥18%.

[0032] During the blueberry flower bud differentiation period, the requirement for potassium and boron is relatively high. Foliar fertilization is easier to absorb and more effective than root fertilization.

[0033] The present invention has the following advantages over the prior art:

[0034] 1. The early-growth technology of this invention effectively coordinates the balance between vegetative and reproductive growth, inhibits the formation of excessive shoots, promotes shoot tipping, accelerates the lignification of branches, promotes flower bud formation, and improves the yield and quality of blueberries.

[0035] 2. By applying the early-maturing technology of this invention, flower bud differentiation becomes relatively uniform, ensuring concentrated fruit ripening and advancing the ripening period to the end of January to the beginning of February. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Figure 1 The diagram shows the effect of pruning and controlling the opening angle of secondary branches using the technical solution of this invention.

[0037] Figure 2 This is a comparison chart showing the flowering conditions of Example 1 and Comparative Example 3 at the same time.

[0038] Figure 3 The image shows the effect of a single plant using the technical solution of this invention in Example 1. Detailed Implementation

[0039] Example 1

[0040] A method for promoting early ripening of blueberries under open-field substrate cultivation conditions includes the following steps:

[0041] (1) After the fruit harvest, adjust the EC values ​​of liquid inlet and drainage: After the blueberry fruit harvest, adjust the EC value of liquid inlet to 350us / cm, water for 12 days, reduce the EC value of drainage to 600us / cm, and after 7 days of pruning, when the new shoots sprout to 2cm-3cm, gradually restore the EC value of liquid inlet to the range required for blueberry growth.

[0042] (2) Renew the canopy and reshape the growth structure: When the EC value of the drainage drops to 600 μS / cm, prune in the following order: a. Remove weak branches, overlapping branches, inner branches, drooping branches, and diseased and insect-infested branches; b. Prune the main branches, leaving 2 to 4 main branches with a height of 40 to 50 cm; c. Prune the secondary branches, selecting branches with a height of more than 30 cm and an opening angle of 45 degrees on each main branch. 0 ~70 0d. Prune strong branches, leaving 2-3 branches in staggered layers, 25cm-30cm in length; d. Prune tertiary branches, leaving 1-2 strong branches on each secondary branch, with 6-8 buds on each branch. When leaving 1 tertiary branch, place it at the tip of the secondary branch, selecting a strong branch with an opening angle of 35 degrees. 0 ~45 0 When retaining two tertiary branches, the positions of the branches should be staggered, and one of them should be placed at the tip of a secondary branch. Select a strong branch with an opening angle of 35 degrees. 0 ~45 0 .

[0043] (3) Control the height and growth point of new shoots: For vigorous new shoots, pinch off the top 2 to 3 times. a. After pruning, pinch off the top when the new shoots grow to about 20cm to 25cm. The ratio of branches to leaves after pinching off the top is 1:7 to 10. b. After the first pinching off the top, pinch off the top when the new shoots grow to about 20cm. The ratio of branches to leaves after pinching off the top is 1:6 to 8. c. After the second pinching off the top, pinch off the top when the new shoots grow to about 20cm. The ratio of branches to leaves after pinching off the top is 1:6 to 8.

[0044] (4) Intermittent control of fertilizer and water: After the third topping, when the new shoots grow to 6cm, i.e. (around August 20), start intermittent control of fertilizer and water, with an interval of 2 days for half a day, for a total of 20 days; after the end of the control of fertilizer and water, apply 12g of fully water-soluble organic fertilizer + 6g of potassium dihydrogen phosphate to each plant and irrigate the roots twice with 800ml of water, with an interval of 8 days between each application.

[0045] (5) Foliar fertilization: a. Foliar potassium supplementation: use potassium dihydrogen phosphate. After the third pinching, when the new branches grow to about 8-10cm (around August 20), use 80g per mu mixed with 60kg of water for foliar spraying twice, with an interval of 7 days between each application; b. Potassium fertilizer + boron fertilizer: use 30g of potassium dihydrogen phosphate + 40g of boron fertilizer per mu mixed with 60kg of water for foliar spraying three times, with an interval of 7 days between each application.

[0046] Example 2

[0047] Same as in Example 1, except that in step (2), the angle of the secondary branch is less than 45 degrees. 0 .

[0048] Example 3

[0049] Similar to Example 1, except that in step (3), the new shoots were topped only once.

[0050] Example 4

[0051] Same as Example 1, except that in step (4), the intermittent fertilization and water control was carried out for only 10 days.

[0052] Comparative Example 1

[0053] Same as Example 1, except that step (1) is not performed.

[0054] Comparative Example 2

[0055] Same as Example 1, except that step (4) is not performed.

[0056] Comparative Example 3

[0057] Similar to Example 1, the difference is that in step (1), after the fruit is harvested, the EC values ​​of liquid inlet and outlet are not regulated; in step (2), the angle is not controlled when pruning secondary branches; in step (3), the tops of vigorous new branches are not pinched off; in step (4), intermittent fertilization and water control are not carried out; and in step (5), foliar fertilization is not carried out.

[0058] Implementation effect

[0059] At the experimental base of Yuxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, seven treatments were set up from 2022 to 2024, with six plants in each treatment group. A field comparison experiment was conducted, and blueberries were planted according to the methods of Examples 1 to 4 and Comparative Examples 1 to 3. The results of the correlation analysis of maturity period and fruit quality are shown in Table 1.

[0060] The blueberry fruit grade and yield were determined throughout the entire fruit harvest period. The method used was whole-field yield calculation, specifically by counting the number of berries and yield for each grade. The data in the table are the averages for each treatment group.

[0061] The method for determining the sugar content of the fruit was to take 10 blueberries of each grade at the peak fruiting period of each treatment, and take the average value after measurement.

[0062] Table 1. Maturation time and fruit quality of blueberries in different examples and comparative examples.

[0063]

[0064] The embodiments described above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit of the present invention should fall within the protection scope defined by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for promoting early ripening of blueberries under open-field substrate cultivation conditions, comprising the following steps: (1) After the fruit harvest, adjust the EC values ​​of liquid inlet and drainage: After the fruit harvest, adjust the EC value of liquid inlet of Eurica blueberries that are more than 2 years old and grown in open-field substrate under integrated water and fertilizer management to 350µS / cm. Water for 8 to 12 days, and reduce the EC value of drainage to 550 to 600µS / cm. Seven days after the pruning is completed, when the new shoots sprout to 2cm to 3cm, gradually restore the EC value of liquid inlet to the range required for blueberry growth. (2) Renew the canopy and reshape the growth structure: When the EC of the cultivation substrate drops to 550-600 µS / cm, prune in the following order: a. Remove weak branches, overlapping branches, inner branches, drooping branches, and diseased or insect-infested branches; b. Prune the main branches, leaving 2 to 4 main branches with a height of 40cm to 50cm; c. Secondary branch pruning: Select branches on each main stem that are at least 30cm tall and have an opening angle of 45 degrees. 0 ~70 0 Leave 2-3 healthy branches in layers, each branch 25cm-30cm long; d. Prune tertiary branches, leaving 1-2 branches on each secondary branch, with 6-8 buds on each branch. When leaving 1 tertiary branch, place it at the tip of the secondary branch, ensuring the branch is strong and has an opening angle of 35 degrees. 0 ~45 0 When retaining two tertiary branches, their positions should be staggered, and one of them should be placed at the tip of a secondary branch. The branches should be strong and spread out at a 35-degree angle. 0 ~45 0 The aforementioned pruning should be completed by May 30th. (3) Control the height and growth point of new shoots: For vigorous new shoots, pinch off the top 2 to 3 times; for those that naturally close the top, no pinching is required. a. After pruning, when the new shoots grow to 20cm-25cm, perform the first topping. The ratio of branches to leaves after topping should be 1:7-10. b. When the new shoots after the first topping reach about 20cm in length, perform the second topping. The ratio of branches to leaves after topping should be 1:6 to 8. c. When the new shoots grow to about 20cm after the second topping, the third topping should be carried out. The ratio of branches to leaves after topping should be 1:6 to 8. (4) Intermittent control of fertilizer and water: After the third topping, when the new shoots grow to 6cm-8cm, start intermittent control of fertilizer and water on August 20th, with an interval of 2 days for half a day, for 20 days; after the end of the control of fertilizer and water, apply 12g of fully water-soluble organic fertilizer + 6g of potassium dihydrogen phosphate to each plant and irrigate the roots twice with 600ml of water, with an interval of 7-10 days between each application. The potassium dihydrogen phosphate N-P2O5-K2O= 0-34-52, the fully water-soluble organic fertilizer N+P2O5+K2O≥10.0%, fully water-soluble organic matter≥60%, and fully water-soluble humic acid≥30%; (5) Foliar fertilization a. Foliar potassium supplementation: Use potassium dihydrogen phosphate. After the third topping, when the new shoots grow to 6-8cm, apply 80g per acre diluted in 60kg of water as a foliar spray twice, with an interval of 7-10 days between each application. b. Foliar potassium fertilizer + boron fertilizer: After applying potassium fertilizer twice, spray 30 grams of potassium dihydrogen phosphate + 40 grams of boron fertilizer per acre in 60 kg of water for 2-3 times, with an interval of 7-10 days between each application.

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