Method for preventing and controlling apple scab
Through the systematic management of "three controls and one supplement," the problem of controlling bitter pit disease in apples has been solved, resulting in improved apple quality and yield, and promoting the high-quality development of the apple industry.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- LUOCHUAN CHENHAO AGRI & ANIMAL HUSBANDRY IND CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2026-03-31
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-05
AI Technical Summary
There is a lack of effective methods for controlling apple bitter pit, especially for new varieties such as "Qin Cui" apples, and conventional fertilization and management methods can easily lead to the occurrence of the disease.
Implement a systematic management approach of "three controls and one supplement," which includes nitrogen fertilizer regulation, new shoot regulation, fruit regulation, and calcium supplementation throughout the entire growth cycle. Through measures such as phased fertilization, controlling new shoot growth, thinning flowers and fruits, and foliar spraying for calcium supplementation, the physiological state of fruit trees is synergistically intervened.
It effectively reduces the impact of bitter pit on fruit trees, improves apple quality and yield, and promotes the high-quality development of the apple industry.
Smart Images
Figure CN122139593A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention belongs to the field of apple cultivation technology, specifically relating to a method for the prevention and control of bitter pit disease in apples. Background Technology
[0002] Bitter pit, also known as apple rot, is a physiological disorder that occurs during the ripening and storage of apples. Symptoms include: dark, sunken spots appearing near the top of the fruit; red varieties show dark purplish-red spots, green varieties show dark green spots, and blue varieties develop grayish-brown spots. The lesions are 2-3 mm deep into the flesh and are accompanied by a bitter taste. Mildly affected fruits may have 3-5 lesions, while severe cases may have 60-80 lesions.
[0003] Studies have shown that the occurrence of this disease is closely related to variety, rootstock, tree growth status, soil texture, and cultivation techniques. However, in cultivation practice, there is currently no optimal scientific solution for controlling this physiological disease through water and fertilizer regulation, growth regulation, and fruit size control. In particular, some new apple varieties, such as "Qin Cui," are particularly susceptible to bitter pit when using conventional methods for fertilization and tree management.
[0004] Therefore, the prevention and control methods proposed in this application, based on practical experience, can effectively control the occurrence of apple bitter pit, greatly improve fruit quality and income per acre, and have broad prospects for technology promotion and application. Summary of the Invention
[0005] In view of the shortcomings of the existing technology, the purpose of this invention is to provide a method for the prevention and control of apple bitter pit.
[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned technical objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: A method for controlling apple bitter pit relies on a systematic management approach of "three controls and one supplement." This approach, starting from a plant physiology perspective (the root cause of apple bitter pit lies in the breakdown of cell structure due to localized "physiological calcium deficiency" in fruit tissue), involves synergistic intervention across four dimensions: nitrogen fertilizer regulation (first control), new shoot regulation (second control), fruit regulation (third control), and full-cycle calcium supplementation (first supplement). Specifically… This invention includes the following: (1) Nitrogen fertilizer regulation (adopting a phased fertilization strategy, strictly distinguishing between the basal fertilizer period, the topdressing period and the nitrogen restriction period) A phased fertilization strategy is adopted, including autumn basal fertilizer application, spring topdressing application, and summer nitrogen restriction management. During the summer nitrogen restriction management period, the input of nitrogen-containing fertilizers is limited, forcing the tree to transform from growing branches and leaves to growing fruits, and avoiding the new shoots from depriving the fruits of the calcium they need. (2) New shoot regulation (controlling excessive nutrient consumption of new shoots through quantitative indicators to avoid ineffective transport and consumption of calcium to branches and leaves) Differentiated new shoot growth thresholds are set according to the age stage of the fruit trees. For saplings under 4 years old, the length of new shoots should be controlled to not exceed 1 meter; For trees that are 5 years old or older but less than 8 years old, the length of new shoots should be controlled to not exceed 70 centimeters. For trees that are 8 years old or older, the length of new shoots should be controlled to not exceed 50 cm, and the proportion of new shoots with a length of 30-50 cm should reach the preset ratio, which is more than 80%. At the same time, control the growth length of autumn shoots to not exceed 5 cm; (3) Fruit regulation By thinning flowers and fruits, the position and quantity of fruits to be retained can be controlled. Priority should be given to retaining edge fruits or double fruits, and the fruit size should be controlled within the preset transverse diameter range. By controlling the fruit size, the calcium concentration can be controlled. If the fruit volume is too large, the calcium content per unit volume will be diluted, and the pulp tissue will not be able to remain dense. (4) Calcium supplementation throughout the entire cycle Establish a comprehensive calcium supplementation system that includes foliar spraying during the growing season, root zone application, and post-harvest treatment; Before bagging the apple trees, apply foliar fertilizer in combination with amino acid calcium fertilizer 3-4 times. After removing the bags, apply sugar alcohol calcium foliar fertilizer 1-2 times; After harvesting and before storage, the fruit is soaked in a calcium salt solution to directly replenish the calcium content of the peel and the pulp near the peel using osmotic pressure.
[0007] This invention effectively protects the quality and yield of apples, reduces the impact of bitter pit on the growth and development of fruit trees, thereby achieving high-quality, high-yield, and high-efficiency apple production and promoting the high-quality development of the apple industry.
[0008] In some optional examples, the spring topdressing application described in content (1) is concentrated from before bud break to the young fruit stage, and the fertilizer used in the spring topdressing application is a nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium balanced water-soluble fertilizer to meet the needs of fruit setting and early cell division. The complete process from pre-budding to young fruit stage is as follows: pre-budding, post-budding, post-fruit setting, and young fruit stage. The young fruit stage is generally before May 20th each year. The nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium balanced water-soluble fertilizer should be applied 2 to 4 times. The nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content in the nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium balanced water-soluble fertilizer is 15:15:15. The application rate is 10-15 kg per mu, and the water consumption is 1500-2000 kg per mu; Other supporting cultivation and management measures include using an integrated water and fertilizer system when applying fertilizer in spring, and covering the soil with mulch or horticultural fabric after fertilization and irrigation.
[0009] In some optional instances, the summer nitrogen restriction management described in content (1) includes stopping the application of any nitrogen-containing fertilizers to fruit trees from the end of May to the end of August each year.
[0010] In some optional examples, the autumn basal fertilizer application described in content (1) uses fertilizer components including commercial organic fertilizer (compliant with NY / T525-2021 standard), chelated amino acid calcium fertilizer, silicon-calcium-magnesium-potassium fertilizer and microbial inoculants. The application amount per acre is 1-2 tons of commercial organic fertilizer, 20-30 kg of chelated amino acid calcium fertilizer, 10-20 kg of silicon-calcium-magnesium-potassium fertilizer, and 10-20 kg of microbial inoculants. Other supporting cultivation and management measures include using manual spreading combined with mechanical deep plowing when applying basal fertilizer in autumn to improve the soil rhizosphere environment and promote the absorption of calcium by the roots.
[0011] In some alternative instances, in content (2), shoot regulation is carried out through agronomic measures, including opening the base angle of the shoot to 90 degrees; notching the new shoots; and pruning with caps in the fall.
[0012] In some optional instances, the transverse diameter range in content (3) is 80 to 85 millimeters.
[0013] In some optional instances, in content (4), the calcium salt solution is a calcium chloride solution with a concentration of 2% to 8% or a calcium nitrate solution with a concentration of 1% to 6%.
[0014] The beneficial effects of this invention are: effectively ensuring the quality and yield of apples, reducing the impact of bitter pit on the growth and development of fruit trees, thereby achieving high-quality, high-yield and high-efficiency apple production, and promoting the high-quality development of the apple industry. Attached Figure Description
[0015] The present invention can be further illustrated by the non-limiting embodiments given in the accompanying drawings; Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation
[0016] The technical solutions of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. The embodiments described herein are specific implementations of the present invention, used to illustrate the concept of the present invention; these descriptions are explanatory and exemplary, and should not be construed as limiting the implementation methods or the scope of protection of the present invention. In addition to the embodiments described herein, those skilled in the art can employ other obvious technical solutions based on the content disclosed in the claims and specification of this application. These technical solutions include those that make any obvious substitutions and modifications to the embodiments described herein.
[0017] Six-year-old "Changfu No. 2" standard apple trees were selected as experimental subjects at the Luochuan Apple Experimental Station in Yan'an City. Apple trees were cultivated using the method for controlling bitter pit disease of apples as the experimental group, while conventional cultivation methods were used as the control group. Example
[0018] The method for cultivating apple trees according to the control method of the present invention is as follows: (1) Nitrogen fertilizer regulation Autumn base fertilizer application: In autumn, apply 1.5 tons of commercial organic fertilizer per mu, mixed with 25 kg of chelated amino acid calcium fertilizer, 15 kg of silicon-calcium-magnesium-potassium fertilizer and 15 kg of microbial inoculant. After manual application, deep tillage is carried out by machinery. Spring topdressing: Apply water-soluble fertilizer (N:P:K=15:15:15) in 3 applications, 12 kg per mu each time, combined with fertigation, followed by ground cover. Nitrogen restriction management during summer; all nitrogen fertilizer application shall be suspended from May 30 to August 30. (2) Shoot regulation By pulling branches to open the angle (90 degrees at the base), notching buds, and pruning in autumn, the length of the current year's new shoots is controlled to be less than 70 cm, and the growth length of autumn shoots is strictly controlled to not exceed 5 cm. (3) Fruit regulation By retaining two fruits and fruits on the edge, the average transverse diameter of the fruit can be controlled to be 80-85 mm. (4) Calcium supplementation throughout the entire cycle Before bagging the apple trees, apply foliar fertilizer in combination with amino acid calcium fertilizer three times. After removing the bags, apply a foliar fertilizer of sugar alcohol calcium once. Before storing the fruit after harvest, soak it in a 4% calcium chloride solution.
[0019] Select "Changfu No. 2" fruit trees from the same plot of land, of the same age, and with consistent growth. Adopting conventional management model: Fertilization: Apply base fertilizer (conventional compound fertilizer) in autumn, and top-dress with high-nitrogen compound fertilizer (N:P:K=21:9:15) in spring and summer during the fruit enlargement period. There are no restrictions on the use of nitrogen fertilizer in summer. Pruning: Conventional pruning, with no strict restrictions on new shoot length; Fruit thinning: conventional fruit thinning, aiming for larger fruits, mainly retaining the central fruits; Calcium supplementation: During the normal growing season, foliar calcium is sprayed twice, without post-harvest calcium soaking treatment. The bitter pit disease status of apples harvested in the examples and control examples was statistically analyzed, and the results are shown in Table (1). Table 1 Note: Two or fewer bitter pit spots on the fruit surface indicate mild lesions; three to five bitter pit spots indicate moderate lesions; and six or more bitter pit spots indicate moderate lesions.
[0020] The statistics show that in the control group, a total of 348 individual fruits were sampled, with 12 diseased fruits, accounting for 3.4%. Among them, 6 fruits were mildly diseased, accounting for 1.7%, 4 were moderately diseased, accounting for 1.1%, and 2 were severely diseased, accounting for 0.6%. In the control group, a total of 293 individual fruits were sampled, with 37 diseased fruits, accounting for 12.6%. Among them, 4 fruits were mildly diseased, accounting for 1.4%, 19 were moderately diseased, accounting for 6.5%, and 18 were severely diseased, accounting for 6.1%.
[0021] The above statistical results show that the method for controlling bitter pit in apples according to the present invention can effectively ensure the yield and quality of apples, reduce the adverse impact of bitter pit on the commercial value of the fruit, and has a better cost advantage.
[0022] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and effects of the present invention and are not intended to limit the invention. Any person skilled in the art can modify or alter the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or alterations made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and technical concept disclosed in the present invention should still be covered by the claims of the present invention.
Claims
1. A method for preventing and controlling bitter pit in apples, characterized in that: Includes the following: (1) Nitrogen fertilizer regulation A phased fertilization strategy is adopted, including autumn basal fertilizer application, spring topdressing application, and summer nitrogen restriction management; (2) Shoot regulation Differentiated new shoot growth thresholds are set according to the age stage of fruit trees; (3) Fruit regulation By thinning flowers and fruits, the position and quantity of fruits retained can be controlled, and the size of the fruits can be controlled within the preset transverse diameter range. (4) Calcium supplementation throughout the entire cycle Establish a three-dimensional calcium supplementation system that includes foliar spraying during the growing season, root zone application, and post-harvest treatment.
2. The method for preventing and controlling bitter pit in apples according to claim 1, characterized in that: The summer nitrogen restriction management described in content (1) includes the following: Stop applying any nitrogen-containing fertilizers to fruit trees from the end of May to the end of August each year.
3. The method for preventing and controlling bitter pit in apples according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fertilizer components used in the autumn basal fertilizer application described in content (1) include, Commercial organic fertilizers, chelated amino acid calcium fertilizers, silicon-calcium-magnesium-potassium fertilizers, and microbial inoculants.
4. The method for preventing and controlling bitter pit in apples according to claim 1, characterized in that: The application of topdressing in spring as described in content (1) is concentrated from before budding to the young fruit stage, and the fertilizer used for topdressing in spring is a nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium balanced water-soluble fertilizer.
5. The method for preventing and controlling bitter pit in apples according to claim 1, characterized in that: The specific content of the new shoot growth threshold mentioned in content (2) is as follows: For saplings under 4 years old, the length of new shoots should be controlled to not exceed 1 meter; For trees that are 5 years old or older but less than 8 years old, the length of new shoots should be controlled to not exceed 70 centimeters. For trees that are 8 years old or older, control the length of new shoots to no more than 50 cm, and ensure that the proportion of new shoots with a length of 30-50 cm reaches the preset ratio. At the same time, the growth length of autumn shoots should be controlled to not exceed 5 cm.
6. The method for preventing and controlling bitter pit in apples according to claim 5, characterized in that: In content (2), new shoot regulation is carried out through agronomic measures, which include: Open the angle of the base of the new shoot to 90 degrees; Make notches on the new shoots; as well as, Hat trimming should be done in the fall.
7. The method for preventing and controlling bitter pit in apples according to claim 1, characterized in that: The specific details of controlling the fruit retention position mentioned in content (3) are as follows: Prioritize retaining edge fruits or double fruits; The transverse diameter ranges from 80 to 85 millimeters.
8. The method for preventing and controlling bitter pit in apples according to claim 1, characterized in that: The specific contents of the three-dimensional calcium supplementation system described in content (4) include: Before bagging the apple trees, apply foliar fertilizer in combination with amino acid calcium fertilizer 3-4 times. After removing the bags, apply sugar alcohol calcium foliar fertilizer 1-2 times; After harvesting and before storage, the fruit is soaked in a calcium salt solution.
9. A method for preventing and controlling bitter pit in apples according to claim 8, characterized in that: The calcium salt solution is a calcium chloride solution with a concentration of 2% to 8% or a calcium nitrate solution with a concentration of 1% to 6%.
10. A method for preventing and controlling bitter pit in apples according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: It also includes supporting cultivation and management measures, When applying base fertilizer in autumn, manual spreading combined with mechanical deep tilling is used; when applying topdressing in spring, water and fertilizer integration is used, and mulch or horticultural fabric is used after fertilization and irrigation.