Kiwi fruit cutting-back method

Abstract

The invention relates to a kiwi fruit cutting-back method. Comprising the step of accurately cutting back branches in a specific period from the beginning of flowering to the beginning of fruit setting of a kiwi fruit tree. For reserved bearing branches close to trunks or main vines, a proper amount of axillary buds are reserved for cutting back according to the thickness of the branches; and for non-reserved fruiting branches, reserving a proper number of leaves according to the vigorous degree of the kiwi fruit variety, and then cutting back. The problems that a traditional pruning period is inaccurate, a pruning mode is single and light energy utilization is neglected are solved, reasonable distribution of kiwi fruit branches is achieved through a differential cutting-back strategy, the ventilation and light transmission conditions of tree bodies are improved, the photosynthesis efficiency is enhanced, and the uniformity and quality of fruits are improved. A contrast test verifies that the thickness of the position, 1 m away from the front end, of the non-cut-back main branch of the vigorous variety is larger than or equal to 2 cm when the main branch is pruned in winter, the thickness of the position, 1 m away from the front end, of the cut-back main branch can be controlled to be 2 cm or below, and a moderate fruit-bearing branch which is moderate in thickness and full in bud is formed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of kiwifruit pruning, in particular to a kiwifruit pruning method. Background Art

[0002] As a fruit with rich nutrition and unique taste, kiwifruit has a wide global market demand. With the development of kiwifruit planting industry, improving yield and quality has become the focus of attention of growers and scientific researchers. Pruning is a key link in cultivation management and directly affects the growth, yield and quality of the tree.

[0003] In the prior art, the main method for controlling the growth of kiwifruit is to pinch the top of the branches during the period from leaf expansion to fruit expansion, that is, to remove the growth point at the top of the branches. Although this method controls the length of the branches, it leaves a large number of immature leaves, which require a lot of nutrients and time to transform into functional leaves, resulting in a slow growth control effect.

[0004] Although pinching controls the length of the branches, it cannot control the thickness of the branches, which may easily cause the fruit-bearing branches to be too thick next year, forming vigorous growth branches, thereby reducing the germination rate and flowering rate, increasing the proportion of deformed flowers, and ultimately affecting the fruit set rate and fruit quality.

[0005] In addition, pinching will cause the overall length of the branches to be too short, affecting the yield of the next year.

[0006] Current pruning methods mainly rely on traditional techniques and experience, and have the following significant problems:

[0007] Inaccurate pruning time: Traditional methods rely on personal experience and lack scientific guidance, resulting in inaccurate pruning timing. Pruning too early or too late may affect tree growth and yield.

[0008] Single pruning method: Traditional methods focus on removing weak and diseased branches and overlapping branches, lacking differentiated strategies for different varieties and growth stages, which limits the growth potential of the tree.

[0009] Ignoring the use of light energy: Traditional pruning methods often ignore the light conditions of the leaves, resulting in insufficient light inside the tree, reduced photosynthesis efficiency, and affecting yield and quality.

[0010] These problems limit the growth potential and yield of kiwifruit trees.

[0011] In view of the problems existing in the prior art, the present kiwifruit pruning method proposes a more scientific and accurate pruning strategy. Summary of the invention

[0012] In order to solve the problems of the prior art, the invention provides a kiwifruit pruning method.

[0013] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention is implemented by the following technical scheme: a kiwi fruit pruning method, comprising the following steps:

[0014] S1: Prune the branches of kiwifruit trees before they bloom and after they set fruit;

[0015] S2: For branches close to the main trunk or main vine, if the branch is reserved as the fruiting branch for next year, 1 to 3 axillary buds are retained for pruning. The number of buds retained is determined according to the thickness of the branch. For thick branches, i.e. branches with a diameter of more than 1 cm, 2 to 3 axillary buds are retained, and for moderate branches, i.e. branches with a diameter of less than 1 cm, 1 to 2 axillary buds are retained. Taking vigorous varieties as an example, the main branches (nutrient branches) that have not been shortened have a thickness of more than 2 cm within 1 meter from the front end when pruning in winter, while the main branches (nutrient branches) shortened according to this method have a thickness of less than 2 cm within 1 meter from the front end to form fruit-bearing branches after the secondary sprouting of the axillary buds. Such branches are called moderate fruit-bearing branches with moderate branch thickness, which are more conducive to subsequent growth.

[0016] S3: For other branches that are not reserved for next year's fruiting branches, prune them after retaining 6 to 10 leaves above the fruit at the top of the branch, depending on the vigor of the kiwifruit variety. Vigorous varieties retain fewer leaves, while weak varieties retain more leaves.

[0017] S4: The vigorous varieties include but are not limited to Donghong kiwifruit, Jinyan kiwifruit, Xuxiang kiwifruit, Ruiyu kiwifruit, and Guichang kiwifruit; the weak varieties include but are not limited to Hongyang kiwifruit and Cuixiang kiwifruit.

[0018] In this method, the purpose is to optimize the growth state of kiwifruit trees by accurately controlling the period and method of pruning, thereby improving the yield and quality of kiwifruit. By pruning from before flowering to after fruiting, the present invention can accurately control the growth of branches of kiwifruit trees and make the branch structure more reasonable. For branches reserved for next year's fruiting branches, the present invention prunes them by retaining an appropriate amount of axillary buds, which not only retains sufficient growth potential, but also avoids nutrient waste and insufficient light caused by excessive branch growth;

[0019] This method determines the number of buds to be retained based on the thickness of the branches. Thick branches retain more axillary buds, while medium branches retain fewer axillary buds. This differentiated pruning strategy helps promote balanced growth of branches, improve germination rate and flowering rate. At the same time, the branches after pruning are more moderate, which is conducive to the formation of full buds and neat inflorescences, and reduces the appearance of deformed flowers.

[0020] For other branches that are not reserved for next year's fruiting branches, the present invention performs different degrees of pruning according to the vigor of the kiwifruit varieties. Leaving fewer leaves for vigorous varieties helps control the tree's vigor and avoid excessive nutrient consumption; leaving more leaves for weak varieties can enhance the tree's vigor and improve the photosynthesis capacity of the leaves. This differentiated pruning strategy helps allocate more nutrients to flowers and fruits, promoting the expansion of fruits and improving their quality;

[0021] After pruning, the light conditions of the leaves of kiwifruit trees are improved, and the photosynthesis efficiency is increased. At the same time, because pruning removes the apical dominance, the tree can distribute the nutrients produced by the leaves to the flowers and fruits more quickly, which helps the flowers and fruits to expand.

[0022] In some specific embodiments, when pruning vigorous varieties of kiwifruit trees, all branches close to the main trunk or main vine are pruned before the flowers bloom, and other branches that are not reserved as fruit-bearing branches for the next year are also pruned before the flowers bloom.

[0023] This measure aims to control the growth of these branches in advance to ensure that they do not consume too many nutrients due to excessive growth, thereby affecting the development of other branches and fruits. At the same time, other branches that are not reserved as fruiting branches for next year are also pruned before the flowers turn white to reduce the tree's nutrient consumption and allow nutrients to be more concentratedly supplied to the flowers that are about to bloom and the fruits that have already set.

[0024] Specifically, when pruning, ensure that the cut is smooth to avoid tearing the bark to reduce the risk of bacterial infection.

[0025] After pruning, the cut should be disinfected in time and a healing agent should be applied to promote wound healing.

[0026] For branches that have been pruned, water and fertilizer management should be strengthened to promote the germination and growth of new buds.

[0027] In some specific embodiments, when pruning weak varieties of kiwifruit trees, all branches close to the main trunk or main vine are pruned before the flowers turn white, and other branches not reserved as fruiting branches for next year are pruned 10 days after flowering, retaining 8 to 10 leaves above the top fruit on the branch.

[0028] In some specific embodiments, the thickness of the branches in S2 is measured using a length measuring ruler, and the measuring position is 5 cm from the base.

[0029] In some specific embodiments, after the kiwifruit trees are pruned by this method, the branches reserved as fruiting branches for the next year are transformed into moderate fruit-bearing branches with moderate branch thickness, full buds, high germination rate and good uniformity, good flower bud differentiation, reduced deformed flowers, uniform fruits and improved quality. When the main branches of vigorous varieties that have not been pruned are pruned in winter, the thickness within 1 meter of the front end is ≥2 cm, and the fruit-bearing branches formed by secondary buds from axillary buds after pruning have a thickness within 1 meter of the front end of ≤2.0 cm.

[0030] In some specific embodiments, after the kiwifruit tree is pruned by this method, the light conditions of the leaves are improved, and the photosynthesis is enhanced, which is beneficial to the growth and development of flowers and the expansion of fruits, thereby improving the quality and yield of the fruits.

[0031] In some specific embodiments, the method further comprises applying a balanced fertilizer after pruning and providing support for the pruned branches to ensure healthy growth.

[0032] The beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0033] 1. The present invention precisely controls the pruning period and method, and the method makes the branch distribution of kiwifruit trees more reasonable, reduces ineffective branches and overlapping branches and leaves, and improves the ventilation and light transmission conditions of the tree. This not only improves the light conditions of the leaves, but also enhances the photosynthesis efficiency, so that the tree can more effectively use light energy for growth and fruit development;

[0034] 2. After being pruned, the branches reserved for next year's fruiting branches are transformed into medium-sized fruit-bearing branches with moderate thickness, full buds, high germination rate and good uniformity. This change is conducive to the differentiation of flower buds, reduces the appearance of deformed flowers, makes the fruits more uniform, and significantly improves the quality. At the same time, the medium-sized fruit-bearing branches have a stronger fruit-bearing ability, which helps to increase the yield of kiwifruit;

[0035] 3. This method performs differentiated pruning according to the vigor of different varieties, which not only controls the vegetative growth of the tree, but also ensures the needs of reproductive growth. By reasonably retaining the leaves, the nutrients of the tree are evenly distributed, which enhances the stress resistance of the kiwifruit tree, including drought resistance, disease resistance, and insect resistance.

[0036] 4. Since the tree structure is optimized, the light energy utilization rate is improved, the flower buds are well differentiated, and the fruit quality is improved, this method can significantly increase the yield of kiwifruit. At the same time, the proportion of high-quality fruits increases, which enhances the market competitiveness of kiwifruit and brings higher economic benefits to fruit farmers. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The following will be combined with the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0038] A kiwifruit pruning method comprises the following steps:

[0039] S1: Prune the branches of kiwifruit trees before they bloom and after they set fruit;

[0040] S2: For branches close to the main trunk or main vine, if the branch is reserved as the fruiting branch for next year, 1 to 3 axillary buds are retained above the top flower of the inflorescence for pruning. The number of buds retained is determined according to the thickness of the branch. For thick branches, i.e. branches with a diameter of more than 1 cm, 2 to 3 axillary buds are retained, and for moderate branches, i.e. branches with a diameter of less than 1 cm, 1 to 2 axillary buds are retained. Taking vigorous varieties as an example, the main branches (nutrient branches) that have not been shortened have a thickness of more than 2 cm within 1 meter from the front end when pruning in winter, while the main branches (nutrient branches) shortened according to this method have a thickness of less than 2 cm within 1 meter from the front end to form fruit-bearing branches after the secondary sprouting of the axillary buds. Such branches are called moderate fruit-bearing branches with moderate branch thickness, which are more conducive to subsequent growth.

[0041] S3: For other branches that are not reserved for next year's fruiting branches, prune them after retaining 6 to 10 leaves above the fruit at the top of the branch, depending on the vigor of the kiwifruit variety. Vigorous varieties retain fewer leaves, while weak varieties retain more leaves.

[0042] S4: The vigorous varieties include but are not limited to Donghong kiwifruit, Jinyan kiwifruit, Xuxiang kiwifruit, Ruiyu kiwifruit, and Guichang kiwifruit; the weak varieties include but are not limited to Hongyang kiwifruit and Cuixiang kiwifruit.

[0043] In S2, the thickness of branches was measured using a length measuring ruler, and the measurement position was 5 cm from the base.

[0044] After the kiwifruit trees are pruned by this method, the branches reserved for next year's fruiting branches are transformed into moderate fruit-bearing branches with moderate branch thickness, full buds, high germination rate and good uniformity, good flower bud differentiation, fewer deformed flowers, uniform fruits and improved quality. When the main branches of vigorous varieties that have not been pruned are pruned in winter, the thickness within 1 meter from the front end is ≥2cm. After the pruning treatment, the fruit-bearing branches formed by secondary buds from the axillary buds have a thickness of ≤2.0cm within 1 meter from the front end.

[0045] The light conditions of the leaves of kiwifruit trees pruned by this method are improved, photosynthesis is enhanced, which is beneficial to the growth and development of flowers and the expansion of fruits, thereby improving the quality and yield of the fruits.

[0046] Further steps include applying a balanced fertilizer after pruning and providing support for the pruned branches to ensure healthy growth.

[0047] Embodiment 1: When pruning vigorous varieties of kiwifruit trees, all branches close to the main trunk or main vine are pruned before the flowers bloom, and other branches that are not reserved as fruiting branches for the next year are also pruned before the flowers bloom.

[0048] Pruning methods for vigorous varieties of kiwifruit trees

[0049] Steps:

[0050] Select the vigorous "Donghong Kiwifruit" variety. Ensure that all plants have consistent growing conditions, including soil type, fertility level, and irrigation conditions. Record the initial growth status of each plant, including the number of branches, diameter, and length.

[0051] Timing: Choose the stage before the kiwifruit tree enters the flowering stage, that is, when the flower buds are about to bloom but not yet white, and carry out the short pruning operation. This time point is particularly important for vigorous varieties (such as Donghong kiwifruit, Jinyan kiwifruit, Xuxiang kiwifruit, Ruiyu kiwifruit, Guichang kiwifruit, etc.) to ensure the effective distribution of tree nutrients and the healthy development of buds.

[0052] Tools: Pruning tools include sharp pruning shears to ensure a smooth cut; measuring tools include a length measuring ruler.

[0053] Pruning method:

[0054] Main branch pruning: retain 8-12 main branches per plant, and grade them according to branch thickness: retain 2-3 axillary buds for thick branches with a diameter ≥1cm, retain 1-2 axillary buds for medium branches with a diameter <1cm, and prune to 1cm above the buds.

[0055] Side branch pruning: keep 6-8 leaves and ensure good ventilation and light conditions.

[0056] Data Recording

[0057] Data before pruning: The average number of branches per plant is 18-24, the average branch diameter is 1.5cm, and the average branch length is 1.2m.

[0058] Data after pruning: 8-12 main branches are retained on each plant. After pruning, the main branches sprout again to form fruit-bearing branches. During winter pruning, the thickness within 1 meter from the front end is ≤2cm (compared with the thickness of the main branches that have not been pruned, which is ≥2cm). Non-fruiting branches retain 6-8 leaves.

[0059] Results and Analysis

[0060] Yield data: After two growing seasons, the yield of pruned trees increased by 15%, the thickness of the fruit-bearing branches after pruning was controlled at 1.5-2cm (moderate state), the thickness of the main branches without pruning reached 2.2-2.6cm, the uniformity of the fruit increased by 10%, and the sugar content increased by 5%.

[0061] Fruit quality: Fruit uniformity increased by 10%, sugar content increased by an average of 5%, and fruit size consistency improved significantly.

[0062] Plant Health: Leaf chlorophyll content increased by 5%, indicating improved plant health.

[0063] Challenges and Solutions

[0064] Challenges: Some plants are over-pruned, resulting in suppressed fruit growth, or the thickness of the main branches after secondary sprouting is <1.5cm (too weak).

[0065] Solution: Adjust pruning strategy, dynamically add fertilizer according to the thickness after budding, retain 3-4 leaves on weak branches and increase nitrogen fertilizer.

[0066] Example 2: When pruning weak varieties of kiwifruit trees, all branches close to the main trunk or main vine are pruned before the flowers turn white, and other branches that are not reserved for next year's fruiting branches are pruned 10 days after flowering, retaining 8 to 10 leaves above the top fruit on the branch.

[0067] A method of pruning weak varieties of kiwifruit trees

[0068] Steps:

[0069] Select the weaker "Hongyang Kiwifruit" variety to ensure that all plants have the same growth conditions. Record the initial growth status of each plant, including the number of branches, diameter and length.

[0070] Time selection: For Hongyang kiwifruit, branches close to the main trunk or main vine are also pruned before the flowers turn white to ensure that these branches can obtain sufficient nutrients for flower bud differentiation.

[0071] Pruning steps

[0072] Pruning time: Prune the main branches before the flowers turn white, and prune the non-fruiting branches 10 days after the flowers fade.

[0073] Tools: Use sharp pruning shears as pruning tools to ensure a smooth cut, and a length measuring ruler as a diameter measuring tool.

[0074] Pruning method:

[0075] Main branch pruning: retain 6-10 main branches per plant, and grade them according to branch thickness: retain 1-2 axillary buds for branches with a diameter ≥1cm, retain 1 axillary bud for weak branches with a diameter <1cm and apply additional phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, and prune to 1cm above the bud.

[0076] Pruning of non-fruiting branches: retain 8-10 leaves, located above the top fruit.

[0077] Data Recording

[0078] Data before pruning: The average number of branches per plant is 15, the average branch diameter is 1.0 cm, and the average branch length is 0.9 m.

[0079] Data after pruning: 6-8 main branches are retained on each plant. After pruning, the main branches sprout again to form fruit-bearing branches. During winter pruning, the thickness within 1 meter of the front end is 1.0-1.5cm (compared with the thickness of 1.8-2.2cm of the main branches that have not been pruned), and non-fruiting branches retain 8-10 leaves.

[0080] Results and Analysis

[0081] Yield data: After two growing seasons, the fruit setting rate of pruned trees increased by 12%, the thickness of fruit-bearing branches after pruning stabilized at 1.0-1.5cm (moderate state), the thickness of unpruned main branches reached 1.8-2.2cm (too thick leads to nutrient waste), and the sugar content of the fruit increased by 8%.

[0082] Fruit quality: The sugar content of the fruit increased by 8% and the consistency of fruit size was significantly improved.

[0083] Summarize

[0084] Through these two examples, we demonstrate the application effect of the pruning method on different kiwifruit varieties. Example 1 shows that the pruning method improves yield and fruit quality on a vigorously growing variety; Example 2 shows that the pruning method promotes growth and improves fruit quality on a weaker variety. These results show that the pruning method has wide applicability and significant economic benefits.

[0085] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations may be made to the embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, and that the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A kiwi fruit pruning method, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: S1: Prune the branches of kiwifruit trees before they bloom and after they set fruit; S2: For branches close to the main trunk or main vine, if the branch is reserved for next year's fruiting branch, retain 1 to 3 axillary buds for pruning. The number of buds to be retained is determined by the thickness of the branch. For thick branches (i.e. branches with a diameter of more than 1 cm), retain 2 to 3 axillary buds, and for medium branches (i.e. branches with a diameter of less than 1 cm), retain 1 to 2 axillary buds. S3: For other branches that are not reserved for next year's fruiting branches, prune them after retaining 6 to 10 leaves above the fruit at the top of the branch, depending on the vigor of the kiwifruit variety. Vigorous varieties retain fewer leaves, while weak varieties retain more leaves. S4: The vigorous varieties include but are not limited to Donghong kiwifruit, Jinyan kiwifruit, Xuxiang kiwifruit, Ruiyu kiwifruit, and Guichang kiwifruit; the weak varieties include but are not limited to Hongyang kiwifruit and Cuixiang kiwifruit.

2. A kiwi fruit pruning method according to claim 1, characterized in that: When pruning vigorous kiwifruit trees, all branches close to the main trunk or main vine should be pruned before the flowers bloom, and other branches that are not reserved as fruiting branches for next year should also be pruned before the flowers bloom.

3. A kiwi fruit pruning method according to claim 1, characterized in that: When pruning weak varieties of kiwifruit trees, all branches close to the main trunk or main vine should be pruned before the flowers turn white, and other branches not reserved as fruiting branches for next year should be pruned 10 days after flowering, retaining 8 to 10 leaves above the top fruit on the branch.

4. A kiwi fruit pruning method according to any one of claim 1, characterized in that: The thickness of the branches in S2 was measured using a length measuring ruler, and the measuring position was 5 cm from the base.

5. A kiwi fruit pruning method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: After the kiwifruit trees are pruned by this method, the branches reserved for next year's fruiting branches are transformed into moderate fruit-bearing branches with moderate branch thickness, full buds, high germination rate and good uniformity, good flower bud differentiation, fewer deformed flowers, uniform fruits and improved quality. Among them, the main branches of vigorous varieties that have not been pruned have a thickness of ≥2cm within 1 meter from the front when pruned in winter, and the fruit-bearing branches formed by secondary buds from axillary buds after pruning have a thickness of ≤2.0cm within 1 meter from the front.

6. A kiwi fruit pruning method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The light conditions of the leaves of kiwifruit trees pruned by this method are improved, photosynthesis is enhanced, which is beneficial to the growth and development of flowers and the expansion of fruits, thereby improving the quality and yield of the fruits.

7. A kiwi fruit pruning method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: Further steps include applying a balanced fertilizer after pruning and providing support for the pruned branches to ensure healthy growth.