Fruit cudrania tricuspidata tree shaping and pruning method

Abstract

The invention discloses a fruit cudrania tricuspidata shaping and pruning method which comprises the following steps: field planting: annual fruit cudrania tricuspidata grafting seedlings are required, and field planting is performed in mid-early March; in the growing season, other germinated buds are removed, and a branch growing vigorously and fully is reserved on the top to serve as a center trunk; when the central trunk grows to 1.8-2.0 m, terminal buds are removed, and primary lateral branches are reserved at the position of 1.7-1.9 m; second-stage lateral branch cultivation: in the growing season of the second year, the first-stage lateral branches continue to grow in a prolonged mode, and when the total length of the first-stage lateral branches reaches 1.7-2.0 m, terminal buds of the first-stage lateral branches are removed, and growth of the second-stage lateral branches is promoted; third-stage lateral branch cultivation: during pruning in the dormancy period every year, properly retaining fruiting branches, and cultivating third-stage lateral branches. According to the fruit cudrania tricuspidata shaping and pruning method, the fruit yield is increased, and the yield of a single plant is 60-100 kg; a layer of branches is formed, so that fruits are convenient to pick, the influence of cudrania tricuspidata thorns on picking personnel is avoided, and the picking efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of fruit tree shaping and pruning technology, and in particular relates to a method for shaping and pruning fruit trees. Background Technology

[0002] The mulberry tree (Morus alba) is a deciduous tree or shrub belonging to the genus Morus in the family Moraceae. Its bark is grayish-brown, and its twigs are slender and grow in a spreading or drooping manner. The mulberry tree is an important economic tree species. Its wood is hard and durable, suitable for making high-end furniture and handicrafts. Its young leaves can be used to feed silkworms, its fruit is edible or used to make wine, and its stem bark fiber can be used for papermaking.

[0003] The main purpose of pruning mulberry trees is to produce usable timber. Through artificial intervention, the trunk and crown shape of the plant are improved, and the mulberry trees are encouraged to grow into arborescent trees.

[0004] Research on *Opuntia ficus-indica* as a fruit-bearing tree is limited, and there is no publicly available literature on how to improve its yield. The literature "Apple Slender Spindle-Shaped Pruning Technique" provides a slender spindle-shaped pruning technique, resulting in a tree with only one central trunk, from which 15-20 small main branches (or lateral branches) are distributed. The crown is small at the top, large in the middle, and slightly smaller at the bottom, forming a slender spindle shape. This ensures sufficient light penetration both above and below the crown, and the fruit is evenly distributed around the central trunk, thus improving the fruit's light exposure. However, this method results in a tree height of approximately 3.5 meters. Since *Opuntia ficus-indica* has thorns, making fruit harvesting difficult, this method is not suitable for shaping *Opuntia ficus-indica*. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems in the prior art, this invention provides a method for shaping and pruning fruit-bearing mulberry trees, thereby solving the problems of difficult harvesting and low fruit yield.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: A method for shaping and pruning fruit-bearing mulberry trees includes the following steps: S1, Planting: Requires one-year-old fruit-bearing mulberry grafted seedlings, with a height ≥1.2m and a ground diameter ≥1cm, to be planted in mid-to-late March; S2, Cultivating the central leader: During the growing season, remove other sprouting buds and retain one vigorous and full branch at the top as the central leader; when the central leader grows to 1.8-2.0m, remove the terminal bud to promote the sprouting of lateral branches. At 1.7-1.9m, leave 2-3 primary lateral branches in the east and west directions, for a total of 4-6 primary lateral branches per tree.

[0007] S3, Secondary lateral branch cultivation: In the second growing season, the primary lateral branches continue to grow. When the total length reaches 1.7-2.0m, the terminal buds of the primary lateral branches are removed to promote the growth of secondary lateral branches.

[0008] S4, Cultivation of tertiary lateral branches: During the pruning in the dormant period every year, appropriately retain the fruiting branches and cultivate tertiary lateral branches with a length of 30 - 40 cm, and make them evenly distributed.

[0009] In step S1, the row spacing is 2m × 4m, and one male plant is planted among every 10 plants as a pollination tree, and they are planted in a staggered distribution.

[0010] In step S2, for two primary lateral branches in the same direction, the included angle is 60° - 90°; all the germinated buds at the lower part are removed.

[0011] In step S2, when the primary lateral branches grow to 5 - 20 cm, horizontally pull and tie them on the shelf surface; the included angle between the primary lateral branches and the central trunk is less than 45°; remove the growing flowers and fruits.

[0012] In step S3, 3 - 4 secondary lateral branches are retained on each side of each primary lateral branch, and there are 24 - 30 secondary lateral branches in each tree in total.

[0013] In step S3, when the secondary lateral branches grow to more than 20 cm, tie them on the shelf surface and let them grow flat. The included angle between the secondary lateral branches and the primary lateral branches is 70° - 90°.

[0014] In step S3, the spacing length between the secondary lateral branches is 30 - 40 cm, and remove the remaining germinated branches.

[0015] The small branches of Cudrania tricuspidata are slender and grow in a spreading or drooping shape. In view of this structural feature of Cudrania tricuspidata, the present invention designs a shaping and pruning method for fruit - bearing Cudrania tricuspidata.

[0016] This method mainly includes the following key points: 1. In this method, when the central trunk grows to 1.9 meters, remove the apical bud to promote the germination of lateral branches; and timely wipe off unnecessary buds during the growth season to ensure the concentrated supply of nutrients; at the same time, by setting multiple - level lateral branches including primary lateral branches, secondary lateral branches and fruiting branches, and controlling the quantity, direction, included angle and length, a tree body structure with distinct levels and reasonable distribution is formed. After the fruits grow, the lateral branches droop, just reaching the appropriate height for picking.

[0017] 2. The present invention uses the horizontal pulling and tying technology to fix the primary and secondary lateral branches on the shelf surface about 1.9 meters above the ground, forming a single - layer unfolded structure, avoiding the influence of the thorns of Cudrania tricuspidata on the pickers.

[0018] 3. One male plant is configured for every 10 female plants and they are planted in a "staggered" distribution, effectively improving the pollination efficiency and fruit - setting rate.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: 1. This invention provides a design for the spatial arrangement of lateral branches, specifically including the control of parameters such as primary lateral branches being distributed in an east-west direction, with the angle between two branches in the same direction controlled at 60°–90°; and secondary lateral branches being symmetrically arranged on both sides of the primary lateral branches, with an angle of 70°–90° and a spacing of 30–40 cm. This achieves uniform light penetration and ventilation in the canopy, which is conducive to the fruit receiving sufficient light, thus improving fruit quality and yield. Actively removing flowers and fruits during the shaping stage promotes vegetative growth and skeletal structure formation, laying the foundation for subsequent high yields. This method increases fruit yield, with a yield of 60-100 kg per tree.

[0020] 2. This invention, by controlling the height of the central trunk and pruning primary and secondary lateral branches, forms a single-layer, flat canopy, concentrating the fruit at an easily accessible height and location, effectively avoiding injury to harvesters from mulberry thorns and improving harvesting efficiency. This method achieves high yields of mulberry fruit while ensuring harvesting safety and significantly improving harvesting efficiency.

[0021] 3. This invention improves the yield of Oxalis corniculata through pruning and shaping methods, and facilitates fruit harvesting, bringing new opportunities for the cultivation of fruit-bearing Oxalis corniculata. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the invention.

[0023] Figure 1 This refers to the pruning pattern for the central trunk and lateral branches of mature mulberry trees; Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the overall shape of a mature mulberry tree.

[0024] Figure 3 It is a free spindle-shaped shaping and pruning mode.

[0025] Among them, 1-central trunk, 2-first-level lateral branches, 3-second-level lateral branches, and 4-fruiting branches. Detailed Implementation

[0026] It should be noted that the following detailed descriptions are exemplary and intended to provide further illustration of the invention. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0027] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of exemplary embodiments according to the invention. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0028] To better understand the invention, and not to limit its scope, all figures indicating amounts, percentages, and other numerical values ​​used in this application should, in all cases, be understood to be modified by the word "about". Therefore, unless specifically stated otherwise, the numerical parameters listed in the specification and appended claims are approximate values ​​and may vary depending on the desired properties being sought. Each numerical parameter should at least be considered as obtained based on reported significant figures and through conventional rounding methods. In this invention, "about" means within 10%, preferably within 5%, of a given value or range.

[0029] In embodiments of the present invention, a method for shaping and pruning fruit-bearing mulberry trees as described below is provided, such as... Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, it includes the following steps: S1, Planting: Requires one-year-old fruit-bearing mulberry grafted seedlings, with a height ≥1.2m and ground diameter ≥1cm. Planting should be done in early to mid-March, with a spacing of 2m × 4m. Plant one male tree for every 10 seedlings as a pollinator, in a triangular arrangement.

[0030] S2, Cultivating the Central Leader: During the growing season, remove other sprouting buds, retaining only one vigorous and full branch at the top as the central leader. When the central leader grows to approximately 1.9m, remove the terminal bud to promote lateral branch growth. At 1.7-1.9m, retain 2-3 primary lateral branches in each direction (east and west), for a total of 4-6 primary lateral branches per tree. The angle between two primary lateral branches in the same direction should be 60°-90°. Remove all lower sprouting buds. When the primary lateral branches grow to 5-20cm, pull them horizontally and tie them to the trellis. The angle between the primary lateral branch and the central leader should be less than 45°. Remove any growing flowers and fruits. The trellis should be approximately 1.9m above the ground. Cement posts are used for tying; the lateral branches are tied to the posts with wire, with the wire approximately 1.9m above the ground.

[0031] S3, Secondary Lateral Branch Cultivation: In the second growing season, primary lateral branches continue to extend. When the total length reaches 1.8m, remove the terminal buds of the primary lateral branches to promote the growth of secondary lateral branches. Retain 3-4 secondary lateral branches on each side of each primary lateral branch, for a total of 24-30 secondary lateral branches per tree. When the secondary lateral branches grow to over 20cm, tie them to the trellis and allow them to grow flat. The angle between the secondary and primary lateral branches should be 70°-90°. The spacing between secondary lateral branches should be 30-40cm, and any remaining sprouts should be removed.

[0032] S4, Third-level lateral branch cultivation: During the annual dormant pruning, appropriately retain fruiting branches and cultivate third-level lateral branches, with a length of 30-40cm, ensuring even distribution. Yield per plant is 60-100kg.

[0033] Example 1, Planting: One-year-old fruit-bearing mulberry grafted seedlings, 1.2m in height and 1cm in diameter at ground level, should be planted in early to mid-March, with a spacing of 2m × 4m between plants. Plant one male tree for every 10 seedlings as a pollinator, and arrange them in a triangular pattern.

[0034] Cultivating the Central Leader: During the growing season, remove all other sprouting buds, retaining only the top vigorous and full branch as the central leader. When the central leader grows to approximately 1.9m, remove the terminal bud to promote lateral branching. At 1.7-1.9m, retain two primary lateral branches in each direction (east and west), for a total of four primary lateral branches per tree. The angle between the two primary lateral branches in the same direction should be 90°. Remove all lower sprouting buds. When the primary lateral branches grow to 10cm, pull them horizontally and tie them to the trellis. The angle between the primary lateral branches and the central leader should be 45°. Remove any growing flowers and fruits. The trellis should be approximately 1.9m above the ground. Cement posts are used for tying; the lateral branches are tied to the posts with wire, with the wire approximately 1.9m above the ground.

[0035] Secondary lateral branch cultivation: In the second growing season, primary lateral branches continue to extend. When the total length reaches 1.7m, remove the terminal buds of the primary lateral branches to promote the growth of secondary lateral branches. Retain 3-4 secondary lateral branches on each side of each primary lateral branch, for a total of approximately 24 secondary lateral branches per tree. When the secondary lateral branches grow to 20cm, tie them to the trellis and allow them to grow flat. The angle between the secondary and primary lateral branches should be 80°. The spacing between secondary lateral branches should be 30-40cm, and any remaining sprouts should be removed.

[0036] Third-level lateral branch cultivation: During the annual dormant pruning, appropriately retain fruiting branches and cultivate third-level lateral branches, with a length of 30-40cm, ensuring even distribution. Yield per plant: 80kg.

[0037] Example 2 Planting: One-year-old fruit-bearing mulberry grafted seedlings, 1.4m in height and 1.2cm in diameter at ground level, should be planted in early to mid-March, with a spacing of 2m × 4m between plants. Plant one male tree for every 10 seedlings as a pollinator, and arrange them in a triangular pattern.

[0038] Cultivating the Central Leader: During the growing season, remove all other sprouting buds, retaining only the top vigorous and full branch as the central leader. When the central leader grows to approximately 1.9m, remove the terminal bud to promote lateral branching. At 1.7-1.9m, retain three primary lateral branches in each direction (east and west), for a total of six primary lateral branches per tree. The angle between two primary lateral branches in the same direction should be approximately 60°. Remove all lower sprouting buds. When the primary lateral branches grow to 15cm, pull them horizontally and tie them to the trellis. The angle between the primary lateral branch and the central leader should be less than 45°. Remove any growing flowers and fruits. The trellis should be approximately 1.9m above the ground. Cement posts are used for tying; the lateral branches are tied to the posts with wire, with the wire approximately 1.9m above the ground.

[0039] Secondary lateral branch cultivation: In the second growing season, primary lateral branches continue to extend. When the total length reaches 1.8m, remove the terminal buds of the primary lateral branches to promote the growth of secondary lateral branches. Retain three secondary lateral branches on each side of each primary lateral branch, resulting in approximately 30 secondary lateral branches per tree. When the secondary lateral branches grow to over 20cm, tie them to the trellis and allow them to grow flat. The angle between the secondary and primary lateral branches should be 70°. The spacing between secondary lateral branches should be 30-40cm, and any remaining sprouts should be removed.

[0040] S4, Third-level lateral branch cultivation: During the annual dormant pruning, appropriately retain fruiting branches and cultivate third-level lateral branches, with a length of 30-40cm, ensuring even distribution. The yield per plant is approximately 100kg.

[0041] Comparative Example The conventional pruning method is free spindle-shaped shaping pruning, and the pruning method is as follows: After planting, prune the trunk 100 cm above the ground. After sprouting, remove any sprouts below 60 cm above the ground. From 60-100 cm above the ground, retain three branches with good angles and even growth to serve as main branches. Remove the remaining branches and train them to open at an angle greater than 70 degrees. Leave one terminal bud and maintain a height of 2 meters.

[0042] When pruning the following spring, retain five branches with good directional angles and even growth at the 100-200 cm section of the trunk as main branches. Remove the remaining branches and train them to open at an angle greater than 70 degrees. For the three main branches retained from the first year, prune the tips, leaving a length of 120 cm. Let the main branches grow freely, and make notches on the sides of each main branch at regular intervals to encourage the growth of lateral branches with greater branch differences. Remove some buds on the back of the branches to prevent the growth of vigorous shoots.

[0043] In the third spring, during pruning, the tops of the five main branches retained from the second year are cut off, leaving a length of 80-100 cm. The opening angle of the main branches should be 80 degrees.

[0044] The free spindle pruning method emphasizes letting the plant grow freely, shortening the central leader, notching buds to encourage branching, opening up the pruning angle, combining thinning and shortening, and extending the stalk. Yield per plant is 45-65 kg.

[0045] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for shaping and pruning fruit-bearing mulberry trees, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1, Planting: Use one-year-old fruit-bearing mulberry grafted seedlings and plant them in early to mid-March; S2, Cultivating the central leader: During the growing season, remove other sprouting buds and retain the top one vigorous and full branch as the central leader; when the central leader grows to 1.8-2.0m, remove the terminal bud and retain the first-level lateral branches at 1.7-1.9m. S3, Secondary lateral branch cultivation: In the second growing season, the primary lateral branches continue to grow. When the total length reaches 1.7-2.0m, the terminal buds of the primary lateral branches are removed to promote the growth of secondary lateral branches. S4, Third-level lateral branch training: During the dormant pruning each year, appropriately retain fruiting branches and train third-level lateral branches.

2. The method for shaping and pruning fruit-bearing mulberry trees according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S1, during the planting process, it is required that the height of the one-year-old fruit-bearing mulberry grafted seedlings be ≥1.2m and the ground diameter be ≥1cm.

3. The method for shaping and pruning fruit-bearing mulberry trees according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S1, the plant spacing is 2m × 4m.

4. The method for shaping and pruning fruit-bearing mulberry trees according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S1, one male plant is planted for every 10 plants as a pollinator, and they are planted in a triangular pattern.

5. The method for shaping and pruning fruit-bearing mulberry trees according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S2, during the cultivation of the central leader, 2-3 primary lateral branches are left in the east and west directions at a height of 1.7-1.9m; ​​the angle between two primary lateral branches in the same direction is 60°-90°; all sprouting buds at the bottom are removed.

6. The method for shaping and pruning fruit-bearing mulberry trees according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S2, when the primary lateral branches grow to 5-20cm, pull them horizontally and tie them to the trellis; the angle between the primary lateral branches and the central trunk should be less than 45°; remove the growing flowers and fruits.

7. The method for shaping and pruning fruit-bearing mulberry trees according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S3, 3-4 secondary lateral branches are retained on each side of each primary lateral branch.

8. The method for shaping and pruning fruit-bearing mulberry trees according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S3, when the secondary lateral branches grow to more than 20cm, they are tied to the trellis and laid flat to grow; the angle between the secondary lateral branches and the primary lateral branches is 70°-90°.

9. The method for shaping and pruning fruit-bearing mulberry trees according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S3, the spacing between secondary lateral branches is 30-40cm, and the remaining sprouting branches are removed.

10. The method for shaping and pruning fruit-bearing mulberry trees according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S4, the lateral branches of the third-level branches are 30-40cm long to ensure even distribution.

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