A method for improving yield and quality of blueberry and effectively preventing diseases and pests by bud rubbing

Abstract

The application discloses a method for improving yield and quality of blueberries and effectively preventing diseases and pests by bud rubbing, and belongs to the field of blueberry planting. The method is aimed at the situation that, due to unreasonable bud rubbing in spring, the fruit setting rate of blueberries is low, the fruits are small, the quality is poor, the yield is low, and diseases and pests are serious, and the method combines reasonable bud rubbing and hanging of yellow and blue insect luring plates, so that the yield and quality of the blueberries are improved, the occurrence of diseases and pests is effectively prevented, the chemical pesticide dosage in the fruit picking period is reduced, the pesticide residue risk is lowered, and the safety of the fruits is improved. The method comprises reasonable control of bud rubbing time, bud rubbing size, bud rubbing sequence, bud rubbing direction, bud rubbing quantity and hanging of yellow and blue insect luring plates. The application is feasible, simple in operation, and obvious in effect, and is suitable for popularization and application in field production.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of blueberry cultivation, specifically relating to a method for improving blueberry yield and quality and effectively preventing pests and diseases by removing buds. Background Technology

[0002] Blueberries (Vaccinium uliginosum L.), also known as bilberries, are shrubs belonging to the Vaccinium genus of the Ericaceae family. Blueberry fruits are rich in phenolic substances, ascorbic acid, anthocyanins, and flavonoids, as well as antioxidants. They have functions such as improving vision, enhancing immunity, anti-cancer, and anti-oxidation. They can protect eyesight, enhance memory, resist oxidation, and slow down aging. They have excellent health and medicinal value and are one of the five healthiest foods recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. They are very popular among consumers and have great development prospects.

[0003] As living standards continue to improve, people's demand for blueberries is increasing, and they also have higher requirements for blueberry quality. In addition to factors such as temperature, light, water and fertilizer, the spring bud removal technique in pruning is also an important factor affecting the yield and quality of blueberries. The spring bud removal technique has different effects on the yield and quality of different blueberry varieties.

[0004] The Southern Highbush Eurica variety is currently a major cultivated variety in blueberry production. Under substrate cultivation conditions, this variety is in its flowering and fruiting period in spring. As the temperature warms up, leaf buds sprout and branching is strong, which makes the competition for nutrients between the flower and fruit quite prominent. In production, improper removal of leaf buds in spring often leads to problems such as low fruit set rate, small fruit, poor quality, low yield, serious pests and diseases, and low economic benefits.

[0005] In the process of realizing this invention, the inventors discovered that at least one of the following technical problems exists in the prior art:

[0006] 1. Removing leaf buds too early leads to incomplete bud removal, requiring repeated bud removal, which increases labor costs.

[0007] 2. If leaf buds are removed too late, they will sprout into branches, which will consume the tree's nutrients. Removing branches can easily damage the tree, resulting in a low fruit set rate and poor physical blocking and prevention effect against aphids and thrips.

[0008] 3. Failure to remove leaf buds leads to: First, excessive consumption of tree nutrients, poor photosynthesis, low fruit set rate, poor fruit development, small fruit, and low yield; Second, overly dense branches result in poor ventilation and light penetration inside the tree, making it susceptible to diseases such as gray mold and downy mildew, as well as damage from aphids and thrips, increasing the amount of pesticides used during the fruit growth period, and seriously affecting the quality of blueberries.

[0009] Therefore, how to remove leaf buds in spring to improve the yield and quality of blueberry fruit and effectively prevent the occurrence of pests and diseases has become a technology worthy of attention and exploration in production. The following invention can effectively solve the above problems, reduce the amount of chemical pesticides used during the fruit growth period, reduce the risk of pesticide residues in the fruit, and improve the safety of the fruit. Summary of the Invention

[0010] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides a method for improving blueberry yield and quality and effectively preventing pests and diseases by removing buds.

[0011] The technical solution adopted in this invention is:

[0012] A method for improving blueberry yield and quality and effectively preventing pests and diseases by bud removal includes the following steps:

[0013] (1) Timing of bud removal: The first bud removal should be completed within 10 days after the start of spring. The buds should be removed once every 6 to 8 days, for a total of 7 to 9 times, until the fruit harvest reaches 85% and then bud removal is stopped.

[0014] (2) Bud removal size: When the bud scales of the leaf bud are fully unfolded, but the leaves have not yet unfolded, remove the bud scales from the root in one go.

[0015] (3) Bud removal order: Remove from top to bottom, first remove the fruiting branches, then the secondary branches, and finally the main branches.

[0016] (4) Bud removal direction: Pinch the base of the bud with the tips of your index finger and thumb, and remove the bud from the left or right side of the petiole of the leaf bud.

[0017] (5) Number of buds removed: Before 85% of the fruit is harvested, all leaf buds on the fruiting branches, secondary branches and main branches are removed. After 85% of the fruit is harvested, no more buds are removed.

[0018] (6) Hang yellow and blue insect-attracting boards: After the first bud removal, hang yellow and blue insect-attracting boards in a 2:1 ratio, with 50 to 60 boards per acre, and replace them every 15 days.

[0019] Terminology Explanation

[0020] Fruiting branches: Branches that flower and bear fruit.

[0021] Main trunk: The part from the rhizome to where the first layer of branches (secondary branches) grow.

[0022] Secondary branches: branches that grow on the main trunk.

[0023] Furthermore, the blueberry variety is Southern Highbush Eurica, and the tree age is 2 years or more, and the cultivation conditions are open-field substrate potted plants with integrated water and fertilizer management.

[0024] Furthermore, the buds to be removed in this invention are leaf buds.

[0025] Furthermore, when removing buds, wear gloves and use your hands to remove them completely in one go, without cutting the buds with scissors to prevent secondary germination. Disinfect your gloves after removing every 5 buds.

[0026] Furthermore, in step (1), bud removal should be carried out on a sunny day, and bud removal is prohibited on rainy days.

[0027] Furthermore, in step (1), the buds are no longer removed when the fruit is harvested to 85%. The buds that sprout later do not affect the fruit yield of that year. After the leaf buds become branches, they accumulate nutrients for the next growing season, which is conducive to increasing the yield of the following year.

[0028] Furthermore, in step (2), when removing the buds, it is essential to control the size of the leaf buds. Only when the bud scales have unfolded can the buds be removed in one go.

[0029] If you prune too little, you won't be able to remove the bud scales all at once, and new buds will sprout later, increasing labor costs. If you prune too much, it will not only consume the tree's nutrients, but also damage the leaves and phloem, affecting the nutrient supply to the fruit.

[0030] Furthermore, in step (3), when pruning the buds, prune from top to bottom, mainly in a layered manner, to avoid or reduce the situation of missing pruning.

[0031] Furthermore, in step (4), when removing the bud, pinch the base of the bud with the tips of your index finger and thumb and remove it from the left or right side of the petiole. Be careful not to apply force downwards to avoid breaking off or damaging the leaves at the bud's attachment point. Once these leaves are damaged, they will affect the photosynthesis of the entire plant, thereby affecting the photosynthetic efficiency of the tree and the growth and development of the fruit.

[0032] Furthermore, in step (5), all buds on the fruiting branches, secondary branches, and main branches are removed. The main principle is that the principle of high-yield pruning after summer fruit harvest is to remove all fruiting branches of the current year and reasonably retain the main branches, secondary branches, and tertiary branches as the tree structure for the next growing season. The leaf buds that sprout in spring mainly compete with flowers and fruits for nutrients, affecting the yield and quality of the fruit. Before 85% of the blueberry fruit is harvested, all buds on the fruiting branches, secondary branches, and main branches should be removed to concentrate nutrients on the fruit, which is conducive to improving the yield and quality of the fruit and physically blocking the source of infection of aphids and thrips.

[0033] Furthermore, in step (6), the application of the yellow and blue insect-attracting boards is to consolidate the prevention and control effect on the basis of physical blocking by smearing leaf buds. The insect-attracting boards are hung 10-15cm above the top of the tree canopy.

[0034] Yellow insect traps primarily attract aphids that are sensitive to yellow, while blue insect traps primarily attract thrips that are sensitive to blue. Both types of insect traps attract aphids and thrips, which then adhere to and die, further reducing the damage caused by pests.

[0035] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0036] 1. This invention can reduce the nutrient consumption of the tree by the sprouting of leaf buds in spring, concentrate nutrients to supply the fruit, improve the fruit setting rate, promote fruit development, increase the rate of large fruit, effectively improve fruit yield and quality, and maximize benefits.

[0037] 2. This invention improves ventilation and light penetration in the tree, enhances photosynthesis, increases the photosynthetic efficiency of leaves, reduces the occurrence of diseases such as gray mold and downy mildew, and promotes fruit color change, powdering, and the accumulation and conversion of sugar and dry matter, thereby improving fruit quality and marketability.

[0038] 3. This invention physically blocks the source of pest infection. Spring is the peak season for aphids and thrips. Both pests feed on tender parts of the plant. Reasonable bud removal combined with hanging yellow and blue insect-attracting boards can effectively reduce the occurrence of pests, reduce the amount of chemical control and pesticides used during the fruit harvesting period, reduce the risk of pesticide residues, and improve the safety of the fruit. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Figure 1 The images show the growth and pest situation of trees without bud removal. Image A shows the growth of trees without bud removal, Image B shows the symptoms of aphid damage to tender branches without bud removal, and Image C shows the symptoms of thrips damage to tender branches without bud removal.

[0040] Figure 2 The diagrams show the results of leaf bud removal. In Figure A, the leaf buds removed in Examples 1-2 of the present invention are of standard size. In Figure B, the leaf buds removed in Comparative Example 1 are of size. In Figure C, the branches removed in Comparative Example 2 are of size.

[0041] Figure 3 These are images showing the fruiting results of a single blueberry plant after applying the technical solutions of this invention in Examples 1 and 2.

[0042] Figure 4 A comparison chart of the blueberry results after using the technical solution of the present invention in Example 1 and the results of the blueberry produced in Comparative Example 3 without bud removal. Detailed Implementation

[0043] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to embodiments and comparative examples. It should be understood that the specific embodiments and comparative examples described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention.

[0044] Production application trial

[0045] Example 1

[0046] A method for improving blueberry yield and quality and effectively preventing pests and diseases by bud removal includes the following steps:

[0047] (1) Timing of bud removal: The first bud removal should be completed within 10 days after the start of spring. The buds should be removed once every 6 days, for a total of 9 times, until the fruit harvest reaches 85% and then bud removal is stopped.

[0048] (2) Bud removal size: When the bud scales of the leaf bud are fully unfolded, but the leaves have not yet unfolded, remove the bud scales from the root in one go.

[0049] (3) Bud removal order: Remove from top to bottom, first remove the fruiting branches, then the secondary branches, and finally the main branches.

[0050] (4) Bud removal direction: Pinch the base of the bud with the tips of your index finger and thumb, and remove the bud from the left or right side of the petiole of the leaf bud.

[0051] (5) Number of buds removed: Before 85% of the fruit is harvested, all leaf buds on the fruiting branches, secondary branches and main branches are removed. After 85% of the fruit is harvested, no more buds are removed.

[0052] (6) Hang yellow and blue insect-attracting boards: After the first bud removal, hang yellow and blue insect-attracting boards in a 2:1 ratio, with 50 to 60 boards per acre, and replace them every 15 days.

[0053] Example 2

[0054] Same as Example 1, except that in step (1), the product is applied once every 8 days, for a total of 7 applications.

[0055] Comparative Example 1

[0056] Similar to Example 1, the difference is that in step (1), the buds are removed too early. The first bud removal is completed within 6 days after the beginning of spring, and the buds are removed once every 4 to 5 days, for a total of 13 to 15 times; in step (2), the size of the buds removed is the size of the leaf buds before the bud scales unfold.

[0057] Comparative Example 2

[0058] Similar to Example 1, the difference is that in step (1), if the buds are removed too late, the leaf buds will have already sprouted into branches. The first pruning should be completed within 25 days after the beginning of spring, and the pruning should be done once every 15 days, for a total of 3 to 4 times. In step (2), the pruning should be done when the leaves have spread out more than 4.

[0059] Comparative Example 3

[0060] Same as Example 1, except that spring bud removal is not performed.

[0061] The effects of the above embodiments and comparative examples are as follows:

[0062] In 2024, at the experimental base of the Yuxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, five treatment groups were set up, with 20 plants in each group, for a field comparison experiment. Blueberries were planted according to the methods of Examples 1-2 and Comparative Examples 1-3.

[0063] High-yield survey

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] Table 1: Field yield and quality results for different treatments

[0067]

[0068] The experimental results (Table 1) show that after using the method of the present invention to remove leaf buds in spring, the yield per blueberry plant increased by 5.18–6.66%, 25.68–27.44%, and 44.90–46.93% respectively compared with the conventional bud removal methods in production (Comparative Examples 1–3); the sugar content of blueberry fruits increased by 1.42%, 5.18%, and 8.40% respectively compared with the conventional bud removal methods in production (Comparative Examples 1–3).

[0069] Investigation of the occurrence of diseases and pests

[0070] Disease surveys were conducted starting with bud removal to establish a baseline, and then every 20 days until 85% of the fruit was harvested. At this point, a direct counting method was used to survey all the plants.

[0071] Table 2: Occurrence of Pests and Diseases under Different Treatments

[0072]

[0073] The experimental results (Table 2) show that scientific planting using the method of this invention can effectively reduce the occurrence of diseases and pests, with milder disease symptoms, lower disease index, and lower pest incidence. In contrast, without bud removal, the branches become too dense after the leaf buds sprout, resulting in a higher disease incidence, stronger infectivity, higher disease index, and more severe pest infestation.

[0074] Table 3 Cost-Benefit Table for Different Processing Methods

[0075]

[0076] Note: Yield per mu (kg / mu) = Yield per plant (kg / plant) × Number of plants per mu (476 plants / mu); Output value per mu (yuan / mu) = Fruit diameter ≥20mm + Fruit yield (kg / mu) × 80 yuan / kg + Fruit diameter ≤20mm + Fruit yield (kg / mu) × 40 yuan / kg, where the fruit selling price is the wholesale market price; Cost of chemical pesticides for pest and disease control (yuan / mu) = Cost of chemical pesticides (yuan / mu) + Labor cost (yuan / mu). Net profit (yuan / mu) = Output value per mu (yuan / mu) - Labor cost for bud removal (yuan / mu) - Cost of chemical pesticides for pest and disease control (yuan / mu).

[0077] The bud removal method of the present invention can effectively reduce the amount of pesticides used, which meets the requirements for reducing the amount of chemical pesticides.

[0078] By applying the technical solutions of Examples 1 and 2 of this invention in production, not only can the yield, quality, and output value of blueberries be improved, but the occurrence of blueberry diseases and pests can also be effectively prevented, the amount of chemical pesticides used during the fruit harvesting period can be reduced, the risk of pesticide residues can be lowered, and the safety of the fruit can be improved. This invention is feasible, simple to operate, and has obvious effects, making it suitable for widespread application in field production.

Claims

1. A method for improving blueberry yield and quality and effectively preventing pests and diseases by bud removal, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: (1) Bud removal time: The first bud removal is completed within 10 days after the beginning of spring. The bud removal is repeated every 6 to 8 days, for a total of 7 to 9 times, until the fruit harvest reaches 85%. The buds to be removed are leaf buds. The entire bud removal process should be carried out on a sunny day. (2) Size of bud removal: When the bud scales of the leaf bud are fully unfolded, but the leaves have not yet unfolded, remove the bud scales from the root in one go; (3) Bud removal order: Remove from top to bottom, first remove the fruiting branches, then the secondary branches, and finally the main branches; (4) Bud removal direction: Remove from top to bottom, first remove the fruiting branches, then the secondary branches, and finally the main branches. Pinch the base of the bud with the tips of your index finger and thumb, and remove from the left or right side of the petiole of the leaf bud. (5) Number of buds removed: Before 85% of the fruit is harvested, all buds on the fruiting branches, secondary branches and main branches are removed. After 85% of the fruit is harvested, no more buds are removed. (6) Hanging yellow and blue insect-attracting boards: After the first bud removal, hang yellow and blue insect-attracting boards in a 2:1 ratio, with 50 to 60 boards per acre, and replace them every 15 days.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The blueberry variety is Southern Highbush Eurica, the trees are 2 years old or older, and the cultivation conditions are open-field substrate potted plants under integrated water and fertilizer management.

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