Twisting method for recycling overgrown branches of prunus avium

Abstract

This invention discloses a method for reusing vigorous shoots of Prunus mume, relating to the field of fruit tree cultivation technology. This method involves selecting healthy vigorous shoots and performing downward bending (40-50°) and branch pushing (10-15°) operations at specific times, combined with weak branch pruning (retaining 1-2 dormant buds) and subsequent maintenance, effectively eliminating apical dominance and promoting flower bud differentiation. Experiments show that this method can achieve a fruit conversion rate of over 75% in the following year from vigorous shoots, increase yield per tree by 20%-35%, and optimize the canopy structure. The steps of this invention are standardized, applicable to different tree ages, and easy to promote on a large scale.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of fruit tree cultivation technology, specifically a method for reusing excessive shoots of the honey plum tree by twisting branches. Background Technology

[0002] In the cultivation of honey plum trees, vigorous shoots often appear after the trees bear fruit. These vigorous shoots grow rapidly and consume a lot of nutrients. If left untreated, they will compete with fruiting branches for nutrients, leading to decreased yield and lower fruit quality. Traditional methods often involve directly pruning these vigorous shoots. While this reduces nutrient consumption, it wastes branch resources and may negatively impact the tree's canopy structure if not done properly.

[0003] In existing technologies, some growers attempt to treat vigorous shoots by simply pressing them down, but due to a lack of standardized procedures (such as angle control, force adjustment, and pruning timing), this results in poor flower bud differentiation and low conversion rates the following year. Furthermore, traditional methods do not consider the impact of the vigorous shoot's growth location and tree age on the treatment effect, making it difficult to achieve the goal of high yield and improved quality.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a standardized and operable method for twisting vigorous shoots. By precisely controlling the twisting parameters and combining them with scientific pruning, the vigorous shoots can be efficiently transformed into fruiting branches, thereby improving the yield and quality of honey plums. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention aims to solve the problems of resource waste, low conversion efficiency, and non-standard operation in the existing treatment of excessive vegetative branches of plum trees, and provides a branch twisting method that can significantly improve the fruiting rate of excessive vegetative branches in the following year and increase the yield of fruit trees.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0007] A method for reusing overgrown branches of the honey plum tree by twisting branches, comprising the following steps:

[0008] Step 1: Screening of vigorous shoots. Select healthy vigorous shoots with a length of 50-80cm and a diameter of 0.8-1.2cm. Remove diseased, pest-infested, and damaged branches. The criteria for judging healthy vigorous shoots are that the bark of the branches is undamaged, there are no mold spots, and the buds are plump.

[0009] Step 2: Twisting preparation, which is carried out 15-20 days after the new shoots sprout in spring. At this time, the average daily temperature needs to be stable at 15-20℃. Determine the vacant area by observing the tree crown morphology. The vacant area is defined as the area in the tree crown where the distance between adjacent branches is ≥30cm. Mark the growth direction of the vigorous branches to be treated with red rope, and mark the position 10-15cm away from the top of the branch.

[0010] Step 3: Pressing down. The operator holds the base of the vigorous branch with one hand (10-15cm from the connection with the main trunk) and the middle of the branch with the other hand (30-40cm from the base). Slowly press down along the direction of the gap in the canopy, controlling the pressing speed at 5-8° / second, until the angle between the branch and the main trunk reaches 40-50°. Hold this angle for 30-60 seconds, and avoid breaking the branch during this process.

[0011] Step 4: Branch pushing treatment. While maintaining the angle described in Step 3, push the branch forward 10-15° along the growth direction at a speed of 3-5° / second. After pausing for 20-30 seconds, slowly return it to 40-50°. Repeat this pushing-returning operation 2-3 times, with an interval of 5-10 seconds between each operation.

[0012] Step 5: Prune weak branches. Thin out areas with a density of more than 3 branches / m², retaining branches with a diameter ≥0.6cm. Prune the remaining weak branches 5-8cm from the base with sterilized pruning shears. The cut should be at a 45° angle to the branch, and 1-2 plump dormant buds should be retained, with a spacing of 3-5cm between the dormant buds.

[0013] Step 6: Subsequent maintenance. Within 7 days after twisting the branches, spray with a 0.3% potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution on a sunny morning, using 100-150 ml per tree. When spraying, focus on spraying the back of the leaves and the base of the branches. Apply well-rotted organic fertilizer once a month, using 5-8 kg per tree. Apply the fertilizer in a circular trench 10-15 cm outward from the edge of the tree canopy projection (15-20 cm deep and 20-25 cm wide).

[0014] As a further aspect of the present invention: In step 1, the length of the vigorous branch is preferably 60-70cm, the diameter is preferably 0.9-1.1cm, and the initial angle between the growth direction of the branch and the main trunk should be ≤30°. If the initial angle is >30°, the base of the branch needs to be softened 3 days before twisting. The softening method is to wrap the base with a damp towel (3-5cm thick) every morning and evening, and the wrapping time is ≥2 hours each time.

[0015] As a further aspect of the present invention: In step 2, the specific time after the new shoots sprout in spring is in early to mid-April. If there is continuous rainy weather (daily average temperature <15℃ for more than 3 days), the twisting of branches should be delayed until 5-7 days after the weather clears up, and it must be ensured that there is no dew on the surface of the branches before twisting.

[0016] As a further aspect of the present invention: In step 3, when pressing down, if the diameter of the branch is >1.0cm, a layer of cotton cloth with a thickness of 2-3cm needs to be wrapped around the base to avoid damage to the bark of the branch caused by manual operation. The cotton cloth needs to be soaked in 0.5% carbendazim solution for 30 minutes in advance and then dried.

[0017] As a further aspect of the present invention: in step 4, the pushing amplitude needs to be adjusted according to the toughness of the branch. When the branch diameter is >1.0cm, the pushing amplitude is 10-12°; when the branch diameter is ≤1.0cm, the pushing amplitude is 12-15°, in order to avoid the branch breaking.

[0018] As a further aspect of the present invention: In step 5, the pruning tools need to be wiped and disinfected with 75% alcohol before use, and the disinfection cotton is replaced every 5 trees pruned. The selection criteria for dormant buds are that the buds are plump, free from pests and diseases, and located on the shady side of the branch (the side opposite to the direction of sunlight).

[0019] As a further embodiment of the present invention: In step 6, the method for preparing the decomposed organic fertilizer is as follows: chicken manure and sheep manure are mixed in a ratio of 3:1, straw powder accounting for 10% of the total mass is added, the moisture content is adjusted to 60%-65%, and the mixture is piled up for fermentation for 30-40 days. During this period, the pile is turned over once every 10 days. After the fermentation is completed, the pH value of the organic fertilizer is tested and it needs to be within the range of 6.5-7.5.

[0020] As a further aspect of the present invention: for plum trees with an age of less than 3 years, the number of vigorous shoots retained in step 1 is 6-8 per tree, with priority given to branches in the middle and lower part of the canopy; for trees with an age of 5 years or more, the number of shoots retained is 10-12 per tree, evenly distributed in all directions of the canopy.

[0021] As a further aspect of the present invention: Steps 3 and 4 should be carried out in windless weather. If a slight crack (length < 2cm) appears on the branch during the operation, it should be immediately wrapped with grafting film. The wrapping range is 5cm above and below the crack. The wrapping force should be such that it fits the branch tightly, avoiding excessive tightness that could cause the branch to die.

[0022] As a further aspect of the present invention: In step 6, if there is continuous rainfall (cumulative rainfall > 50 mm) within 15 days after twisting the branch, the soil around the roots should be loosened promptly after the rain (to a depth of 10-15 cm), and a 0.2% urea solution should be applied once (80-100 ml / plant) to prevent root hypoxia and nutrient loss.

[0023] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0024] Improve conversion efficiency: By precisely controlling the downward angle and the number of times the branches are pushed, apical dominance can be effectively eliminated, flower bud differentiation can be promoted, and the conversion rate of fruit production in the following year of vigorous branches can reach more than 75% (compared to only 30%-40% with traditional methods).

[0025] Increased yield: The retained dormant buds can form new fruiting branches, increasing the annual yield per plant by 20%-35%, and increasing the soluble solids content of the fruit by 1.5%-2.5%;

[0026] Optimize tree canopy structure: Directional branch twisting fills gaps in the tree canopy, improves light energy utilization, and reduces nutrient waste;

[0027] Easy to operate: The standardized steps are applicable to plum trees of different ages, making it easy to promote on a large scale. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0029] Example 1: Treatment of excessive shoot growth in 3-year-old honey plum trees (planted on flat land)

[0030] Experimental design: Fifty healthy 3-year-old honey plum trees were randomly divided into an experimental group (25 trees) and a control group (25 trees). The experimental group was pruned using the method of this invention, while the control group was pruned using traditional methods (directly removing overly vigorous branches).

[0031] Screening of vigorous shoots: In the experimental group, vigorous shoots with a length of 60-70cm and a diameter of 0.9-1.1cm were selected, and 8-10 shoots were retained per tree and distributed in the gaps in the east and south directions of the tree crown.

[0032] Twisting operation: Perform the treatment in mid-April (average daily temperature 18℃), press down at a 45° angle and hold for 45 seconds; push the branch at a 12° angle, repeat 3 times. When pruning weak branches, retain 2 dormant buds, spaced 5cm apart.

[0033] Maintenance and management: Spray with 0.3% potassium dihydrogen phosphate on the 5th day after twisting the branches, and apply 6 kg / plant of well-rotted organic fertilizer in May and June.

[0034] Results: The following year, the number of fruiting branches per plant in the experimental group was 28.6 (compared to 12.3 in the control group), the weight of a single fruit was 12.5g (compared to 10.2g in the control group), and the total yield increased by 32.7%.

[0035] Example 2: Treatment of excessive shoot growth in 5-year-old honey plum trees (mountainous planting)

[0036] Experimental design: 50 five-year-old trees were used. The experimental group (25 trees) used the method of this invention, and the control group (25 trees) used the traditional branch pressing method (without the branch pushing step).

[0037] Key parameters: For vigorous shoots, retain 70-80cm in length and 1.0-1.2cm in diameter, keeping 10-12 shoots per plant to fill gaps in the west and north directions. Press down at a 50° angle and hold for 60 seconds; push the shoot at a 15° angle, repeating twice. Prune weak branches, retaining one dormant bud.

[0038] Environmental adjustments: Mountain soil fertility is low, so the amount of organic fertilizer used is increased to 8 kg / plant, and watering is done once every 2 weeks.

[0039] Results: The experimental group had 35.2 flower buds per branch the following year (compared to 18.7 per branch in the control group), the fruit coloring uniformity reached 92% (compared to 75% in the control group), and the total yield increased by 28.5%.

[0040] Example 3: Comparative test of different downward pressure angles (4-year-old tree)

[0041] Experimental design: Three experimental groups were set up, with pressing angles of 30°, 45° and 60° respectively, and 20 plants in each group. The control group was the traditional method.

[0042] Operation details: The specifications for vigorous shoots are uniformly 65cm in length and 1.0cm in diameter. Push the shoot at 10°, repeat twice, and retain 1-2 dormant buds.

[0043] Data comparison: The 45° group had the highest conversion rate in the following year (78.3%), followed by the 30° group at 62.5%, the 60° group at 59.2%, and the control group at 35.8%. The yield per plant in the 45° group was 31.2% higher than that in the control group.

[0044] Example 4: Comparison experiment of different number of branching attempts (2-year-old trees)

[0045] Experimental design: Three groups were set up with 1, 2, and 3 pruning sessions, with 15 plants in each group and no pruning session in the control group.

[0046] Key parameters: downward angle 45°, vigorous shoot length 50-60cm, diameter 0.8-0.9cm, retain 2 dormant buds.

[0047] Results analysis: The group that pushed branches twice had the highest flower bud differentiation rate (82.6%), the average length of fruiting branches in the following year was 45cm (28cm in the control group), and the soluble solids content of the fruit was 13.5% (11.8% in the control group).

[0048] Example 5: Comparative Experiment on the Number of Dormant Buds Retained (6-Year-Old Trees)

[0049] Experimental design: Three groups were set up, with 1, 2 and 3 dormant buds retained, 20 plants in each group, and 0 buds retained in the control group (traditional pruning).

[0050] Operating steps: uniformly press down at 45° and push the branch at 12° twice, the length of the vigorous branch is 70cm and the diameter is 1.1cm.

[0051] Data results: The sprouting rate of new shoots in the group with 2 dormant buds reached 91% (76% in the group with 1 dormant bud and 85% in the group with 3 dormant buds), with 15.2 new fruiting branches per plant (0 branches in the control group), and the total yield increased by 25.3%.

[0052] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for twisting the overgrown branches of a honey plum tree for reuse, characterized by, Includes the following steps: Step 1: Screening of vigorous shoots. Select healthy vigorous shoots with a length of 50-80cm and a diameter of 0.8-1.2cm. Remove diseased, pest-infested, and damaged branches. The criteria for judging healthy vigorous shoots are that the bark of the branches is undamaged, there are no mold spots, and the buds are plump. Step 2: Twisting preparation, which is carried out 15-20 days after the new shoots sprout in spring. At this time, the average daily temperature needs to be stable at 15-20℃. Determine the vacant area by observing the tree crown morphology. The vacant area is defined as the area in the tree crown where the distance between adjacent branches is ≥30cm. Mark the growth direction of the vigorous branches to be treated with red rope, and mark the position 10-15cm away from the top of the branch. Step 3: Pressing down. The operator holds the base of the vigorous branch with one hand, 10-15cm away from the connection with the main trunk, and holds the middle of the branch with the other hand, 30-40cm away from the base. Slowly press down along the direction of the gap in the canopy, controlling the pressing speed at 5-8° / second, until the angle between the branch and the main trunk reaches 40-50°. Hold this angle for 30-60 seconds, and avoid breaking the branch during this process. Step 4: Branch pushing treatment. While maintaining the angle described in Step 3, push the branch forward 10-15° along the growth direction at a speed of 3-5° / second. After pausing for 20-30 seconds, slowly return it to 40-50°. Repeat this pushing-returning operation 2-3 times, with an interval of 5-10 seconds between each operation. Step 5: Prune weak branches. Thin out areas with a density of more than 3 branches / m², retaining branches with a diameter ≥0.6cm. Prune the remaining weak branches 5-8cm from the base with sterilized pruning shears. The cut should be at a 45° angle to the branch, and 1-2 plump dormant buds should be retained, with a spacing of 3-5cm between the dormant buds. Step 6: Subsequent maintenance. Within 7 days after twisting the branch, spray with a 0.3% potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution on a sunny morning, using 100-150ml per tree. When spraying, focus on spraying the back of the leaves and the base of the branches. Apply well-rotted organic fertilizer once a month, using 5-8kg per tree. Apply fertilizer 10-15cm outward from the edge of the tree canopy projection using a circular trench, with a depth of 15-20cm and a width of 20-25cm.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method is characterized by, In step 1, the length of the vigorous shoots should be 60-70cm and the diameter should be 0.9-1.1cm. The initial angle between the growth direction of the shoot and the main trunk should be ≤30°. If the initial angle is >30°, the base of the shoot should be softened 3 days before twisting. The softening method is to wrap the base with a damp towel every morning and evening, with a thickness of 3-5cm, and each wrapping time should be ≥2 hours.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method is characterized by, In step 2, the specific time after the new shoots sprout in spring is in early to mid-April. If there is continuous rainy weather and the average daily temperature is less than 15℃ for more than 3 days, the twisting of branches should be delayed until 5-7 days after the weather clears up. Before twisting the branches, it is necessary to ensure that there is no dew on the surface of the branches.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method is characterized by, In step 3, when pressing down, if the branch diameter is >1.0cm, a 2-3cm thick cotton cloth should be wrapped around the base to avoid damage to the branch's surface caused by manual operation. The cotton cloth should be soaked in a 0.5% carbendazim solution for 30 minutes and then dried.

5. The method for reusing excessive branches of Prunus cerasifera according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step 4, the pushing angle needs to be adjusted according to the branch's toughness. When the branch diameter is >1.0cm, the pushing angle is 10-12°; when the branch diameter is ≤1.0cm, the pushing angle is 12-15°, in order to avoid branch breakage.

6. The method for reusing excessive branches of Prunus cerasifera according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step 5, the pruning tools need to be wiped and disinfected with 75% alcohol before use. The disinfectant cotton should be replaced every 5 trees pruned. The selection criteria for dormant buds are that the buds are plump, free from pests and diseases, and located on the shady side of the branch, on the side opposite to the direction of sunlight.

7. The method for reusing excessive branches of Prunus cerasifera according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step 6, the method for preparing decomposed organic fertilizer is as follows: mix chicken manure and sheep manure in a 3:1 ratio, add straw powder accounting for 10% of the total mass, adjust the moisture content to 60%-65%, pile up and ferment for 30-40 days, turning the pile every 10 days during the period, and test the pH value of the organic fertilizer after fermentation, which should be within the range of 6.5-7.

5.

8. The method for reusing excessive branches of Prunus cerasifera according to claim 1, characterized in that, For plum trees less than 3 years old, in step 1, retain 6-8 vigorous shoots per tree, preferably from the lower part of the canopy; for trees 5 years or older, retain 10-12 shoots per tree, evenly distributed in all directions of the canopy.

9. The method for reusing excessive branches of Prunus cerasifera according to claim 1, characterized in that, Steps 3 and 4 must be performed in windless weather. If a slight crack appears on the branch during the operation and the length is less than 2cm, it must be immediately wrapped with grafting film. The wrapping area should be 5cm above and below the crack. The wrapping should be tight enough to fit the branch tightly, but avoid wrapping too tightly to prevent the branch from dying.

10. The method for reusing excessive branches of Prunus cerasifera according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step 6, if there is continuous rainfall within 15 days after twisting the branch, with a cumulative rainfall of >50mm, the soil around the roots should be loosened in time after the rain to a depth of 10-15cm, and a 0.2% urea solution should be applied once, with a dosage of 80-100ml / plant, to prevent root hypoxia and nutrient loss.