A pruning method for controlling eriophyid mites on apricot

Abstract

The present application belongs to the technical field of pest control, and particularly relates to a pruning method for preventing and treating apricot bud mite. The present application provides a pruning method for preventing and treating apricot bud mite, comprising the following steps: in the dormancy period of apricot trees, keeping the fruiting main branches of the apricot trees and pruning the remaining branches. The present application prunes the apricot trees in the specific period of the dormancy period of the apricot trees, at which time the apricot bud mites have not started to move and lay eggs, and the sources of the pests are hidden under bud scales. In this period, the fruiting main branches of the apricot trees are kept, and the remaining branches are pruned, so that the sources of the apricot bud mites hidden in the bud bodies of the apricot trees can be completely removed, the occurrence of the pests is blocked from the source, and therefore the control efficiency is greatly improved, and a large amount of chemical agents does not need to be used.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of pest and disease control technology, specifically relating to a pruning method for controlling apricot bud gall mites. Background Technology

[0002] Apricot trees are one of the important fruit tree varieties in northern my country. Their fruits are highly nutritious and delicious, possessing significant economic value and market demand. However, the apricot bud gall mite, a major pest of apricot trees, causes serious damage to their growth and development. The apricot bud gall mite is a disease caused by the parasitic *Gallus hygrophorus*, which infests apricot bud scales, sucking nutrients. Its secretions stimulate the proliferation of bud tissue, forming galls, leading to bud necrosis, stunted new shoot growth, and in severe cases, causing significant flower and fruit drop, even weakening the entire tree and resulting in reduced yield or crop failure.

[0003] Currently, the control technology for apricot bud gall mite mainly relies on chemical control, supplemented by conventional pruning. Chemical control, which involves spraying acaricides (such as abamectin and pyridaben) to kill mites, is the most widely used method in current production. However, its effectiveness is limited and it carries the risk of residue. Conventional pruning primarily involves heavy heading back to reduce the infestation source, but the recovery time for pruned trees is generally 3-4 years, leading to severe yield reduction or even the death of some trees, causing significant economic losses. Furthermore, it cannot eliminate the infestation source at its origin, limiting its effectiveness as a supplementary control method. In addition, some studies have attempted biological control (such as releasing predatory mites) and agricultural control (such as clearing fallen leaves and weeds from the orchard). However, biological control is costly and slow-acting, while agricultural control only plays a supplementary role and is difficult to use alone to control the infestation. Moreover, it requires a high level of technical expertise from fruit growers, making it difficult to promote and apply in large-scale orchards. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a simple and efficient method for controlling apricot bud gall mites. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a pruning method for preventing and controlling apricot bud gall mites. This method can directly eliminate most of the insect source, fundamentally solving the problems of difficult insect source elimination and poor control effect, and can quickly restore the tree and yield.

[0005] This invention provides a pruning method for preventing apricot bud gall mites, comprising the following steps: during the dormant period of apricot trees, retaining the main fruiting branches of the apricot trees and pruning away the remaining branches.

[0006] As a preferred option, the apricot tree is a mature, fruit-bearing apricot tree.

[0007] As a preferred embodiment, the main fruiting branches of the apricot tree are retained according to the shape of the apricot tree; when the apricot tree has an open-center fruit shape, the number of main fruiting branches retained is 3 to 4; when the apricot tree has a cup-shaped fruit shape, the number of main fruiting branches retained is 5 to 7.

[0008] As a preferred embodiment, the opening angle of the main branch is 30°~60°; the diameter of the main branch is 3~8cm.

[0009] As a preferred embodiment, the retained length of the main fruiting branch is 1.5~3m; when pruning the main fruiting branch, the cut is located 1~2cm above the plump bud of the main fruiting branch.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment, the remaining branches include lateral branches and spur-shaped fruit branches.

[0011] As a preferred option, after trimming, the procedure also includes applying a disinfectant and / or a healing agent to the surface of the trimmed wound.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment, the pruning method further includes: subsequent maintenance and new shoot pruning.

[0013] As a preferred option, the subsequent maintenance includes: pruning and applying base fertilizer the following spring.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment, the new shoot pruning includes: thinning the new shoots when they reach 10-15cm in length on the main branch; and pinching off the tips when they reach 30-40cm in length.

[0015] Beneficial Effects: This invention provides a pruning method for controlling apricot bud gall mites, comprising the following steps: During the dormant period of apricot trees, retain the main fruiting branches and prune away the remaining branches. The overwintering and egg-laying of apricot bud gall mites are mainly concentrated in the living buds of apricot trees, especially in the scales of the central bud cluster, where the number of mites is highest; very few mites are hidden on the main branches. During the dormant period of apricot trees (i.e., from winter leaf fall to spring bud sprouting), apricot bud gall mites have not yet begun to be active and lay eggs; the infestation source is concentrated under the bud scales. This invention chooses to prune apricot trees during this period, retaining the main fruiting branches and pruning away the remaining branches, which can directly eliminate all the apricot bud gall mite sources hidden in the apricot buds, blocking the occurrence of pests from the source. Therefore, the control efficiency is greatly improved, and there is no need to use large amounts of chemical agents. Compared to existing conventional pruning techniques combined with chemical pesticide control, the method of this invention significantly improves the control effect of apricot bud gall mite, achieving a field pest reduction rate of over 85%. It significantly reduces the damage of apricot bud gall mites to apricot tree buds and new shoots, decreases gall formation, and ensures normal growth and development of apricot trees. Furthermore, this invention eliminates the pest source through physical pruning, reducing the amount of chemical pesticides used by more than 80% compared to existing technologies, lowering the risk of pesticide residues, aligning with the needs of green agriculture development, and simultaneously reducing damage to the orchard's ecological environment while protecting natural enemy insects. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly described below.

[0017] Figure 1 The shape of the tree before pruning; Figure 2 Symptoms of gall mite infestation before pruning; Figure 3 To prune the branches that grew in the autumn of that year; Figure 4 This shows the tree's growth after pruning in the following winter. Detailed Implementation

[0018] This invention provides a pruning method for preventing apricot bud gall mites, comprising the following steps: during the dormant period of apricot trees, retaining the main fruiting branches of the apricot trees and pruning away the remaining branches.

[0019] This invention selects the dormant period of apricot trees for pruning. The dormant period of apricot trees, as described in this invention, refers to the physiological stage during which apricot trees temporarily cease visible growth after leaf fall in winter and before bud break in spring. In this invention, the highest daytime temperature during the dormant period is below 10℃. In one implementation, the dormant period is from mid-November to late February, during which the main fruiting branches of the apricot tree are retained, and the remaining branches are pruned away. In another implementation, the dormant period is from late December to early February, during which the main fruiting branches of the apricot tree are retained, and the remaining branches are pruned away. The overwintering and oviposition of apricot bud gall mites are mainly concentrated in the living buds of apricot trees, especially in the scales of the central bud cluster, with very few mites hiding on the main branches. During the dormant period of apricot trees, apricot bud gall mites have not yet begun to lay eggs, and the infestation source is concentrated and hidden under the bud scales. This invention selects this period to prune apricot trees, retaining the main fruiting branches and removing the rest of the branches. This directly eliminates all apricot bud gall mites hidden in the apricot buds, blocking the occurrence of pests at the source, thus significantly improving control efficiency. Furthermore, the method described in this invention does not require the use of large amounts of chemical agents, or only requires a small amount of auxiliary spraying during the peak pest season. The amount of chemical agents used is reduced by more than 80% compared to existing technologies, reducing the risk of pesticide residues, meeting the needs of green agricultural development, and reducing damage to the orchard ecological environment while protecting natural enemy insects.

[0020] In one implementation, the apricot tree is a mature fruiting apricot tree. In another implementation, the age of the mature fruiting apricot tree is 3-30 years, preferably 10-30 years. In a specific embodiment of the invention, the age of the mature fruiting apricot tree can be any value within the range of 10-30 years, for example, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, or 30 years. Apricot trees under 10 years old exhibit vigorous vegetative growth and can quickly recover their vigor; apricot trees over 10 years old exhibit both reproductive and vegetative growth, and pruning can stimulate a large number of dormant buds to sprout and form branches, thus quickly restoring the tree's vigor. In one embodiment, the diameter at breast height (DBH) of the mature fruiting apricot tree is 10-40 cm; in a specific embodiment of the present invention, the DBH of the mature fruiting apricot tree can be any value within the range of 5-25 cm, such as 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 28, 30, 32, 33, 35, 37, 38, or 40 cm. In one embodiment, the apricot tree is an apricot tree that has been or is currently infested with apricot bud gall mite, or an apricot tree in an area with a high incidence of the pest. In another embodiment, the apricot tree is a fruiting apricot tree that is already severely infected with apricot bud gall mites. The method of the present invention is applicable to mature fruiting apricot trees, especially apricot trees that have been or are currently infested with apricot bud gall mite, or apricot trees in areas with a high incidence of the pest. The method of the present invention can effectively control apricot bud gall mites.

[0021] This invention preserves the main fruiting branches of apricot trees while pruning away other branches. In one embodiment, the main fruiting branches are preserved according to the existing tree shape. Specifically, when the apricot tree has an open-center shape, 3-4 main fruiting branches are preserved; when it has a cup-shaped shape, 5-7 main fruiting branches are preserved. In this invention, the cup-shaped shape is also called a modified open-center shape, where the main fruiting branches are evenly distributed in a cup shape. This invention preserves the original main fruiting branches according to the existing tree shape of the apricot tree, avoiding damage to the tree's vigor from excessive pruning, ensuring a basic nutrient supply to the tree, and promoting new shoot growth. The selection criteria for the original main fruiting branches in this invention are: retaining vigorous branches that are free from mechanical damage and pests, with a diameter of 3-8 cm and an opening angle of 30°-60°; removing weak, overgrown, diseased, overlapping, and drooping branches.

[0022] In one embodiment, the opening angle of the retained main fruiting branch is 30°~60°, which is the angle between the main fruiting branch and the vertical direction. In a specific embodiment of the invention, the opening angle of the main fruiting branch can be any value within the range of 30°~60°, such as 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, or 60°. In one embodiment, the diameter of the main fruiting branch is 3~8 cm; in the present invention, the diameter of the main fruiting branch can be any value within the range of 3~8 cm, such as 3, 4, 5, 5.5, 6, 7, 7.5, or 8 cm. The diameter of the main fruiting branch in the present invention is measured from the base. In a specific embodiment of the invention, the average diameter of the main fruiting branch is 5.4 cm, with values ​​ranging from 3.2 to 7.8 cm. In one embodiment, the main fruiting branch is robust, free from mechanical damage, and free from other pests and diseases.

[0023] In one implementation, the retained length of the main fruiting branch is 1.5~3m; in a specific embodiment of the present invention, the retained length of the main fruiting branch can be any value within the range of 1.5~3m, such as 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9 or 3m. In the present invention, the retained length refers to the distance from the base of the main branch to the pruning cut position; in one implementation, when pruning the main fruiting branch, the length of the main branch is retained according to the health condition of the main branch, and the cut is located 1~2cm above the plump bud of the main branch, with the excess main branch removed from the base. In the present invention, "above" refers to the direction from the bud position towards the tip of the branch. In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the pruning cut can be located at any value within the range of 1-2 cm above the plump bud of the main branch, for example, 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, or 2 cm. The present invention determines the length of the main branch to be retained based on the tree shape and the original length of the main branch, which is beneficial for the rapid recovery of tree vigor.

[0024] In one embodiment, the pruning tools include pruning shears, high-branch shears, and a saw. This invention does not specifically limit the source of the pruning shears, high-branch shears, and saw; they can be obtained using conventional methods in the art. In one embodiment, the blade sharpness of the pruning shears is ≥HRC55. In another embodiment, the handle length of the high-branch shears is 2~3.5m, and preferably 2.5~3m. In specific embodiments of this invention, the handle length of the high-branch shears can be any value within the range of 2~3.5m, for example, 2, 2.3, 2.5, 2.7, 3.0, 3.2, 3.3, or 3.5m. In one embodiment, before use, the tools are further disinfected by soaking in a disinfectant and then drained; the disinfection time is 10~20 minutes. In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the disinfection time can be any value in the range of 10 to 20 minutes, such as 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 minutes.

[0025] In one implementation, the remaining branches include all lateral branches and spur-shaped fruiting branches. In another implementation, when removing lateral branches, no stubs are left. In yet another implementation, when the diameter of a lateral branch is ≥2cm, it should be slowly sawed off from the base to avoid damaging the bark of the main branch; when the diameter of the spur-shaped fruiting branch is <0.5cm, it should be directly removed with pruning shears in one go, ensuring that no residual buds remain on the surface of the main branch. This invention, by removing all branches except the main fruiting branch, can stimulate the sprouting of numerous dormant buds on the main fruiting branch, promoting the regrowth of branches. Combined with subsequent pruning measures, this can form a well-ventilated canopy structure, facilitating rapid tree recovery.

[0026] As one implementation, after pruning, the procedure further includes applying a disinfectant and / or a healing agent to the surface of the pruning wound. As one implementation, when the diameter of the pruning wound is <2cm, a healing agent is applied to the surface of the pruning wound; the thickness of the application is 0.5~1mm; in specific embodiments of the present invention, the thickness of the application can be any value within the range of 0.5~1mm, for example 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, or 1mm. As one implementation, the bactericide includes a broad-spectrum bactericide or a plant wound protectant; the broad-spectrum bactericide includes carbendazim and / or thiophanate-methyl; the plant wound protectant includes lime sulfur; applying a bactericide to the cut site can prevent infection and promote healing. The present invention does not specifically limit the type and source of the healing agent, and includes, for example, wound healing protectants made from natural raw materials, chemically synthesized agents, and compound formulations.

[0027] As one implementation method, when the diameter of the trimmed wound is ≥2cm, a disinfectant is first applied to the surface of the trimmed wound; after the disinfectant dries, a healing agent is then applied. As one implementation method, the disinfectant includes carbendazim and Bordeaux mixture; in a specific embodiment of the invention, the carbendazim is selected as an 800-fold diluted solution, and the Bordeaux mixture is selected as a 1000-fold diluted solution. As one implementation method, the drying time is 10-15 minutes; in a specific embodiment of the invention, the drying time can be 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, or 15 minutes. As one implementation method, the thickness of the healing agent application is 1-1.5mm; in a specific embodiment of the invention, the thickness of the healing agent application can be any value within the range of 1-1.5mm, for example, 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, or 1.5mm. The types of healing agents have been described above and will not be repeated here. The present invention first applies a disinfectant to kill pathogens on the surface of the pruning cut, effectively preventing other diseases from infecting the tree and improving the tree's vigor; then applies a healing agent to promote the healing of the pruning cut. The two work together to prevent the wound from being infected by pathogens and ensure that the tree quickly recovers its growth vigor.

[0028] In one implementation method, the pruned branches need to be centrally processed; the central processing method includes at least one of burning, deep burial, or composting; in one implementation method, the composting includes: crushing the pruned branches and then composting them; the fermentation temperature is ≥55℃, and the fermentation time is ≥15 days. The composting process described in this invention can ensure that all apricot bud gall mites in the branches die, avoiding any impact on the apricot tree.

[0029] As one implementation, the pruning method further includes: post-pruning maintenance and new shoot pruning. As one implementation, the post-pruning maintenance includes: applying base fertilizer in the first spring after pruning. For example, if pruning is carried out in November or December, base fertilizer is applied in the spring of the following year; if pruning is carried out in January or February, base fertilizer is applied in the spring of the current year. As one implementation, the base fertilizer includes organic fertilizer. In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the base fertilizer is well-rotted organic fertilizer (such as sheep manure and / or cow manure). As one implementation, the application rate of the base fertilizer is 2000-4000 kg per mu (approximately 0.067 hectares). In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the application rate of the base fertilizer can be any value within the range of 2000-4000 kg per mu, for example, 2000, 2200, 2500, 2600, 2800, 3000, 3200, 3400, 3500, 3600, 3800, 3900, or 4000 kg per mu. This invention utilizes basal fertilizer to improve tree nutrition and rapidly restore tree vigor. As one embodiment, after applying basal fertilizer, compound fertilizer is also applied at a rate of 50-100 kg per mu (approximately 0.067 hectares). In specific embodiments of this invention, the application rate of compound fertilizer can be any value within the range of 50-100 kg per mu, for example, 50, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, or 100 kg per mu. As one embodiment, the N:P:K mass ratio of the compound fertilizer is 15-15-15, where P is calculated as P₂O₅ and K as K₂O. As one embodiment, the basal fertilizer and compound fertilizer are applied using a ring trench method, followed by timely covering with soil and watering. In one embodiment, the width of the annular groove is 30-50cm, and the depth of the annular groove is 20-40cm. In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the width of the annular groove can be any value in the range of 30-50cm, such as 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50cm; the depth of the annular groove can be any value in the range of 20-40cm, such as 20, 25, 30, 35, or 40cm.

[0030] In one implementation, the shoot pruning includes: thinning the shoots when the length of the new shoots sprouting on the main branches reaches 10-15cm; in another implementation, the thinning includes: removing weak, diseased, and pest-infested shoots, retaining 6-10 strong shoots on each main branch; in a specific embodiment of the invention, each main branch may retain 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 strong shoots. In one implementation, the spacing between the shoots is 15-25cm; in a specific embodiment of the invention, the spacing between the shoots can be any value within the range of 15-25cm, such as 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, or 25cm. In the spring after dormant pruning, apricot trees will produce a large number of new shoots and vigorous branches. The thinning can remove useless branches and vigorous branches, maintaining the original tree shape.

[0031] As one implementation method, pinching is performed when the new shoots reach a length of 30-40 cm. In a specific embodiment of the invention, pinching is performed when the new shoots reach lengths of 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, or 40 cm. The method of pinching is not particularly limited in the invention; conventional methods in the art can be used. The pinching treatment described in the invention promotes lignification of new shoots, the formation of fruiting branches, the formation of flower buds, and the recovery of yield. By pruning and pinching new shoots at different lengths, the invention improves ventilation and light penetration, reduces pests and diseases, and allows for a more even distribution of fruiting branches in apricot trees, balanced nutrient allocation, and improved fruit quality (soluble solids content, single fruit weight). Furthermore, the newly emerging fruiting branches grow vigorously, have enhanced resistance, and extend the fruiting lifespan.

[0032] To further illustrate the present invention, the technical solutions provided by the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, but these should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0033] The manufacturers of the carbendazim, Bordeaux mixture, abamectin, and healing agent used in the embodiments of the present invention are not specifically limited, and they are obtained through conventional commercial means.

[0034] Example 1 Experimental site: Apricot orchard in Hardong Village, Harbak Township (the incidence of gall mite infestation on apricot buds is about 60%).

[0035] Experimental subjects: 15-year-old apricot trees with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of 20cm were selected as the targets for pruning and control. The tree shape was as follows: Figure 1 As shown, the galls on the apricot tree are like... Figure 2 As shown.

[0036] Pruning time: Late February (during the apricot tree's dormancy period).

[0037] The trimming steps are as follows: (1) Pruning preparation: Select pruning shears with a blade sharpness of HRC58, high branch shears with a handle length of 2.5m, and a saw with a tooth pitch of 4mm; disinfect the pruning shears, high branch shears and saw by soaking them in a carbendazim solution diluted 800 times for 15 minutes, and then drain them for later use.

[0038] (2) Main branches: retain 3 healthy fruiting main branches with an opening angle of 45° (the opening angle is the angle between the main branch and the vertical direction), a diameter of 5cm, and a length of 2.2m for each main branch. The cut should be made 1.5cm above the plump bud of the main branch.

[0039] (3) Removal of lateral branches and small branches: Use pruning shears and a saw to thoroughly remove all lateral branches and small branches on the three main branches. Among them, thicker lateral branches with a diameter ≥2.5cm are cut off from the base with a saw, leaving 0.5cm at the base; the remaining small branches are directly removed with pruning shears.

[0040] (4) Treatment of cuts: The diameter of the cut on the main branch is about 3cm. Apply 800 times diluted carbendazim solution to the wound first, let it dry for 12 minutes, and then apply a healing agent with a thickness of 1.2mm. Apply a healing agent to the wound after the side branches are removed.

[0041] (5) Subsequent maintenance: The pruned branches are collected and burned; in the spring after pruning, apply 3000 kg of decomposed sheep manure + 75 kg of compound fertilizer (N:P:K=15-15-15) per mu, using a ring trench (40 cm wide and 30 cm deep), and cover with soil and water after fertilization.

[0042] (6) Shoot pruning: After the main branches sprout, when the new shoots on the main branches reach 12cm in length, thin them out, retaining 8 strong new shoots on each main branch, with a spacing of 20cm between the new shoots; when the new shoots on the main branches reach 35cm in length, pinch them back to promote lignification and the formation of fruiting branch groups. Other apricot tree management is the same as routine operation. Pruning the branches in autumn of the same year is as follows: Figure 3 As shown; the following winter, regular pruning was carried out on apricot trees during their peak fruiting period, and the tree growth was as follows. Figure 4 As shown.

[0043] Experimental Results: Following summer pruning management, no new galls formed on the new shoots in the year of pruning. Before pruning, the apricot trees in the experimental plot suffered severe infestation of apricot bud gall mites, resulting in near-total crop failure. After pruning using the method described in this invention, yield recovered the following year, reaching 330 kg per mu (approximately 0.16 acres). Furthermore, observation in November showed no new gall formation on the apricot trees, and microscopic examination of the apricot bud scales revealed no live apricot bud gall mites; the apricot trees exhibited robust growth.

[0044] Example 2 Experimental site: Apricot orchard in Haldun Village, Halbak Township (the incidence of gall mite infestation on apricot buds is about 60%).

[0045] Experimental subjects: Cup-shaped, mature apricot trees (20 years old, 25 cm in diameter at breast height) were selected as the subjects for pruning and control.

[0046] Pruning time: Late February (10 days before the apricot trees sprout).

[0047] Trimming steps: (1) Pruning preparation: Select pruning shears with a blade sharpness of HRC56, high branch shears with a handle length of 3m, and a saw with a tooth pitch of 5mm. Soak the pruning shears, high branch shears, and saw in a 1000-fold dilution of Bordeaux mixture for 20 minutes to disinfect them, and then drain them for later use.

[0048] (2) Main branches: Five fruiting main branches are retained in layers, with three in the first layer and two in the second layer; the main branches are at an angle of 50° and a diameter of 6cm. Each main branch is retained to a length of 2.5m, and the cut is made 2cm above the plump bud of the main branch.

[0049] (3) Removal of lateral branches and small branches: Thoroughly remove all lateral branches and small branches on the 5 main branches. Cut off the thicker lateral branches (3cm in diameter) from the base with a saw, leaving a length of 0.3cm. Remove the small branches directly with pruning shears.

[0050] (4) Treatment of cuts: The cuts on the main branches are 4cm in diameter. First, apply Bordeaux mixture at a dilution of 1000 times. After drying for 15 minutes, apply a healing agent with a thickness of 1.5mm. Apply a healing agent to the wounds after removing the lateral branches.

[0051] (5) Subsequent maintenance: Pruned branches are buried deeply (deep burial depth ≥ 50cm); After pruning, according to the local environment and in combination with the conventional field management measures for apricot trees, apply 3000kg of decomposed cow manure + 100kg of compound fertilizer (N:P:K=15:15:15) per mu, using a ring trench application (trench width 50cm, trench depth 40cm), and cover with soil and water after fertilization; (6) Pruning of new shoots: After the main branches sprout, when the new shoots on the main branches are 15cm long, thin them out and keep 10 strong new shoots on each main branch with a spacing of 25cm between the new shoots; when the new shoots on the main branches are 40cm long, pinch them to promote lignification of the new shoots and form fruiting branch groups.

[0052] Experimental results: After summer pruning management in the same year, no new buds, gall mites, or galls appeared on the new branches; the yield reached 400 kg per mu in the following year, recovering 80% of the previous year, with no new galls formed, pests were effectively controlled, and the tree growth was stable.

[0053] Example 3 Experiment location: Apricot orchard in Harbak Township with a high incidence of apricot pests (the incidence of apricot bud gall mite is about 85%).

[0054] Experimental subjects: Open-center shaped apricot trees (18 years old, diameter at breast height 22 cm) were selected as the subjects for pruning and control.

[0055] Pruning time: mid to late February.

[0056] The trimming steps are as follows: (1) Pruning preparation: Select pruning shears with a blade sharpness of HRC57, high branch shears with a handle length of 2.8m, and a saw with a tooth pitch of 3mm. Soak the pruning shears, high branch shears, and saw in 800 times diluted carbendazim solution for 10 minutes for disinfection, and then drain them for later use.

[0057] (2) Main branches retention: Identify the open-center tree shape, retain 4 healthy fruiting main branches with a main branch angle of 35° and a diameter of 4.5cm. The retention length of each main branch is 2m, and the cut is located 1cm above the plump bud of the main branch.

[0058] (3) Removal of lateral branches and twigs: Thoroughly remove all lateral branches and twigs on the four main branches. Among them, the thicker lateral branches (2cm in diameter) should be cut off from the base with a saw, leaving 0.2-1cm at the base of the branch stump to facilitate the rapid germination of apricot buds; twigs should be cut off directly with pruning shears.

[0059] (4) Treatment of cuts: Apply healing agent to the cuts of the main branches with a diameter of 2.5cm and a thickness of 0.8mm; apply healing agent to the wounds after the removal of lateral branches.

[0060] (5) Subsequent maintenance: After pruning, crush the branches and compost them (fermentation temperature 58℃, fermentation time 20 days); on March 15 after pruning, apply 2500kg of decomposed sheep manure + 50kg of compound fertilizer (N:P:K=15:15:15) per mu, using a ring trench (trench width 30cm, trench depth 25cm), and cover with soil and water after fertilization.

[0061] (6) Pruning of new shoots: After the main branches sprout, when the new shoots on the main branches are 10cm long, thin them out. Keep 6 strong new shoots on each main branch and the spacing between the new shoots is 15cm. When the new shoots on the main branches are 30cm long, pinch them to promote lignification of the new shoots and form fruiting branch groups.

[0062] Experimental results: In the year following pruning, new shoots were free from gall mite infestation; the following year, yield recovered to 85%, with no new galls forming, and the spread of pests was effectively contained.

[0063] Comparative Example 1 Current methods include conventional pruning and chemical pesticide application (existing technology). Experimental subjects: Open-heart apricot trees of the same year as those in Example 1, planted at the same experimental site, of the same batch, with the same tree shape and the same growth condition.

[0064] Prevention and control methods: Use existing conventional techniques, namely, perform routine pruning before spring budding, removing only diseased, weak, and overly dense branches, retaining main branches and healthy lateral branches without galls. The pruning time should be determined based on local environment and conventional apricot tree field management practices. After pruning, spray the entire orchard with a 2000-fold diluted abamectin solution using conventional spraying methods, ensuring even coverage of the apricot trees; spray again after 7 days, for a total of 2 sprays; subsequent maintenance is the same as in Example 1.

[0065] Five apricot trees were randomly selected from each acre for investigation. The insect population reduction rate and the percentage of gall formation were calculated using the following formulas: Reduction rate of 100% = (Number of insects before treatment - Number of insects after treatment) / Number of insects before treatment × 100; Gall formation percentage = Number of gall buds on the investigated branch / Total number of investigated buds × 100.

[0066] Refer to the methods in GB 2763-2026 National Food Safety Standard Maximum Residue Limits for Pesticides in Food and GB23200.121-2026 National Food Safety Standard Determination of Residues of 352 Pesticides and Their Metabolites in Plant-Derived Foods to determine the residues of chemical agents.

[0067] Experimental results: After pruning and application of pesticides, the incidence of gall mites on apricot buds decreased by 38%, and there were no obvious galls on new shoots; the following year, 35% of the buds still formed galls, indicating poor pest control; the chemical residue was 0.03 mg / kg, posing a risk of pesticide residue.

[0068] Comparative Example 2: Different Pruning Times Experimental subjects: Open-center mature apricot trees (15 years old, diameter at breast height 18 cm) planted at the same experimental site as in Example 1, of the same batch, with the same tree shape and growth condition.

[0069] The pruning method and subsequent maintenance are the same as in Example 1, except that the pruning time is in late October, when the apricot tree has not fully entered dormancy and the apricot bud gall mites are still active and have not completely hibernated in the bud scales.

[0070] Experimental results: After pruning, no obvious galls were observed on the new shoots in the same year; however, 22% of the buds still formed galls in the following year, and the control effect was far lower than that of Example 1 of this invention.

[0071] Comparative Example 3 Experimental subjects: Open-center mature apricot trees (15 years old, diameter at breast height 18 cm) planted at the same experimental site as in Example 1, of the same batch, with the same tree shape and growth condition.

[0072] The pruning method is the same as in Example 1, except that the pruning time is chosen to be in mid-July (the peak growth period of apricot trees).

[0073] Subsequent maintenance: Pruned branches should be buried deeply; one month after pruning, apply 3000 kg of well-rotted cow manure + 100 kg of compound fertilizer (N:P:K=15:15:15) per acre, using a ring trench (50 cm wide and 40 cm deep), and cover with soil and water after fertilization. Experimental results: Within one month after pruning, 50% of the apricot trees did not sprout new shoots, and the main branches showed signs of drying out and dying; 30% of the apricot trees sprouted new shoots within three months, but the branches grew very little and were extremely weak; by the winter of that year, the mortality rate of apricot trees reached more than 80%.

[0074] Analysis of the causes: Apricot trees have a high metabolic rate in summer, and pruning leads to significant nutrient loss. Furthermore, the hot and dry environment accelerates nutrient and water loss from wounds, making the trees unable to withstand the damage from heavy pruning, ultimately resulting in a high mortality rate. After pruning the remaining 20% ​​of apricot trees, no obvious galls were found on the new shoots that year (due to rapid summer shoot growth, mite damage was not yet apparent); however, after bud break the following spring, the recurrence rate of bud gall mites reached 15%, and in the third year, 25% of the new shoot buds formed galls.

[0075] Comparative Example 4 Control experiment with incomplete removal of lateral branches Experimental subjects: Open-center mature apricot trees (15 years old, diameter at breast height 18 cm) planted at the same experimental site as in Example 1, of the same batch, with the same tree shape and growth condition.

[0076] The pruning method and subsequent maintenance are the same as in Example 1, except that: only diseased and weak lateral branches on the main branches are removed, while healthy lateral branches are retained. The number of lateral branches retained is 60% of the original total number of lateral branches. Not all lateral branches and some spur-shaped fruit branches are completely removed.

[0077] Experimental results: After pruning, 28% of the buds still formed galls that year, making it impossible to eliminate the source of pests and resulting in poor control.

[0078] In summary, the pruning method described in this invention can directly eliminate all sources of apricot bud gall mites hidden in apricot tree buds, blocking the occurrence of pests at the source and effectively controlling apricot bud gall mites. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for large-scale use of chemical agents and does not affect the yield in the following year. The pruning method described in this invention is simple to operate, has significant effects, and is suitable for widespread application.

[0079] Although the above embodiments have provided a detailed description of the present invention, they are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. People can obtain other embodiments based on these embodiments without creative effort, and these embodiments all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A pruning method for controlling apricot bud gall mites, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: During the dormant period of apricot trees, retain the main fruiting branches and prune away the rest of the branches.

2. The pruning method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The apricot tree in question is a mature, fruit-bearing apricot tree.

3. The pruning method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main fruiting branches of the apricot tree to be retained are those that are retained according to the shape of the apricot tree; when the shape of the apricot tree is open-center, the number of main fruiting branches to be retained is 3 to 4; when the shape of the apricot tree is cup-shaped, the number of main fruiting branches to be retained is 5 to 7.

4. The pruning method according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that, The opening angle of the main branch is 30°~60°; the diameter of the main branch is 3~8cm.

5. The pruning method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The retained length of the main fruiting branch is 1.5~3m; when pruning the main fruiting branch, the cut should be 1~2cm above the plump bud of the main fruiting branch.

6. The pruning method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The remaining branches include lateral branches and spur-shaped fruit branches.

7. The pruning method according to claim 1, characterized in that, After trimming, the procedure also includes applying disinfectant and / or healing agent to the surface of the trimmed wound.

8. The pruning method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pruning method also includes: subsequent maintenance and new shoot pruning.

9. The pruning method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The subsequent maintenance includes: pruning and applying base fertilizer the following spring.

10. The pruning method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The pruning of new shoots includes: thinning when the length of new shoots sprouting on the main branch reaches 10-15cm; and pinching when the length of new shoots reaches 30-40cm.

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