Branch reserving method and application of artificial soapberry forest in low-heat valley region

Abstract

The invention provides a branch reserving method for an artificial sapindus forest in a low-heat valley region and application, and belongs to the technical field of plant planting. According to the method, main branches are reserved in the first year, auxiliary main branches are selected and reserved in the second year, lateral branch groups are promoted in the third year, spring shoots are cut back to protect summer shoots and autumn shoots in the fourth year, and then circulation is carried out according to the fourth year. The ratio of the single-plant main branch number to the auxiliary main branch number to the lateral branch number in the artificial soapberry forest is 1: 2: 4, and the ratio of the lateral branch number to the summer and autumn shoot number is larger than or equal to 1: 3. According to the umbrella-shaped tree shape built through the method, factors such as light, fertilizer, water and gas are fully utilized, the phenomena that due to human factors, fruits are not borne, the fruits are few, and on-year and off-year fruits are caused are avoided, and the yield and quality of the sapindus mukorossi are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the technical field of plant planting, and in particular relates to a branch retaining method for an artificial soapberry raw material forest in a low-temperature valley area and an application thereof. Background Art

[0002] In the cultivation and management of soapberry trees in low-temperature valleys, high-quality varieties are a prerequisite for cultivation. Pruning, water and fertilizer management, and pest and disease control are key techniques. These technical measures are closely linked and deeply coupled, working together as an organic whole. Pruning plays a significant role in reducing excessive soil nutrient absorption by the tree and minimizing pests and diseases caused by excessive foliage. Therefore, the method of retaining branches has long been a focus of attention and a technical issue to be addressed by soapberry plantation operators. However, this technique suffers from the following main issues, which have hindered the yield and quality of soapberry plantations:

[0003] The problem with laissez-faire cultivation is that after planting, soapberry plantations are routinely maintained, primarily with weeding and fertilization, and then allowed to grow. The trees develop into timber stands with a tree shape that resembles trees, resulting in tall, slender trees that are easily broken by wind. These tall trees are difficult to control pests and diseases, and biomass is primarily accumulated through spring shoots, resulting in no fruit or low fruit production.

[0004] Excessive shaping refers to routine maintenance after planting of soapberry plantations, primarily weeding, fertilizing, and pruning, allowing them to grow upright. Some trees may have one main branch with a larger crown width, while others are smaller, or even no other branches. This uneven size makes the tree easily broken by wind. This irregular shape makes pest and disease control difficult, and spring shoots are not effectively suppressed, resulting in low fruit yields that fall short of expected production.

[0005] The problem of haphazard shaping refers to the routine maintenance of soapberry plantations after planting, which primarily involves weeding and fertilizing, followed by arbitrary pruning and allowing them to grow. Some tree crowns grow larger and larger, resulting in crowded space, making the original density unable to meet the requirements of a large crown, affecting yield and quality. Some tree crowns fail to effectively suppress spring shoots, failing to create a good tree shape, resulting in wasted space or congestion. Some tree peaks of pests and diseases overlap, placing significant pressure on pest control. Some branches are indefinitely graded, resulting in insufficient nutrient and water supply, which can easily lead to waste and even tree death. Therefore, pruning techniques for soapberry plantations need to be optimized, and shaping requires comprehensive consideration.

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned technical problems of soapberry raw material forest, the present invention provides a branch retention method and application of soapberry raw material forest in low-temperature river valley area. The method in the present invention is aimed at soapberry artificial raw material forest within the range of 350-1000 meters above sea level in low-temperature river valley area. In the first year, the main branches are retained, the secondary main branches are selected in the second year, the side branch groups are promoted in the third year, the spring shoots are shortened in the fourth year to ensure the summer and autumn shoots, and the cycle is carried out according to the fourth year. The number of main branches per plant in the soapberry artificial raw material forest: the number of secondary main branches: the number of side branches = 1:2:4, and the number of side branches: the number of summer and autumn shoots ≥1:3. The umbrella-shaped tree shape created by the present invention makes full use of factors such as light, temperature, water, air, and fertilizer, avoids the occurrence of no fruit, less fruit, and alternate years due to human factors, and improves the yield and quality of soapberry.

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0008] The invention provides a branch retention method for a soapberry artificial raw material forest in a low-temperature river valley area and an application thereof. The branch retention method is performed after the soapberry artificial forest is planted, and specifically comprises the following steps: retaining main branches in the first year, selecting secondary main branches in the second year, promoting side branch groups in the third year, pruning spring shoots in the fourth year to retain summer and autumn shoots, and performing the method in a fourth-year cycle thereafter; the method of retaining main branches comprises selecting 3-5 strong branches from a tree with a fixed trunk as main branches from May to July, and selecting secondary main branches comprises selecting 2-3 secondary main branches on each main branch from May to July of the second year; promoting side branch groups comprises cultivating side branches in the third year to achieve a ratio of main branches per plant to secondary main branches to side branches of 1:2:4; and the method of pruning spring shoots to retain autumn shoots comprises pruning 1 / 4 of the spring shoots from April to June, and retaining the summer and autumn shoots in the later stage to achieve a ratio of side branches per plant to summer and autumn shoots of ≥1:3.

[0009] The branch retention method is described, the soapberry raw material forest refers to the soapberry artificial economic fruit forest, the soapberry fruits are mainly harvested, and the planting specifications are (plant row spacing 4×4 meters or 4×5 meters or 5×5 meters).

[0010] Preferably, the low-temperature valley zone refers to an altitude range of 350-1000 meters.

[0011] Preferably, the angle between the main branches and the ground after pruning is 30-45 degrees, with the goal of cultivating an umbrella-shaped tree shape.

[0012] Preferably, the side branches are pruned, with spring shoots retained as main branches and summer and autumn shoots retained as fruit-bearing branches.

[0013] Preferably, the branch retention method further comprises the step of having 2-4 main branches with a length of 80-110 cm.

[0014] Preferably, the branch retention method further comprises the step of having 4-8 secondary main branches and a length of 50-80 cm.

[0015] Preferably, the branch retention method further comprises the step of having 8-16 side branches with a length of 30-50 cm.

[0016] Preferably, after being cultivated and formed using the branch retention method, the crown width of a single plant is 1.9-2.0 meters from east to west and from north to south, the total number of fruit-bearing branches is 16-32, and the length of the fruit-bearing branches is 10-30 centimeters.

[0017] Preferably, the branch retention method further comprises the step of thinning branches, and the thinning is performed in November-December.

[0018] The branch thinning in the present invention can remove weak branches, redundant branches, drooping branches, and diseased branches, ensuring that the branches are not crowded in space.

[0019] Preferably, when using the branch retention method, after completing the pruning of the main branches, secondary main branches, and side branches, the method of shortening the spring shoots to preserve the summer and autumn shoots is used from April to June each year to continue tree shape maintenance, cut off the fruit-bearing branches of the previous year, and perform full-cycle maintenance according to the tree shape.

[0020] The present invention also provides an application of a branch retention method for an artificial soapberry raw material forest in a low-temperature valley area.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following effects:

[0022] First, the tree shape fully utilizes factors such as light, fertilizer, water, and air. The umbrella-shaped tree shape created by this technology effectively avoids the difficulty of vegetative growth in forming yields, and avoids the difficulty of utilizing light, water, and fertilizer resources due to overcrowding.

[0023] The second goal is to overcome the problem of low yields resulting from a single technique. Over the past decade, artificial cultivation of soapberry has demonstrated that laissez-faire, excessive, and haphazard pruning methods are inadequate for addressing low soapberry yields, a finding validated across multiple soapberry bases. This technical specification for soapberry pruning and branch cultivation overcomes the inefficiency of single techniques.

[0024] The third is to effectively avoid the uneven yields caused by human factors. This technology overcomes the drawbacks of laissez-faire, excessive, and haphazard techniques, and can help maintain a stable yield of soapberry at a certain level, avoiding the uneven yields caused by human factors.

[0025] Fourth, the application of the same technology reduces harvesting costs. This technology achieves an overall aesthetically pleasing soapberry plantation with uniform tree shape and dwarfed trees, making picking easier during the harvest process. This reduces labor costs and improves the input-output ratio of soapberry plantations.

[0026] In general, this technology can better realize the pruning and shaping of artificial soapberry raw material forests, overcoming the shortcomings of the previous laissez-faire, excessive and casual methods. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The picture shows a demonstration of the application of soapberry artificial raw material forest technology. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The following examples are intended to illustrate the present invention but are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Any modification or substitution of the present method, steps, or conditions without departing from the spirit and essence of the invention is intended to be within the scope of the invention. The techniques in the following examples are technical terms in the field of fruit tree pruning. The products or appliances used in the following examples are commercially available, and the methods used in the examples are consistent with conventional methods unless otherwise specified.

[0029] The technical solution of the present invention is further elaborated in detail below with reference to the embodiments and comparative examples.

[0030] Example 1

[0031] In this example, a soapberry plantation was selected at an altitude of 379.4 meters, located in a low-temperature valley. The planting specifications were: 42 plants per mu (approximately 3 mu) with a row spacing of 4×4 meters. The main branches were retained in the first year, secondary branches were selected in the second year, and lateral branches were promoted in the third year. In the fourth year, spring shoots were shortened to preserve summer and autumn shoots, and the cycle continued in the fourth year.

[0032] The first step is to select 3-5 strong branches as the main branches from June 10 to 25, 2020. After pruning, the main branches will have an angle of 30-45° with the ground and a length of 80-110 cm, and will be maintained routinely.

[0033] The second step is to select 2-3 secondary main branches from each main branch from June 15 to 30, 2021, with a total of 4-8 branches and a length of 50-80 cm for routine maintenance.

[0034] The third step is to cultivate side branches in 2022, so that the number of main branches per plant: the number of secondary main branches: the number of side branches = 1:2:4, with a number of 8-16 branches and a length of 30-50 cm, and carry out routine management and maintenance.

[0035] The fourth step is to prune the spring shoots by 1 / 4 from May 15 to 30, 2023, and retain the summer and autumn shoots later, with a number of 8-16 and a length of 30-50 cm, so that the number of side branches per plant and the number of summer and autumn shoots are ≥1:3, and carry out routine management and maintenance.

[0036] After the fifth step of cultivating into an umbrella shape, the crown width of a single soapberry tree is 1.9-2.0 meters from east to west and from north to south, with a total of 16-32 fruit-bearing branches and a length of 10-30 centimeters.

[0037] The sixth step of thinning will be carried out from December 15 to 30, 2023, to remove weak branches, redundant branches, drooping branches, diseased branches, and branches that bore fruit last year to ensure that the branches are not crowded in space.

[0038] The seventh step is to continue tree shape maintenance using the method of shortening spring shoots to preserve summer and autumn shoots from May 15 to 30, 2024, and carry out full-cycle management and maintenance according to the tree shape.

[0039] Using the method of this embodiment, 124 soapberry plants bore fruit, 2 plants did not bear fruit, 25-32 fruiting branches per plant, and a yield of 7.5-15.5 kg. The average total saponin content in soapberry peel was 7.45%, and the average hederagenin content in soapberry peel was 43.16 mg / g.

[0040] Example 2

[0041] In this example, a soapberry plantation was selected at an altitude of 546.8 meters, located in a low-temperature valley. The planting specifications were: 4×5 meter spacing, 33 plants per mu, and an area of 3 mu. In the first year, the main branches were retained; in the second year, secondary branches were selected; in the third year, lateral branches were promoted; in the fourth year, spring shoots were shortened to preserve summer and autumn shoots; and the cycle continued in the fourth year.

[0042] The first step is to select 3-5 strong branches as the main branches from June 10 to 25, 2020. After pruning, the main branches will have an angle of 30-45° with the ground and a length of 80-110 cm, and will be maintained routinely.

[0043] The second step is to select 2-3 secondary main branches from each main branch from June 15 to 30, 2021, with a total of 4-8 branches and a length of 50-80 cm for routine maintenance.

[0044] The third step is to cultivate side branches in 2022, so that the number of main branches per plant: the number of secondary main branches: the number of side branches = 1:2:4, with a number of 8-16 branches and a length of 30-50 cm, and carry out routine management and maintenance.

[0045] The fourth step is to prune the spring shoots by 1 / 4 from May 15 to 30, 2023, and retain the summer and autumn shoots later, with a number of 8-16 and a length of 30-50 cm, so that the number of side branches per plant and the number of summer and autumn shoots are ≥1:3, and carry out routine management and maintenance.

[0046] After the fifth step of cultivating into an umbrella shape, the crown width of a single soapberry tree is 1.9-2.0 meters from east to west and from north to south, with a total of 16-32 fruit-bearing branches and a length of 10-30 centimeters.

[0047] The sixth step of thinning will be carried out from December 15 to 30, 2023, to remove weak branches, redundant branches, drooping branches, diseased branches, and branches that bore fruit last year to ensure that the branches are not crowded in space.

[0048] The seventh step is to continue tree shape maintenance using the method of shortening spring shoots to preserve summer and autumn shoots from May 15 to 30, 2024, and carry out full-cycle management and maintenance according to the tree shape.

[0049] Using the method of this embodiment, 96 soapberry plants bore fruit, 3 plants did not bear fruit, each plant had 24-30 fruiting branches, and the yield reached 8.2-14.3 kg. The average total saponin content in soapberry peel was 9.20%, and the average hederagenin content in soapberry peel was 46.21 mg / g.

[0050] Comparative Example 1: Laissez-faire growth

[0051] The comparison selected was a soapberry artificial raw material forest at an altitude of 374.7 meters, located in a low-temperature valley area, with planting specifications: plant spacing 4×4 meters, 42 plants / mu, and an area of 3 mu.

[0052] From 2020 to 2024, the plant was allowed to grow, and weeding, fertilizing, and pruning were mainly carried out. The plant was allowed to grow upright without pruning and shaping, and the same conventional management and maintenance as in the embodiment was carried out.

[0053] The observation results showed that the quality of soapberry was uneven, with 5 plants bearing fruit and 121 plants not bearing fruit. Each plant had 0-4 fruiting branches, and the yield reached 0-1.3 kg. The average total saponin content in soapberry peel was 6.25%, and the average hederagenin content in soapberry peel was 39.21 mg / g.

[0054] Comparative Example 2: Excessive Pruning

[0055] The comparison selected an artificial soapberry raw material forest at an altitude of 583.5 meters, located in a low-temperature valley area, with planting specifications: plant spacing 4×5 meters, 33 plants / mu, and an area of 3 mu.

[0056] From 2020 to 2024, the main activities will be weeding and fertilizing.

[0057] For the trees with fixed trunks, one strong branch was selected as the main branch from June 10 to 25, 2020. After pruning, the angle between the main branch and the ground was 30-45° and the length was 80 cm. Routine maintenance was carried out.

[0058] From June 15 to 30, 2021, select 2 secondary main branches on each main branch, 4 in number and 50 cm in length, for routine maintenance.

[0059] In 2022, the number of pruned side branches will be 8, with a length of 30 cm, and routine maintenance will be carried out.

[0060] From May 15 to 30, 2023, 3 / 4 of the spring shoots will be pruned back and routine maintenance will be carried out.

[0061] Observation results showed that the quality of soapberry was uneven, with 15 plants bearing fruit and 18 plants not bearing fruit. Each plant had 1-5 fruiting branches, and the yield reached 0.2-2.2 kg. The average total saponin content in soapberry peel was 6.91%, and the average hederagenin content in soapberry peel was 39.52 mg / g.

[0062] Comparative Example 3: Casual Pruning

[0063] The artificial raw material forest of soapberry is located at an altitude of 380.8 meters in a low-temperature valley area. The planting specifications are: plant spacing 4×5 meters, 33 plants / mu, and an area of 3 mu.

[0064] The first step is to select the main branches of the trees with fixed trunks from June 10 to 25, 2020, prune the main branches to any length, and carry out routine maintenance.

[0065] The second step is to select secondary main branches from the main branches from June 15 to 30, 2021. The number and length are not fixed, and routine maintenance is carried out.

[0066] The third step is to cultivate side branches in 2022. The number of main branches, secondary branches and side branches of a single plant is not fixed and the length is arbitrary, and routine maintenance is carried out.

[0067] The fourth step is to prune randomly from May 15 to 30, 2023, with an indefinite amount and length, an indefinite number of side branches per plant, and an indefinite number of summer and autumn shoots, and carry out routine maintenance.

[0068] The fifth step is to carry out random thinning from December 15 to 30, 2023.

[0069] The sixth step is to carry out random pruning from May 15 to 30, 2024, and carry out full-cycle maintenance according to the fifth step.

[0070] The observation results showed that 13 soapberry trees had fruit, 20 trees did not, each tree had 3-8 fruit-bearing branches, and the yield reached 1.5-4.2 kg. The average total saponin content in soapberry peel was 6.95%, and the hederagenin content in soapberry peel was 39.75 mg / g.

[0071] The embodiments described above are merely descriptions of preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Without departing from the spirit of the present invention, various modifications and improvements made to the technical solutions of the present invention by persons skilled in the art should fall within the scope of protection defined by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for retaining branches of artificial soapberry raw material forests in low-temperature valley areas and its application, characterized in that: The branch retention method is carried out after the artificial soapberry forest is planted, specifically: retain the main branches in the first year, select the secondary main branches in the second year, promote the side branch group in the third year, shorten the spring shoots in the fourth year to keep the summer and autumn shoots, and then follow the fourth year cycle; the main branch retention method selects 3-5 strong branches as the main branches of the tree with the fixed trunk from May to July, and the secondary main branches are selected from 2-3 secondary main branches on each main branch from May to July of the second year; the promotion of side branch group refers to the cultivation of side branches in the third year, so as to achieve the number of main branches per plant: the number of secondary main branches: the number of side branches = 1:2:4; the medium-short pruning of spring shoots to keep autumn shoots refers to shortening 1 / 4 of the spring shoots from April to June, and retaining the summer and autumn shoots in the later period, so as to achieve the number of side branches per plant: the number of summer and autumn shoots ≥1:

3.

2. The method for retaining branches according to claim 1, wherein the soapberry raw material forest refers to a soapberry artificial economic fruit forest, mainly harvesting soapberry fruits, and the planting specifications are (plant spacing 4×4 meters or 4×5 meters or 5×5 meters).

3. The branch retention method according to claim 2, wherein the low-temperature valley zone is at an altitude of 350-1000 meters.

4. The method for retaining branches according to claim 3, wherein the angle between the main branches and the ground after pruning is 30°-45°, and the goal is to cultivate an umbrella-shaped tree shape.

5. The method for retaining branches according to claim 4, wherein: The summer and autumn shoots serve as fruit-bearing branches.

6. The method for retaining branches according to claim 5, wherein: After completing the pruning of the main branches, secondary branches and side branches, the tree shape maintenance will continue using the method of shortening the spring shoots to preserve the summer and autumn shoots from April to June each year, cutting off the fruit-bearing branches of the previous year, and carrying out full-cycle maintenance according to the tree shape.

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