A green cultivation method for improving quality and efficiency of low-value litchi orchard

Abstract

This invention provides a green cultivation method for improving the quality and efficiency of low-value litchi orchards. The method includes collecting data on the existing variety retention status, planting density, canopy overlap rate, canopy shading rate, number of new shoots per tree, and proportion of diseased and insect-infested branches in the orchard to be renovated. Based on these indicators, the low-value type and renovation intensity level are determined. Renovation paths are matched according to variety renewal, canopy closure renovation, or mixed renovation types, using methods such as top grafting, thinning and pruning, or a combination of both. The planting density after thinning, pruning height, number of grafted branches per tree, and number of new shoots per tree are determined based on the renovation intensity level. After the grafted branches survive or the second batch of new shoots turns green, the number of shoots is counted, and re-grafting, re-pruning, or topdressing to promote shoot growth are performed based on the statistical results. This invention enables the renovation of low-value orchards to shift from experience-based processing to a continuous management approach combining classification, grading, and feedback correction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of fruit tree cultivation and management technology, and in particular to a green cultivation method for improving the quality and efficiency of low-value litchi orchards. Background Technology

[0002] Low-value lychee orchards typically suffer from problems such as aging varieties, excessive planting density, overlapping canopies, shading from the inner canopy, insufficient shoot renewal, and extensive pest and disease management, leading to unstable yields, declining quality, and increased management costs.

[0003] Existing renovation methods mostly adopt single measures such as top grafting, thinning and pruning, fertilization, pest and disease control or pruning. However, in actual application, they usually rely on manual experience to make judgments and lack quantitative identification of the causes of low value in orchards and the degree of canopy closure.

[0004] Meanwhile, existing methods fail to determine the transformation path and parameters based on the low-value type and transformation intensity, and also lack feedback correction after the grafted branches have survived or after thinning and pruning when the new shoots turn green. This can easily lead to problems such as insufficient transformation, excessive transformation, unreasonable retention of branches, and uneven canopy recovery.

[0005] Therefore, a green cultivation method for improving the quality and efficiency of low-value litchi orchards is proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of this, the present invention provides a green cultivation method for improving the quality and efficiency of low-value litchi orchards, in order to solve or alleviate the technical problems existing in the prior art, and at least provide a beneficial option.

[0007] The technical solution of this invention is implemented as follows: A green cultivation method for improving the quality and efficiency of low-value litchi orchards, comprising the following steps: S1. Collect the transformation judgment indicators of the low-value litchi orchard to be transformed. The transformation judgment indicators include the retention status of existing varieties, planting density, tree canopy overlap rate, tree canopy inner shading rate, number of new shoots per tree, and proportion of diseased and insect-infested branches. S2. Compare the transformation judgment index with the corresponding judgment threshold to determine the low-value type and transformation intensity level of the low-value litchi orchard to be transformed. The low-value type includes variety renewal type, canopy closure transformation type and mixed transformation type. S3. Match the transformation path according to the low value type and the transformation intensity level. When the low value type is variety renewal type, perform top grafting on the target plants; when the low value type is canopy closure transformation type, perform thinning and pruning on the target orchard; when the low value type is mixed transformation type, perform thinning and pruning on the target orchard and then perform top grafting on the remaining plants. S4. Determine the transformation control parameters according to the transformation intensity level. The transformation control parameters include at least one of the following: thinning planting density, pruning height, number of grafted branches retained per plant, and number of new shoots retained per plant, which are corresponding to the transformation path. S5. After the grafted branches have survived, or after the second batch of new shoots turn green after thinning and pruning, count the number of grafted branches that have survived or the number of new shoots that have turned green on a single tree, and compare them with the aforementioned modification control parameters. When the statistical result is lower than the corresponding modification control parameters, perform at least one of the following treatments: re-grafting, re-pruning, and topdressing to promote shoot growth. When the statistical result reaches the corresponding modification control parameters, enter the fruiting canopy cultivation stage, and implement phased fertilizer and water management, green pest and disease control, and seasonal pruning management within the same management year.

[0008] Furthermore, the variety renewal type refers to low-value orchards where existing varieties are not included in the preset list of retained varieties; the canopy closure transformation type refers to low-value orchards where existing varieties are included in the preset list of retained varieties and where planting density, canopy overlap rate, or canopy shading rate exceeds the corresponding threshold; and the mixed transformation type refers to low-value orchards where existing varieties are not included in the preset list of retained varieties and where planting density, canopy overlap rate, or canopy shading rate exceeds the corresponding threshold.

[0009] Furthermore, the transformation intensity level includes Level 1 transformation, Level 2 transformation and Level 3 transformation. When different transformation judgment indicators correspond to different transformation intensity levels, the highest transformation intensity level is taken as the transformation intensity level of the low-value litchi orchard to be transformed.

[0010] Furthermore, the green prevention and control of pests and diseases includes at least two types of measures from physical control, biological control and ecological regulation; the seasonal pruning management includes winter pruning, summer pruning and fruiting period pruning.

[0011] The embodiments of the present invention have the following advantages due to the adoption of the above technical solutions: I. This invention identifies low-value litchi orchards and grades their transformation intensity by collecting transformation criteria such as the retention status of existing varieties, planting density, canopy overlap rate, canopy shading rate, number of new shoots per tree, and proportion of diseased and insect-infested branches. This transforms the transformation of low-value orchards from simple experience-based judgment to a classification-based transformation based on criteria, which helps to improve the targeting of transformation measures.

[0012] Second, this invention matches the transformation paths of top grafting, thinning and pruning back, or top grafting back after thinning and pruning back according to the variety renewal type, canopy closure transformation type, and mixed transformation type, and determines the planting density after thinning, pruning back height, number of grafted branches retained per tree, and number of new shoots retained per tree according to the transformation intensity level, so that the transformation method, transformation intensity and the causes of low value in the orchard correspond, reducing the impact of insufficient transformation or excessive transformation on canopy recovery.

[0013] Third, after the grafted branches survive or the second batch of new shoots turn green after thinning, this invention counts the number of grafted branches that survive or the number of new shoots that turn green on a single tree. Based on the statistical results, it performs regrafting, repruning, or topdressing to promote shoot growth. This allows the recovery status of the modified branches to be fed back into the subsequent management process, which is beneficial to improving the continuity and consistency of the fruit tree canopy cultivation.

[0014] The above overview is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting in any way. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features of the invention will become readily apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating the steps of the green cultivation method for improving the quality and efficiency of low-value litchi orchards according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0017] In the following description, only certain exemplary embodiments are briefly described. As those skilled in the art will recognize, the described embodiments can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the drawings and description are considered to be exemplary in nature and not restrictive.

[0018] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] like Figure 1 As shown in the figure, this invention provides a green cultivation method for improving the quality and efficiency of low-value litchi orchards. Before the transformation, the causes of the low value of the orchard are determined, and the corresponding transformation path and intensity are determined according to the determination results. After the transformation, the transformation effect is fed back and corrected by the number of surviving grafted branches or the number of green new shoots, so that the transformation of low-value orchards is continuously connected with subsequent year-round management.

[0020] In the specific implementation, a zonal survey should first be conducted in the low-value litchi orchards to be transformed. For orchards with significant differences in variety, tree age, planting density, or canopy closure, areas that are continuously distributed and have basically the same management conditions can be divided into a survey unit. Within each survey unit, multiple representative plants are selected for investigation. The survey indicators include the retention status of existing varieties, planting density, canopy overlap rate, canopy shading rate, number of new shoots per plant, and the proportion of diseased and insect-infested branches.

[0021] The retention status of existing varieties can be determined based on a pre-set list of retained varieties. This list can be determined by considering local maturity periods, market demand, and cultivation adaptability. For example, one of the following varieties—Baitangying, Feizixiao, Guiwei, Xianjinfeng, Bingli, and Lingfengnuo—can be considered for renewal or retention. Existing varieties not included in the pre-set list of retained varieties are deemed not to be retained.

[0022] The crown overlap rate is used to reflect the degree of overlap between the crowns of adjacent plants. During the measurement, the length of the overlap between the projections of the crowns of the two adjacent trees is measured along the line connecting the trunks of the two trees, and the projection width of the two crowns in that direction is also measured. The average projection width of the two crowns is used as a benchmark, and the percentage of the overlap length is calculated as the crown overlap rate.

[0023] The canopy shading rate is used to reflect the ventilation and light transmission status inside the canopy. During the measurement, three observation points (upper, middle, and lower) can be set in the four directions of east, south, west, and north of a single tree canopy, for a total of twelve observation points. Observe from the outside of the canopy inward and record the number of observation points that are blocked by branches and leaves. The percentage of the number of blocked observation points out of the total number of observation points is taken as the canopy shading rate.

[0024] The number of new shoots per tree can be counted within 30 days after fruit harvest. Select one fruiting branch group in each of the four directions of the tree canopy (east, south, west, and north) and record the number of new shoots in each fruiting branch group. The total number of new shoots in the four directions is taken as the number of new shoots per tree. The proportion of diseased and insect-infested branches is expressed as the percentage of the number of diseased and insect-infested branches per tree to the total number of branches surveyed.

[0025] After collecting the above indicators, each indicator is compared with the corresponding judgment threshold to determine the low-value type of the orchard. If the existing varieties are not included in the preset retention variety list, and the planting density, canopy overlap rate, and canopy shading rate do not meet the criteria for canopy closure transformation, it is determined to be a variety renewal type. If the existing varieties are included in the preset retention variety list, but the planting density is greater than 20 trees / mu, the canopy overlap rate is greater than 20%, or the canopy shading rate is greater than 40%, it is determined to be a canopy closure transformation type. If the existing varieties are not included in the preset retention variety list, and the planting density is greater than 20 trees / mu, the canopy overlap rate is greater than 20%, or the canopy shading rate is greater than 40%, it is determined to be a mixed transformation type.

[0026] While determining the low-value type, the intensity level of renovation was also determined based on planting density, canopy overlap rate, and canopy shading rate. A planting density of 16–20 trees / mu, or a canopy overlap rate of 10%–20%, or a canopy shading rate of 30%–40%, corresponds to Level 1 renovation; a planting density of 21–25 trees / mu, or a canopy overlap rate greater than 20% but not exceeding 35%, or a canopy shading rate greater than 40% but not exceeding 60%, corresponds to Level 2 renovation; a planting density greater than 25 trees / mu, or a canopy overlap rate greater than 35%, or a canopy shading rate greater than 60%, corresponds to Level 3 renovation. When different indicators correspond to different renovation intensity levels, the highest renovation intensity level is used as the renovation intensity level for that survey unit.

[0027] For orchards undergoing variety renewal, the main transformation approach is top grafting. Top grafting can be carried out in March-April or September-October, using the cleft grafting method to graft the target scion onto the plant to be transformed. For plants under 10 years old and with a crown height of less than 2.0m, small branch grafting can be used, with 15-20 grafted branches surviving per plant. For plants over 10 years old and with a crown height of more than 2.0m, large branch grafting can be used, retaining 6-8 large branches per plant as grafting carriers, grafting 1-2 scions onto each large branch, and ensuring at least 4 grafted branches surviving per plant. For plants over 10 years old, with a trunk diameter of more than 10cm and a crown height of more than 2.0m, pruning back can be performed first to promote shoot growth. After the second batch of new shoots turns green, 15-20 new shoots can be retained for grafting, with at least 8 grafted branches surviving per plant.

[0028] After the top grafting is completed, the number of surviving grafted branches is counted. When the number of surviving grafted branches per plant is lower than the corresponding modification control parameter, the unsurviving grafted parts are regrafted with the target scion. When the number of surviving grafted branches per plant reaches the corresponding modification control parameter, surviving grafted branches distributed in different directions are selected as branches for subsequent canopy cultivation, so that the renewed plant can form a more balanced distribution of main branches.

[0029] For orchards undergoing canopy reduction, the main approach is thinning and heading back. Thinning can be carried out in June or July after harvest, using a "triangular" thinning method. Thinning targets include plants damaged by pests and diseases, plants with a fruit yield below the average level for the same orchard, plants with overlapping canopies, and plants located between two adjacent retained plants. The planting density after thinning is determined based on the intensity of the reduction. The planting density after thinning for Level 1 transformation is 16-20 plants / mu, for Level 2 transformation it is 13-15 plants / mu, and for Level 3 transformation it is 10-12 plants / mu.

[0030] After thinning, the remaining plants are dwarfed and pruned back. The pruning height corresponds to 2.0–2.5m for Level 1 improvement, 1.8–2.0m for Level 2 improvement, and 1.5–1.8m for Level 3 improvement. During pruning, the central upright branch is removed, along with diseased and insect-infested branches, crossing branches, branches obstructing the inner canopy, and fruiting branches older than 3 years, creating space within the canopy for new shoots to grow.

[0031] When the second batch of new shoots turns green after thinning, count the number of new shoots that have turned green on a single tree. When the number of new shoots that have turned green on a single tree is lower than the corresponding modification control parameter, the new shoots that are blocking the inner canopy can be pruned, and compound fertilizer can be applied to each tree at a rate of 0.5-1.0 kg to promote shoot growth. When the number of new shoots that have turned green on a single tree reaches the corresponding modification control parameter, the new shoots distributed in different directions are retained as branches for subsequent fruiting canopy cultivation.

[0032] For mixed-type orchards undergoing transformation, thinning and pruning are carried out first, followed by top grafting of the remaining plants. Specifically, the planting density and pruning height after thinning are determined according to the transformation intensity level. After completing the triangular thinning and dwarfing pruning, once the remaining plants produce new shoots and the second batch of new shoots turns green, new shoots distributed in different directions are selected for top grafting. After top grafting, the number of surviving grafted branches per plant is counted; if the number of surviving grafted branches is insufficient, regrafting is performed; if the number of new shoots is insufficient, topdressing to promote shoot growth is applied; when the number of shoots reaches the corresponding control requirements, the orchard enters the fruiting canopy cultivation stage.

[0033] After entering the fruiting canopy cultivation stage, continue to implement phased fertilizer and water management, green prevention and control of diseases and pests, and seasonal pruning management.

[0034] Phased fertilizer and water management includes flower-promoting fertilizer management and shoot-promoting fertilizer management. Flower-promoting fertilizer is applied when more than 75% of the plants have produced flower spikes. Based on a yield of 50 kg per plant, apply 10-15 kg of well-rotted organic fertilizer and 1 kg of balanced compound fertilizer per plant. Shoot-promoting fertilizer is applied within 10 days after harvest. Based on a yield of 50 kg per plant, apply 15-20 kg of well-rotted organic fertilizer and 1 kg of urea or a compound fertilizer with a nitrogen content higher than its phosphorus and potassium content per plant. Flower-promoting and shoot-promoting fertilizers can be applied by trenching, hole application, broadcasting on rainy days, or through integrated water and fertilizer supply.

[0035] Green pest and disease control includes at least two of the following: physical control, biological control, and ecological regulation. Physical control may include hanging 20-30 yellow sticky traps per acre in the orchard, or installing one frequency-vibration insecticidal lamp per 30 acres. Biological control may include releasing parasitic wasps or ladybugs, or spraying matrine or Bacillus subtilis. Ecological regulation may include intercropping with leguminous crops or green manure crops in the orchard. By using at least two types of measures in combination, the impact of a single control method on the orchard management effect can be reduced.

[0036] Seasonal pruning management includes winter pruning, summer pruning, and fruiting period pruning. Winter pruning is carried out from December to January of the following year, mainly removing branches that obstruct the inner canopy, diseased branches, insect-infested branches, overly vigorous branches, and crossing branches. Summer pruning is carried out after fruit harvest in June and July, mainly removing summer shoots that affect light penetration into the inner canopy, and retaining new shoots distributed in different directions as fruiting mother branches for the next year. Fruiting period pruning is carried out after flowering, mainly removing branches without fruit, and removing deformed fruits, diseased fruits, small fruits, and fruits that are crowded together on the same fruiting branch.

[0037] As can be seen from the above embodiments, this invention identifies low-value types and determines the intensity level of transformation by using transformation judgment indicators before orchard transformation. During the orchard transformation process, transformation paths such as top grafting, thinning, or a combination of both are matched according to the low-value type. After the orchard transformation, feedback correction is performed based on the number of surviving grafted branches or the number of new green shoots, and the transformed plants are continuously incorporated into year-round green cultivation management. Through this continuous process, the transformation of low-value litchi orchards can be transformed from an experience-based, single-item treatment to a management approach that combines indicator judgment, graded transformation, and feedback correction.

[0038] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various variations or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention, and these should all be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A green cultivation method for improving and enhancing quality in a low-value litchi orchard, characterized by, Includes the following steps: S1. Collect the transformation judgment indicators of the low-value litchi orchard to be transformed. The transformation judgment indicators include the retention status of existing varieties, planting density, tree canopy overlap rate, tree canopy inner shading rate, number of new shoots per tree, and proportion of diseased and insect-infested branches. S2. Compare the transformation judgment index with the corresponding judgment threshold to determine the low-value type and transformation intensity level of the low-value litchi orchard to be transformed. The low-value type includes variety renewal type, canopy closure transformation type and mixed transformation type. S3. Match the transformation path according to the low value type and the transformation intensity level. When the low value type is variety renewal type, perform top grafting and variety replacement on the target plant. When the low value type is canopy closure transformation type, perform thinning and pruning on the target orchard. When the low value type is mixed transformation type, perform thinning and pruning on the target orchard and then perform top grafting and variety replacement on the remaining plants. S4. Determine the transformation control parameters according to the transformation intensity level. The transformation control parameters include at least one of the following: thinning planting density, pruning height, number of grafted branches retained per plant, and number of new shoots retained per plant, which are corresponding to the transformation path. S5. After the grafted branches have survived, or after the second batch of new shoots turn green after thinning and pruning, count the number of grafted branches that have survived or the number of new shoots that have turned green on a single tree, and compare the count with the aforementioned modification control parameters. When the count is lower than the corresponding modification control parameters, perform at least one of the following treatments: re-grafting, re-pruning, and topdressing to promote shoot growth. When the count reaches the corresponding modification control parameters, enter the fruiting canopy cultivation stage, and implement phased fertilizer and water management, green pest and disease control, and seasonal pruning management within the same management year.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method is characterized by, The canopy overlap rate is the percentage of the overlap length of two adjacent tree canopies in the direction of the connecting line to the average projected width of the two tree canopies in that direction; the canopy shading rate is the percentage of the number of observation points in the canopy interior that are blocked by branches and leaves out of the total number of observation points; the number of new shoots per tree is the total number of new shoots that emerge from the four directions of the canopy of a single tree within 30 days after fruit harvest; the percentage of diseased and insect-infested branches is the percentage of the number of diseased and insect-infested branches per tree out of the total number of branches surveyed per tree.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method is characterized by, The variety renewal type refers to low-value orchards where existing varieties are not included in the pre-set list of retained varieties; the canopy closure transformation type refers to low-value orchards where existing varieties are included in the pre-set list of retained varieties, and the planting density is greater than 20 trees / mu, the canopy overlap rate is greater than 20%, or the canopy inner shading rate is greater than 40%; the mixed transformation type refers to low-value orchards where existing varieties are not included in the pre-set list of retained varieties, and the planting density is greater than 20 trees / mu, the canopy overlap rate is greater than 20%, or the canopy inner shading rate is greater than 40%.

4. The green cultivation method for improving the quality and efficiency of low-value litchi orchards according to claim 1, characterized in that, The renovation intensity levels include Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 renovations. Level 1 renovation corresponds to a planting density of 16–20 trees / acre, a canopy overlap rate of 10%–20%, or a canopy shading rate of 30%–40%. Level 2 renovation corresponds to a planting density of 21–25 trees / acre, a canopy overlap rate greater than 20% but not exceeding 35%, or a canopy shading rate greater than 40% but not exceeding 60%. Level 3 renovation corresponds to a planting density greater than 25 trees / acre, a canopy overlap rate greater than 35%, or a canopy shading rate greater than 60%. When different transformation criteria correspond to different transformation intensity levels, the highest transformation intensity level shall be taken as the transformation intensity level of the low-value litchi orchard to be transformed.

5. The green cultivation method for improving the quality and efficiency of low-value litchi orchards according to claim 1, characterized in that, The grafting is carried out in March-April or September-October. The target scion is grafted onto the plant to be modified using the cleft grafting method. The target scion is selected from one of the following varieties: Baitangying, Feizixiao, Guiwei, Xianjinfeng, Bingli, and Lingfengnuo.

6. The green cultivation method for improving the quality and efficiency of low-value litchi orchards according to claim 1, characterized in that, The grafting process is carried out using small branch grafting, large branch grafting, or softwood grafting, depending on the age and crown height of the plant to be modified. Small branch grafting is used for plants under 10 years old with a crown height of less than 2.0m, with 15-20 grafted branches surviving per plant. Large branch grafting is used for plants over 10 years old with a crown height of more than 2.0m, with 6-8 large branches retained per plant as grafting carriers, 1-2 scions grafted onto each large branch, and at least 4 grafted branches surviving per plant. Softwood grafting is used for plants over 10 years old with a trunk diameter of more than 10cm and a crown height of more than 2.0m, with 15-20 new shoots retained for grafting after the second batch of new shoots turns green, and at least 8 grafted branches surviving per plant.

7. The green cultivation method for improving the quality and efficiency of low-value litchi orchards according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thinning and pruning back includes triangular thinning and dwarfing pruning back; the planting density after thinning for first-level transformation is 16-20 trees / mu and the pruning height is 2.0-2.5m; the planting density after thinning for second-level transformation is 13-15 trees / mu and the pruning height is 1.8-2.0m; the planting density after thinning for third-level transformation is 10-12 trees / mu and the pruning height is 1.5-1.8m; when dwarfing pruning back, the central upright branches are cut off, and diseased and insect-infested branches, crossing branches, branches that block the inner canopy, and branches with a fruiting age of more than 3 years are removed.

8. The green cultivation method for improving the quality and efficiency of low-value litchi orchards according to claim 1, characterized in that, The re-grafting refers to re-grafting the target scion onto the grafted part that has not survived; the pruning refers to removing new shoots that are obstructing the inner canopy; the topdressing to promote shoot growth refers to applying 0.5-1.0 kg of compound fertilizer per tree.

9. A green cultivation method for improving the quality and efficiency of low-value litchi orchards according to claim 1, characterized in that, The phased fertilizer and water management includes: applying a flower-promoting fertilizer when more than 75% of the plants in the orchard have produced flower spikes, with each plant receiving 10-15 kg of well-rotted organic fertilizer and 1 kg of balanced compound fertilizer based on a yield of 50 kg per plant; applying a shoot-promoting fertilizer within 10 days after harvest, with each plant receiving 15-20 kg of well-rotted organic fertilizer and 1 kg of urea or compound fertilizer with a nitrogen content higher than that of phosphorus and potassium based on a yield of 50 kg per plant; the flower-promoting fertilizer and shoot-promoting fertilizer are applied by trenching, hole application, broadcasting on rainy days, or integrated water and fertilizer supply.

10. A green cultivation method for improving the quality and efficiency of low-value litchi orchards according to claim 1, characterized in that, The green pest and disease control measures include at least two of the following: physical control, biological control, and ecological regulation. Physical control measures include hanging yellow sticky traps at a rate of 20-30 traps per acre or installing frequency-vibration insecticidal lamps at a rate of 1 lamp per 30 acres in the orchard. Biological control measures include releasing parasitic wasps or ladybugs, or spraying matrine or Bacillus subtilis. Ecological regulation measures include intercropping leguminous crops or green manure crops in the orchard. Seasonal pruning management includes winter pruning, summer pruning, and fruiting period pruning. Winter pruning is carried out from December to January of the following year, summer pruning is carried out after fruit harvest in June or July, and fruiting period pruning is carried out after flowering.

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