Two-way hop vine propagation method

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of hop two-way leading tendril cultivation methods, belong to economic crops cultivation technical field.For the problems such as canopy closure, poor ventilation and light transmission, high incidence of disease, and difficulty in mechanized operation in the existing single-layer flat arbor cultivation mode, the application provides the following solutions: setting up flat arbor and laying steel wire rope;planting hops with a row distance of 3 m and a plant distance of 1 m;selecting and reserving several main tendrils for each plant and dividing them into two groups, symmetrically along the vertical planting row direction to the left and right sides horizontally to the steel wire rope on the shed surface, and each main tendril of the corresponding two plants in adjacent rows is bound to the same steel wire rope, and the two main tendrils extend along the steel wire rope in opposite directions.The application realizes inter-row vertical curtain type three-dimensional fruiting by changing the spatial distribution of main tendrils, effectively improves the canopy ventilation and light transmission conditions, reduces disease occurrence, and can adapt to one-time mechanical harvesting, which can significantly improve yield, quality and planting benefits.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of economic crop cultivation technology. More specifically, this invention relates to a method for bidirectional vine training of hops. Background Technology

[0002] Hops are an indispensable core ingredient in beer brewing, giving beer its unique bitterness and aroma. They have high economic value and are in high demand. In my country's main producing areas in the northwest, such as Xinjiang and Gansu, hop cultivation primarily employs a single-layer flat trellis cultivation model. This involves burying cement pillars at regular intervals in the field, with wires stretched taut across the tops to form a trellis. The main hop vines climb along these wires to the trellis and then hang naturally. This model requires less investment and has strong wind resistance, making it widely used in large-scale cultivation in China.

[0003] However, the existing single-layer flat trellis cultivation model has significant technical drawbacks. First, the densely packed canopy and foliage result in poor ventilation and light penetration, leading to insufficient light exposure for lower leaves and florets, low light energy utilization, and directly impacting floret development and final yield. Second, the closed canopy and poor ventilation create high humidity in the field, fostering the development of diseases such as downy mildew and gray mold. Downy mildew is a devastating disease in hop production, which can cause significant yield reductions or even crop failure in severe cases. Furthermore, under the current cultivation model, row spacing is generally narrow, making it difficult for large hop harvesting machinery to enter the field, resulting in a high reliance on manual labor, high labor costs, and low efficiency. In addition, the current cultivation method lacks quantitative standards for the number of vines to be retained and the vine training method, leading to significant differences in plant growth and fruiting branch distribution between different fields, making standardized production difficult. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One object of the present invention is to solve at least the above-mentioned problems and to provide at least the advantages that will be described later.

[0005] Another objective of this invention is to provide a bidirectional vine cultivation method for hops, which solves the problems of canopy closure, poor ventilation and light penetration, high incidence of diseases, difficulty in mechanization and low standardization in the existing single-layer flat trellis cultivation mode.

[0006] To achieve these objectives and other advantages according to the present invention, a method for bidirectional vine cultivation of hops is provided, comprising the following steps:

[0007] S1: Construct a flat shed frame and lay steel wire ropes on the shed roof;

[0008] S2: Hops are planted with a row spacing of 3m and a plant spacing of 1m;

[0009] S3: Select several main vines from each hop plant, divide the main vines into two groups, and symmetrically guide them to the steel wire rope on the shed surface from the left and right sides along the direction perpendicular to the planting row, with the plant as the center; among them, one main vine of each of the two plants in the adjacent row is tied to the same steel wire rope, and the two main vines extend towards each other along the steel wire rope.

[0010] S4: During the harvesting period, harvesting machinery is used to harvest along the inter-row passages.

[0011] Preferably, the selection of a number of main vines for each hop plant is as follows: in the first year after planting, select 3 main vines and tie them together, dividing them into two groups, with 1 vine tied on one side and 2 vines tied on the other side; in the second year, select 4 vines and tie them together in two groups; in the third year, select 6 vines and tie them together in two groups; and in the fourth year and above, select 10 vines and tie them together in two groups.

[0012] Preferably, the spacing between the main vines horizontally tied to the steel wire rope on the canopy surface is 20cm.

[0013] Preferably, the method also includes the step of internode regulation of the main vine:

[0014] During the main vine growth period, switch the irrigation method to drip irrigation, control the soil moisture content to 55%–65% of field capacity, and control the nitrogen fertilizer application to 60%–70% of the conventional application rate;

[0015] When the main vine has 12 to 14 internodes, pinch off the growing point at the top 2 to 3 cm.

[0016] After topping, the plant enters a 7-10 day thickening and cultivation period, during which the above-mentioned water and nitrogen control measures are maintained.

[0017] The internode length of the main vine on the trellis should be controlled at 15-20cm.

[0018] Preferably, during the internode control step of the main vine, when the main vine reaches a length of 1.2m to 1.5m, the average length L of the 5th to 7th internodes from the base of the main vine is measured.

[0019] If L < 15cm and the plant leaves are dark green and the stems are thick, spray with gibberellin GA3 solution at a concentration of 10-20mg / L, and spray 30-50mL per plant. When the new internodes reach 15-20cm in length, perform the binding as described above.

[0020] If L < 15cm and the plant leaves are yellowish-green and the stems are thin and weak, apply 5-8kg of quick-acting nitrogen fertilizer per mu and restore irrigation to 60%-70% of field capacity. When the length of the new internodes reaches 15-20cm, the aforementioned binding should be carried out.

[0021] If L > 20cm, spray with chlormequat chloride solution at a concentration of 500-1000mg / L, with a spraying amount of 40-60mL per plant. On the third day after spraying, remove the 2-3cm growing point at the top. When the length of the new internodes shortens to 15-20cm, perform the binding as described above.

[0022] If L is between 15 and 20 cm, then proceed directly with the aforementioned binding.

[0023] Preferably, after spraying the gibberellin GA3 solution or chlormequat chloride solution and before performing the binding, the procedure further includes a step of verifying and correcting the regulatory effect:

[0024] Starting from the 5th day after spraying, the average length L1 of the newly grown 1st and 2nd internodes was measured:

[0025] If L1 > 25cm, it indicates that gibberellin regulation is excessive or chlormequat chloride is ineffective. In this case, spray chlormequat chloride solution once, with a concentration of 500-800 mg / L and a spray volume of 40-60 mL per plant. When the length of the newly formed internodes shortens to 15-20cm, the binding process should be carried out.

[0026] If L1 < 10cm, it indicates that the chlormequat chloride regulation is excessive. In this case, spray gibberellin GA3 solution once at a concentration of 10-15mg / L, with a spray volume of 30-50mL per plant. When the length of the subsequent new internodes reaches 15-20cm, the binding process should be carried out.

[0027] If 20cm < L1 ≤ 25cm, spray with chlormequat chloride solution once, with a concentration of 300-500mg / L and a spraying amount of 40-60mL per plant. When the length of the newly formed internodes shortens to 15-20cm, perform the binding as described above.

[0028] If the length is between 15 and L1 and 20 cm, then proceed directly with the aforementioned binding.

[0029] If 10cm≤L1<15cm, spray gibberellin GA3 solution once, with a concentration of 10-15mg / L and a spraying amount of 30-50mL per plant. When the length of the newly formed internodes reaches 15-20cm, perform the binding as described above.

[0030] After corrective treatment, the average length of the newly formed intersegment was measured again on the 5th day after respraying, and after confirming that it was 15-20cm, it was bound.

[0031] Preferably, after planting as described in S2 and before selecting the main vine for the current year, a plant growth grading and determination step is also included:

[0032] When the main vine reaches 50-120cm in length, measure the plant base diameter D and the maximum main vine length H.

[0033] If D≥12mm and H≥90cm, it is considered a vigorous plant. The number of main vines selected for the current year shall be increased by 1 to 2 based on the regulations, but not exceeding 12.

[0034] If D≥12mm and H<90cm, it is considered a normal plant and the prescribed number of plants to be retained shall be followed.

[0035] If D is 8mm to 12mm and H is ≥ 70cm, it is considered a normal plant and the prescribed number of plants to be retained shall be followed.

[0036] If D is 8mm to 12mm and H is less than 70cm, it is considered a weak plant, and the number of main vines to be selected in the current year will be reduced by 1 to 2 from the prescribed amount.

[0037] If D < 8mm, the plant is considered a weak plant, and the number of main vines to be selected in the current year will be reduced by 1 to 2 from the prescribed amount.

[0038] Preferably, after determining the vigorous, normal, and weak plants, the process further includes a differentiated water and fertilizer management step based on growth vigor classification:

[0039] For vigorous plants, apply additional phosphorus and potassium fertilizers in the early budding stage, using 3-5 kg ​​of potassium dihydrogen phosphate per acre, and control the amount of nitrogen fertilizer to 70%-80% of the conventional amount;

[0040] For weak plants, apply quick-acting nitrogen fertilizer during the rapid elongation period of the main vine, applying 5-8 kg of urea per acre, and irrigate with diluted, well-rotted organic fertilizer water once.

[0041] For healthy plants, follow the standard water and fertilizer management plan.

[0042] The present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0043] By horizontally binding the main hop vines to the left and right sides perpendicular to the planting rows, and tying one main vine from each corresponding plant in adjacent rows to the same steel wire rope so that they extend towards each other, lateral branches are distributed in a curtain-like pattern between the rows. This method changes the traditional spatial pattern where the main vines and fruiting branches are concentrated directly above the canopy. The curtain structure increases the vertical distribution space of the fruiting branches between the rows, improving ventilation and light penetration within the plant population, which is beneficial for flower head development and nutrient accumulation. Simultaneously, the 3-meter row spacing provides passage for harvesting machinery, allowing cutting devices to cut and harvest the entire curtain along the rows, reducing the workload of manual flower stripping and pruning. Furthermore, each step of this method has clearly defined quantitative parameters and operational specifications, facilitating replication and promotion in different fields and promoting the standardization of cultivation management. Compared with the existing single-layer flat trellis single-sided drooping branch cultivation, this method changes the spatial distribution of fruiting branches while keeping the original trellis structure unchanged, which improves the utilization efficiency of land and trellis materials and reduces the risk of disease caused by dense canopy.

[0044] Other advantages, objectives and features of the present invention will become apparent in part from the following description, and in part from those skilled in the art through study and practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0045] Figure 1 This is a front view of the bidirectional hop vine structure according to one of the technical solutions of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 2 This is a top view of the bidirectional hop vine structure according to one of the technical solutions of the present invention.

[0047] Attached diagram labels: 1-Post; 2-Second steel wire rope; 3-Hops plant A; 4-Hops plant B; 5-Hops plant C; 6-Main vine of plant A; 7-Main vine of plant B; 8-Main vine of plant C; 9-Side branch of plant A; 10-Side branch of plant B; 11-First steel wire rope. Detailed Implementation

[0048] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to embodiments, so that those skilled in the art can implement it based on the description.

[0049] This invention provides a method for bidirectional vine cultivation of hops, comprising the following steps:

[0050] S1: Construct a flat shed frame and lay steel wire ropes on the shed roof;

[0051] S2: Hops are planted with a row spacing of 3m and a plant spacing of 1m;

[0052] S3: Select several main vines from each hop plant, divide the main vines into two groups, and symmetrically guide them to the steel wire rope on the shed surface from the left and right sides along the direction perpendicular to the planting row, with the plant as the center; among them, one main vine of each of the two plants in the adjacent row is tied to the same steel wire rope, and the two main vines extend towards each other along the steel wire rope.

[0053] S4: During the harvesting period, harvesting machinery is used to harvest along the inter-row passages.

[0054] In the above technical solution, when constructing the trellis, concrete pillars 1, each 2m high, are buried at equal intervals in the field. Steel wire ropes are stretched taut in both longitudinal and transverse directions at the top of each pillar 1 to form the trellis surface. The center-to-center distance between adjacent steel wire ropes can be 20cm. The main pipe of the drip irrigation system is laid on the ground along the planting row direction, with branch pipes and drippers placed near the roots of each hop plant. The dripper flow rate can be 2L / h to 4L / h. Installation is completed after planting. When planting hops, the row spacing is set at 3m and the plant spacing at 1m. Planting holes or trenches are dug in the planting row, the hop seedlings are placed in, covered with soil and compacted, and then thoroughly watered using the drip irrigation system. Afterward, conventional management follows.

[0055] After new shoots emerge from the base of the plant in spring, promptly perform bud removal. Remove all excess suckers sprouting from the base of the plant (within 10cm above the ground) – that is, all new shoots except for the planned selected strong main vines. Bud removal is best done when the suckers reach 5-10cm in length, at which point they are not yet lignified. They can be easily separated from the parent plant by gently pressing them from the base downwards and to the side, resulting in small wounds and rapid healing. After bud removal, retain the predetermined number of strong main vines per plant for subsequent selection and training.

[0056] After bud removal, guide and tie the main vines once they reach the height of the canopy. Select several strong main vines from each plant; the specific number can be determined based on the tree's age, for example, 10 vines can be selected from plants over four years old. Divide the selected main vines into two groups, with the plant as the center. One group leads to the left side of the planting row, and the other group leads to the right side. When tying, first guide the main vines upwards along post 1 to the canopy surface. At the canopy surface height, bend the main vines horizontally and guide them horizontally between rows in a direction perpendicular to the planting row. Secure the main vines to the corresponding steel wire ropes using binding material. Plastic cable ties or hemp rope can be used for binding. For multiple main vines from the same plant that are tied in the same direction (e.g., 5 vines on each side for plants over five years old), fix them to 5 adjacent steel wire ropes, with a 20cm interval between each main vine. For two corresponding plants in adjacent rows, take one main vine from each plant and tie it to the same steel wire rope, with the two main vines extending from both ends of the steel wire rope towards the middle.

[0057] To better understand this invention, the following description is provided. Figure 1-2 Further explanation is needed. For example... Figure 1-2 As shown, the posts 1 are evenly spaced along the planting row direction. A steel wire rope is installed at the top of each post 1 along the planting row direction. This steel wire rope parallel to the planting row direction is the first steel wire rope 11. A second steel wire rope 2 is evenly distributed between two first steel wire ropes 11 in adjacent rows, with a preferred spacing of 20cm between the second steel wire ropes 2. Along the row direction perpendicular to the planting row direction, taking adjacent hop plants A (3), B (4), and C (5) as examples, each hop plant A, B, and C (5) retains 10 main vines, divided into two groups of 5 vines each. In hop plant type A (3), 5 main vines (6) are located on the left and 5 main vines (6) are located on the right. Each of the 5 main vines on each side corresponds to one of the 5 second steel wire ropes (2) above its top, and these 5 main vines (6) are tied to their respective second steel wire ropes (2). In hop plant type B (4), 5 main vines (7) are located on the left and 5 main vines (7) are located on the right. Each of the 5 main vines on each side corresponds to one of the 5 second steel wire ropes (2) above its top, and these 5 main vines (6) are tied to their respective second steel wire ropes (2). In hop plant type B (4), 5 main vines (7) are located on the left and 5 main vines (7) are located on the right. Each of the 5 main vines on each side corresponds to one of the 5 second steel wire ropes (2) above its top, and these 5 main vines (6) are tied to their respective second steel wire ropes (2). The five B-type main vines 7 on the left side of hop 4 and the five A-type main vines 6 on the right side of A-type hop 3 are tied to the same second steel wire rope 2; among the C-type hops 5, five C-type main vines 8 are located on the left side and the other five C-type main vines 8 are located on the right side. The five main vines on each side correspond to the five second steel wire ropes 2 above their tops. The five C-type main vines 8 are tied to the corresponding second steel wire ropes 2. The five C-type main vines 8 on the left side of C-type hops 5 and the five B-type main vines 7 on the right side of B-type hops 4 are tied to the same second steel wire rope 2.

[0058] It should be noted that during the binding process, if the main vine is far from the corresponding second steel wire rope 2, the main vine can first be extended along the first steel wire rope 11 and tied to the first steel wire rope 11 until it extends to the second steel wire rope 2 to be bound (i.e., the main vine is bent horizontally as mentioned above), and then the main vine is tied to the second steel wire rope 2; for example Figure 1 In the process, the first main vine of plant A can be directly tied to the second steel wire rope 2 closest to it. The second main vine must then be tied after traveling along the first steel wire rope 11 to the second steel wire rope 2. Similarly, the second main vine located at the first steel wire rope 11 must also be tied to the first steel wire rope 11. Furthermore, Figure 1-2 This is just an illustration. Figure 1 The image shows only the five main vines of plant A to the right of plant A (6) and only the five main vines of plant C to the left of plant C (8).

[0059] After the main vine is horizontally fixed on the trellis, lateral branches, which are also fruiting branches, will naturally sprout from each node on it, such as... Figure 1The diagram shows lateral branches 9 of plant A and 10 of plant B. These lateral branches extend downwards along the row spacing, with branches from adjacent rows hanging towards each other, forming a curtain-like structure. After the curtain structure is formed, two densely packed fruiting branch areas naturally form vertically. The upper area is located within 0 to 40 cm from the canopy surface, mainly consisting of fruiting branches that sprout directly from the nodes around the main vine above the canopy surface and hang down. The lower area is located within 40 to 80 cm from the canopy surface, mainly consisting of the lower section of the curtain formed by the fruiting branches from adjacent rows between the rows. The two areas are continuously distributed vertically, together forming a complete curtain structure. The training and tying operation is best carried out on a sunny afternoon, when the main vine has a lower water content and better flexibility, making it less likely to break at bends.

[0060] After the cascading structure is formed, the plant enters the growth period management stage. During the growing season, regularly lightly groom the cascading branches along the row direction, separating intertwined or crossing branches and allowing them to cascade naturally along the row direction. Grooming should be done on sunny days, using gentle pressure to avoid damaging the branches. Simultaneously, promptly remove ineffective, vigorous shoots growing inside the cascading structure—that is, weak branches that do not form flower heads or have poorly developed flower heads—to concentrate photosynthetic products on flower head development. The frequency of grooming and branch removal is determined based on the plant's growth rate, typically every 10-15 days, until the flower heads reach maturity. Through this management, the interior of the cascading structure maintains even ventilation and light penetration, improving the uniformity of the flower heads.

[0061] During harvesting, hop harvesting machinery operates vertically along the row channels. The row channels are the spaces formed by the 3m row spacing set in step S2, which is wide enough to accommodate a conventional hop harvester. The harvester's cutting device cuts off the fruiting branches from both sides of the row channel, the cutting height being adjustable according to the actual length of the trellis, typically 60cm to 80cm below the canopy surface. The cut fruiting branches, along with the florets, are collected by the harvester's collection device, completing the harvesting operation.

[0062] In the above technical solution, each step works in conjunction with the others and is executed sequentially to form a complete hop cultivation process. By horizontally binding the main vines to the left and right sides perpendicular to the planting row, the traditional spatial pattern of the main vines being concentrated directly above the trellis is changed, allowing the fruiting branches to form a curtain-like distribution between the rows, effectively improving ventilation and light penetration within the plant population. The 3-meter row spacing provides ample working space for mechanized harvesting, reducing reliance on manual labor in the harvesting process. This cultivation method is suitable for large-scale hop cultivation in Northwest China.

[0063] In another technical solution, the selection of a number of main vines for each hop plant is specifically as follows: in the first year after planting, 3 main vines are selected and tied together, divided into two groups, with 1 vine tied on one side and 2 vines tied on the other side; in the second year, 4 vines are selected and tied together, divided into two groups on average; in the third year, 6 vines are selected and tied together, divided into two groups on average; and in the fourth year and above, 10 vines are selected and tied together, divided into two groups on average.

[0064] In the above technical solution, the tiered vine retention method is implemented year by year according to the planting year in actual cultivation. In the first year after planting, the plant is in the early stage of vegetative growth and the root system has not yet fully developed. At this time, only 3 strong main vines are selected from each plant. When selecting, 3 shoots with uniform growth and free from pests and diseases can be chosen from multiple new shoots sprouting from the base. These are divided into two groups: one group of 1 shoot is guided to one side of the planting row, and the other group of 2 shoots is guided to the other side of the planting row. The binding operation is the same as the aforementioned step S3, that is, horizontally binding them to the steel wire rope on the greenhouse surface along the direction perpendicular to the planting row. The number of vines retained in the first year is small, which is conducive to the accumulation of photosynthetic products in the root system and the base of the main vine, promoting the overall development of the plant. After binding, regular water and fertilizer management is sufficient, and yield is not pursued at this time.

[0065] In the second spring, the plant's root system has been established and its growth vigor has increased. At this time, four main vines are selected from each plant. These four main vines can be divided into two groups of two, and guided to the left and right sides of the planting row respectively. They are then horizontally fixed to the steel wire ropes on the greenhouse roof using the same binding method as in the first year. When selecting vines, priority is given to vigorous branches with even internodes, and other suckers and weak branches are removed. In the third year, six main vines are selected from each plant, still grouped into three groups of three, and guided to the left and right sides respectively. Compared to the previous year, the number of vines retained has increased, but the selection criteria remain the same: priority is given to retaining the main vines from the upper and middle parts of the plant, with thick stems and plump buds, while removing weak and poorly positioned branches.

[0066] In the fourth year and beyond, as the plants enter their peak production period, each plant is kept with 10 main vines, divided into two groups of five each. These vines are guided to the left and right sides of the planting row and evenly spaced 20cm apart on the steel wire ropes of the greenhouse. This number of vines remains constant in subsequent years. Every spring after bud break, before selecting the main vines, all ineffective suckers at the base of the plant are removed to reduce nutrient consumption. In actual production, if a dense planting of 0.5m spacing was used in the early stages to pursue early yields, thinning can be carried out as the trees age and the branches and leaves become too dense, removing every other tree to gradually adjust the spacing to 1m, maintaining good ventilation and light penetration within the plant community.

[0067] The aforementioned tiered vine retention scheme increases the number of vines retained each year based on the growth characteristics of hop trees at different ages. This ensures that the photosynthetic products of the plants in the early stages are prioritized for root development and main vine thickening, while the yield potential is gradually released after the root system is fully established. This scheme balances the robust growth of the plants in the early stages with the formation of sufficient branches and vines during the peak production period to guarantee yield. Simultaneously, it ensures that each main vine is evenly distributed on the canopy surface, providing a uniform branch and vine structure foundation for subsequent mechanized harvesting. For plants that have undergone thinning adjustments, the number of vines retained remains according to the standard for the fourth year and above.

[0068] In another technical solution, the interval between the main vines horizontally tied to the steel wire rope on the roof is 20cm.

[0069] In the above technical solution, columns 1 are evenly spaced along the planting row direction. A first steel wire rope 11 is laid on the top of the column 1 along the planting row direction. A second steel wire rope 2 is evenly laid between the two first steel wire ropes 11 between adjacent rows. The second steel wire rope 2 is perpendicular to the first steel wire rope 11, that is, the second steel wire rope 2 is arranged in the direction perpendicular to the planting row direction, that is, along the row direction. The spacing between the second steel wire ropes 2 can be set to 20cm, so that the spacing of each main vine in the planting row direction after binding is consistent with the spacing of the steel wire rope, that is, 20cm.

[0070] After the vines are trained and tied, from above the greenhouse, the main vines can be seen arranged at 20cm intervals along the planting rows. The main vines of adjacent rows extend from the two ends of the corresponding steel wire ropes towards each other and converge near the middle of the row. This spacing, combined with the vine retention plan of 5 main vines on each side, for a total of 10 main vines, ensures that each main vine has relatively independent growth space on the greenhouse surface. Adjacent main vines will not shade each other due to being too close together, nor will they waste greenhouse space due to being too far apart.

[0071] Another technical solution also includes the step of internode regulation of the main vine:

[0072] During the main vine growth period, switch the irrigation method to drip irrigation, control the soil moisture content to 55%–65% of field capacity, and control the nitrogen fertilizer application to 60%–70% of the conventional application rate;

[0073] When the main vine has 12 to 14 internodes, pinch off the growing point at the top 2 to 3 cm.

[0074] After topping, the plant enters a 7-10 day thickening and cultivation period, during which the above-mentioned water and nitrogen control measures are maintained.

[0075] The internode length of the main vine on the trellis should be controlled at 15-20cm.

[0076] In the above technical solution, the internode regulation step is carried out during the main vine's growth period. Once the main vine enters its rapid elongation phase, i.e., when the average daily elongation reaches 5cm or more, the irrigation method is switched from furrow irrigation to drip irrigation. Drip irrigation tape is laid along the planting row on the ground surface, with drippers positioned 20cm to 30cm on each side of the plant base. During water control, soil moisture content is monitored using a soil moisture sensor and maintained between 55% and 65% of field capacity. When the moisture content falls below 55%, drip irrigation is initiated to supplement water; irrigation is stopped when it reaches 65%. Simultaneously, nitrogen control is implemented, suspending the application of nitrate nitrogen fertilizer and limiting the total nitrogen fertilizer application to 60% to 70% of the conventional application rate. If the conventional nitrogen fertilizer application rate is 180kg to 220kg of pure nitrogen per hectare, then during the nitrogen control period, the application of pure nitrogen per hectare is controlled at 110kg to 150kg. Water and nitrogen control measures are continuously implemented during the main vine's growth period, gradually shortening the internode length of the main vine and stabilizing it within the range of 15 to 20 cm.

[0077] When the number of internodes that have sprouted on the main vine reaches 12 to 14, the terminal bud is pinched off. Technicians count the internodes one by one from the base of the main vine upwards. After confirming that the number of internodes has reached the above range, they use scissors or their fingers to remove the growing point 2 to 3 cm from the top of the main vine, that is, the tender part at the very tip that has not yet fully unfolded. After pinching, the longitudinal elongation of the main vine temporarily stops, and photosynthetic products are no longer used for apical growth, but are instead distributed towards lateral branch development and stem thickening. After pinching, the thickening cultivation period begins, lasting 7 to 10 days. During this period, the above-mentioned water and nitrogen control measures continue to be maintained, with soil moisture content maintained at 55% to 65% of field capacity, and nitrogen fertilizer application maintained at 60% to 70% of the conventional application rate. During the thickening cultivation period, the main vine stem thickens laterally under the combined effects of pinching stimulation and moderate drought, and the stem diameter increases compared to before pinching. After the thickening cultivation period, the mechanical strength of the main vine stem is significantly improved.

[0078] During internode regulation, the length of the main vine's internodes should be measured regularly to confirm the regulation effect. When measuring, select the 5th to 7th internodes from the base of the main vine upwards, and measure their length using a measuring tape or vernier caliper. Take the average of the three internodes as the judgment basis. When the internode length of the main vine horizontally above the greenhouse surface is stable within the range of 15 to 20 cm, and the stem's toughness meets the requirements for tying, horizontal tying can be carried out. Tying is best done on a sunny afternoon, when the main vine has lower water content and better flexibility, making it less likely to break at bends.

[0079] The aforementioned water control, nitrogen control, and topping measures are implemented synergistically during the main vine's growth period. These three measures work together and are indispensable, ensuring that the internode length of the main vine on the greenhouse surface is controlled within the target range of 15 to 20 cm. After regulation, the main vine has short and uniform internodes, thick stems, and evenly distributed lateral branches sprouting from each node after training, providing a neat and consistent structural foundation for the subsequent formation of the hanging curtain structure.

[0080] In another technical solution, during the internode control step of the main vine, when the main vine reaches a length of 1.2m to 1.5m, the average length L of the 5th to 7th internodes from the base of the main vine is measured.

[0081] If L < 15cm and the plant leaves are dark green and the stems are thick, spray with gibberellin GA3 solution at a concentration of 10-20mg / L, and spray 30-50mL per plant. When the new internodes reach 15-20cm in length, perform the binding as described above.

[0082] If L < 15cm and the plant leaves are yellowish-green and the stems are thin and weak, apply 5-8kg of quick-acting nitrogen fertilizer per mu and restore irrigation to 60%-70% of field capacity. When the length of the new internodes reaches 15-20cm, the aforementioned binding should be carried out.

[0083] If L > 20cm, spray with chlormequat chloride solution at a concentration of 500-1000mg / L, with a spraying amount of 40-60mL per plant. On the third day after spraying, remove the 2-3cm growing point at the top. When the length of the new internodes shortens to 15-20cm, perform the binding as described above.

[0084] If L is between 15 and 20 cm, then proceed directly with the aforementioned binding.

[0085] In the above technical solution, when implementing the above-mentioned internode dynamic control method, measurements are taken when the main vine reaches a length of 1.2m to 1.5m. During measurement, the 5th to 7th nodes are counted upwards from the base of the main vine, and the length of these three internodes is measured using a measuring tape or vernier caliper. The average value is recorded as L. Hops main stems typically have 30 to 35 nodes, with a node length of 20 to 30cm under natural conditions. The 5th to 7th nodes are no longer directly affected by root nutrition and have not entered a rapid elongation phase, thus best representing the current vegetative growth status of the plant. Measurements should be conducted on a sunny morning after the dew has dried, avoiding rainy days or periods of high temperature to minimize measurement errors.

[0086] If the internode length (L) is less than 15cm and the plant has dark green leaves and thick stems, it indicates vigorous vegetative growth and short internodes, indicating excessive vegetative growth. In this case, spray with gibberellin GA3 solution. Dilute the gibberellin GA3 stock solution to a working concentration of 10-20 mg / L, applying 30-50 mL per plant. Use a handheld sprayer to evenly spray the solution onto the upper and middle parts of the leaves and stems of the main vine, ensuring the leaves are moist but not dripping. Observe the elongation of the new internodes at the tip of the main vine every 3 days after spraying. When the new internodes reach 15-20cm in length, they can be trained and tied. If the internode length (L) is less than 15cm and the plant has yellowish-green leaves and thin stems, it indicates insufficient nutrition, with short internodes. In this case, apply quick-acting nitrogen fertilizer, using 5-8 kg of urea per acre, applied by hole application or broadcasting followed by shallow tilling. Simultaneously, restore irrigation water to 60-70% of field capacity. After fertilization and irrigation, observe the elongation of the new intersegments every 3 days. When the length of the new intersegments reaches 15 to 20 cm, bind them.

[0087] If L is greater than 20cm, it indicates excessive internode elongation, requiring inhibition of longitudinal growth. At this point, spray with a chlormequat chloride solution, diluted to a working concentration of 500-1000 mg / L, using 40-60 mL per plant, evenly spraying it onto the leaves and stems of the upper and middle parts of the main vine. Three days after spraying, perform topping, removing the growing point 2-3 cm from the top of the main vine—the tender, not yet fully unfolded part. Topping inhibits gibberellin biosynthesis, and combined with the removal of the apical growing point, the two work together to shorten the length of subsequent new internodes. Observe the elongation of new internodes every three days after topping. When the new internode length shortens to 15-20cm, begin tying them up. If L is between 15-20cm, it indicates the internode length is within the target range, requiring no further control; simply proceed with horizontal tying as per step S3.

[0088] The aforementioned internode dynamic regulation method involves measuring the average length of the 5th to 7th internodes during the critical growth period of the main vine. Based on the measurement results, targeted measures are taken to promote or inhibit elongation, ultimately controlling the internode length of the main vine within the target range of 15 to 20 cm. The regulated main vine internodes are short and uniform, the stems are robust, and they are less prone to breakage at bends during horizontal training. Lateral branches sprouting from each node are evenly distributed, providing a neat and consistent structural foundation for the subsequent formation of the cascading vine structure. Each measure in this regulation scheme has clear initiation conditions and quantifiable indicators, facilitating replication and promotion in actual production.

[0089] In another technical solution, after spraying the gibberellin GA3 solution or chlormequat chloride solution and before performing the binding, a step of verifying and correcting the regulatory effect is also included:

[0090] Starting from the 5th day after spraying, the average length L1 of the newly grown 1st and 2nd internodes was measured:

[0091] If L1 > 25cm, it indicates that gibberellin regulation is excessive or chlormequat chloride is ineffective. In this case, spray chlormequat chloride solution once, with a concentration of 500-800 mg / L and a spray volume of 40-60 mL per plant. When the length of the newly formed internodes shortens to 15-20cm, the binding process should be carried out.

[0092] If L1 < 10cm, it indicates that the chlormequat chloride regulation is excessive. In this case, spray gibberellin GA3 solution once at a concentration of 10-15mg / L, with a spray volume of 30-50mL per plant. When the length of the subsequent new internodes reaches 15-20cm, the binding process should be carried out.

[0093] If 20cm < L1 ≤ 25cm, spray with chlormequat chloride solution once, with a concentration of 300-500mg / L and a spraying amount of 40-60mL per plant. When the length of the newly formed internodes shortens to 15-20cm, perform the binding as described above.

[0094] If the length is between 15 and L1 and 20 cm, then proceed directly with the aforementioned binding.

[0095] If 10cm≤L1<15cm, spray gibberellin GA3 solution once, with a concentration of 10-15mg / L and a spraying amount of 30-50mL per plant. When the length of the newly formed internodes reaches 15-20cm, perform the binding as described above.

[0096] After corrective treatment, the average length of the newly formed intersegment was measured again on the 5th day after respraying, and after confirming that it was 15-20cm, it was bound.

[0097] In the above technical solution, when implementing the above-mentioned methods for verifying and correcting the regulatory effects, the effect verification should be carried out starting from the 5th day after spraying gibberellin GA3 solution or chlormequat chloride solution. During measurement, count the first and second internodes upwards from the newly growing part at the tip of the main vine, and measure the length of these two internodes with a tape measure or vernier caliper. The average value is recorded as L1. The reason for choosing the 5th day as the verification time point is that it usually takes 3 to 5 days to observe obvious morphological changes after spraying plant growth regulators. At this time, the newly grown internodes have fully elongated or shortened, which can more accurately reflect the actual effect of the regulatory measures. The measurement should be carried out on a sunny day, avoiding rainy days or periods of high temperature.

[0098] Based on the L1 measurement results, the following corrective measures should be taken. If L1 is greater than 25cm, it indicates that the gibberellin concentration is too high, leading to over-regulation, or that chlormequat chloride (GSC) has failed to function effectively. In this case, spray chlormequat chloride solution once, diluting it to a working concentration of 500-800 mg / L, applying 40-60 mL per plant, evenly spraying it onto the leaves and stems of the upper and middle parts of the main vine. If L1 is less than 10cm, it indicates that the GSC concentration is too high, leading to over-regulation. In this case, spray gibberellin GA3 solution once, diluting the GA3 stock solution to a working concentration of 10-15 mg / L, applying 30-50 mL per plant, evenly spraying it onto the leaves and stems of the upper and middle parts of the main vine. If L1 is greater than 20cm but not exceeding 25cm, it indicates that the internode length is too long but still within a controllable range. Spray chlormequat chloride solution once, reducing the concentration to 300-500 mg / L, applying 40-60 mL per plant. If L1 is between 15 and 20 cm, it indicates that the control effect has reached the target range, and the binding described in step S3 can be carried out directly. If L1 is less than 15 cm but not less than 10 cm, it indicates that the internode length is too short but still within the controllable range. Spray gibberellin GA3 solution once, with a spraying concentration of 10 to 15 mg / L and a spraying amount of 30 to 50 mL per plant.

[0099] After the corrective treatment is completed, a second verification is conducted starting on the 5th day after the re-spraying. The measurement method is the same as before, that is, the average length of the first and second newly grown intersegments after the re-spraying is measured to confirm that it is within the range of 15 to 20 cm. If the intersegment length is confirmed to have reached the target range after the second verification, the binding described in step S3 can be performed; if the intersegment length is still not up to standard after the second verification, the above verification and corrective steps are repeated until the length of the newly grown intersegments is stable within the range of 15 to 20 cm.

[0100] The entire verification and correction process typically spans 5 to 20 days after spraying, preventing delays in training and binding due to excessive waiting. This feedback-based control method establishes a complete closed-loop control system by setting an effect verification point after spraying and performing targeted reverse corrections based on the verification results. This method effectively addresses the issue of significant differences in the response of different plants to growth regulators, preventing internode length deviations from the target range due to insufficient or excessive regulation, thus ensuring consistent internode lengths on the main vines of each plant and improving the overall uniformity of the plant population. Furthermore, the secondary verification step after correction further ensures the reliability of the control effect, providing a guarantee for the smooth implementation of subsequent training and binding operations. This method is suitable for large-scale planting conditions where uneven control effects are caused by individual differences, effectively reducing operational risks.

[0101] In another technical solution, after planting as described in S2 and before selecting the main vine for the current year, a step of judging the plant growth status is also included:

[0102] When the main vine reaches 50-120cm in length, measure the plant base diameter D and the maximum main vine length H.

[0103] If D≥12mm and H≥90cm, it is determined to be a vigorous plant. The number of main vines selected in the current year shall be increased by 1 to 2 based on the provisions of claim 2, but not exceeding 12.

[0104] If D≥12mm and H<90cm, it is determined to be a normal plant and the selection quantity specified in claim 2 shall be executed;

[0105] If D is 8mm to 12mm and H is ≥ 70cm, then it is determined to be a normal plant and the selection quantity specified in claim 2 shall be executed;

[0106] If D is 8mm to 12mm and H is less than 70cm, it is considered a weak plant, and the number of main vines to be selected in the current year shall be reduced by 1 to 2 from the number specified in claim 2.

[0107] If D < 8mm, the plant is considered a weak plant, and the number of main vines to be retained in the current year shall be reduced by 1 to 2 from the number specified in claim 2.

[0108] In the above technical solution, when implementing the above method for judging plant growth, the measurement is carried out within the range of 50cm to 120cm in length of the main vine. At this time, the plant has entered the vigorous stage of vegetative growth, and the length of the main vine is sufficient to reflect the overall growth of the plant. At the same time, it is within the window period before selecting the main vine, and the measurement results can directly guide the determination of the number of vines to be retained in the current year. During the measurement, the diameter of the main stem is measured from the base of the plant (2cm to 3cm above the ground) and recorded as D. The measuring tool can be a digital vernier caliper or an electronic stem diameter measuring instrument. The measurement direction is perpendicular to the facet of the hexagonal cross-section of the main stem, that is, the measurement is carried out between two opposite facets of the cross-section of the main stem. To reduce measurement error, the plant can be rotated 90° at the same height and measured twice, and the average value is taken. The maximum main vine length H is measured from the base of the plant along the natural extension direction of the main vine to its apical growth point, using a tape measure or measuring rope. During the measurement, the main vine is kept in a naturally straight state and no external force is applied to stretch it. Measurements should be taken on sunny days, avoiding windy or rainy weather.

[0109] Based on the measurements of D and H, the following criteria are used for grading: If D is greater than or equal to 12mm and H is greater than or equal to 90cm, the plant is considered a vigorous plant. These plants have thick stems, rapid main vine elongation, vigorous vegetative growth, and strong load-bearing capacity. The number of main vines selected for the current year should be increased by two beyond the basic plan. If D is greater than or equal to 12mm and H is less than 90cm, or D is between 8mm and 12mm and H is greater than or equal to 70cm, the plant is considered a normal plant. Both of these situations indicate moderate plant growth, with stem thickness and vine length in harmony. Routine management is sufficient, and the number of vines selected for the current year should be as specified in the basic plan. If D is between 8mm and 12mm and H is less than 70cm, or D is less than 8mm, the plant is considered a weak plant. The former is characterized by a reasonably thick stem but insufficient main vine elongation, while the latter is characterized by thin stems and slow overall growth. Both situations indicate weak plant growth and limited load-bearing capacity. Therefore, the number of main vines to be selected for the current year should be reduced by two from the basic plan. After the determination is completed, the subsequent main vine selection and training operations should be carried out according to the corresponding number of vines selected.

[0110] The aforementioned method for grading plant growth involves quantifying two key indicators—the diameter of the plant's base and the length of the maximum main vine—before selecting the main vine. Based on the measurement results, plants are categorized into three levels: vigorous, normal, and weak, with different standards for the number of vines retained for each level. This method transforms the traditional experience-based vine retention decision into a quantifiable and replicable grading process, making the determination of the number of vines retained more scientific and reasonable. It avoids the problems of overburdening weak plants with too many vines or wasting the productivity of vigorous plants with too few. Increasing the number of vines retained for vigorous plants allows them to fully utilize their growth potential, while reducing the number of vines retained for weak plants helps concentrate nutrients and promote plant recovery. For normal plants, adhering to the standards maintains the overall balance and stability of the plant population.

[0111] In another technical solution, after determining the strong, normal, and weak plants, the process further includes a differentiated water and fertilizer management step based on growth grading:

[0112] For vigorous plants, apply additional phosphorus and potassium fertilizers in the early budding stage, using 3-5 kg ​​of potassium dihydrogen phosphate per acre, and control the amount of nitrogen fertilizer to 70%-80% of the conventional amount;

[0113] For weak plants, apply quick-acting nitrogen fertilizer during the rapid elongation period of the main vine, applying 5-8 kg of urea per acre, and irrigate with diluted, well-rotted organic fertilizer water once.

[0114] For healthy plants, follow the standard water and fertilizer management plan.

[0115] In the above technical solution, when implementing differentiated water and fertilizer management based on plant growth grading, after determining the plant growth grading, different water and fertilizer management plans are implemented according to the three levels: vigorous, normal, and weak. The determination results are usually obtained when the main vine reaches 50cm to 120cm in length, which is a critical stage of plant vegetative growth. Subsequent water and fertilizer management needs to be adjusted accordingly based on the grading results.

[0116] For vigorous plants, with thick stems, rapid main vine elongation, and vigorous vegetative growth, continued ample nitrogen fertilizer can easily lead to excessive vegetative growth, canopy closure, and negatively impact flower bud differentiation and flower head development. Therefore, it is recommended to increase phosphorus and potassium fertilizer application during the early budding stage, using 3-5 kg ​​of potassium dihydrogen phosphate per acre, applied via foliar spraying or root irrigation. For foliar spraying, dissolve potassium dihydrogen phosphate at a concentration of 0.2% to 0.3% and spray evenly on both sides of the leaves until the leaves are moist. For root irrigation, dissolve the fertilizer in water and apply it to the plant roots along the drip irrigation tape. Simultaneously, control nitrogen fertilizer application to 70% to 80% of the conventional amount by reducing the proportion of urea or ammonium nitrate in the drip irrigation system. For weak plants, with thin stems, insufficient main vine elongation, and slow overall growth, it is necessary to increase the application of fast-acting nitrogen fertilizer during the rapid elongation period of the main vine to promote the growth of the main vine and lateral branches. Apply 5-8 kg of urea per acre, using either hole application or broadcasting followed by shallow tilling and soil covering. Water immediately after application to promote fertilizer dissolution and absorption. Simultaneously, apply a diluted, well-rotted organic fertilizer solution. Dilute well-rotted cow or sheep manure or oilseed cake with water at a ratio of 1:5 to 1:8 and apply around the base of the plant, using 5-10 kg per plant. For healthy plants with moderate growth and a harmonious balance between stem thickness and vine length, follow standard water and fertilizer management procedures without additional fertilizer adjustments.

[0117] The aforementioned differentiated water and fertilizer management method is integrated with the growth grading assessment process, dynamically adjusting the fertilization plan based on the grading results. For vigorous plants, increasing phosphorus and potassium and reducing nitrogen balances vegetative and reproductive growth, preventing excessive growth from affecting flower head quality. For weak plants, increasing nitrogen and organic fertilizer compensates for insufficient growth, promoting a rapid recovery to normal growth. Normal plants are managed according to standard procedures to maintain overall plant balance and stability. This management plan matches fertilization measures to the actual needs of the plants, avoiding the disconnect between fertilization plans and actual plant growth found in traditional cultivation. This improves fertilizer utilization efficiency and promotes balanced development among plants within the plant population.

[0118] The technical effects of the present invention will be illustrated below through specific experimental examples.

[0119] Indicator measurement methods:

[0120] Dried flower yield per mu: After harvest, weigh all the dry flower heads in each plot and calculate the yield per mu based on the area of ​​the plot.

[0121] Light transmittance: During the flower head swelling period, on sunny days from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, light intensity was measured in the canopy (1.2m above ground) in the middle of the row using a photosynthetically active radiation sensor. The light transmittance was calculated as (light intensity in the canopy / natural light intensity × 100%), using the natural light intensity at an unobstructed location above the canopy at the same time as a reference. Five points were measured in each plot, and the average value was taken.

[0122] Downy mildew susceptibility rate of flower heads: During the flower head maturity stage, a five-point sampling method was used in each plot, with 10 flower heads randomly selected from each point, for a total of 50 flower heads. The number of infected flower heads was counted, and the susceptibility rate was calculated as (number of infected flower heads / total number of flower heads surveyed × 100%). The criteria for determining flower head susceptibility were: the appearance of a grayish-brown mold layer on the surface of the flower head or partial browning and necrosis of the flower head.

[0123] Coefficient of variation of main vine internode length: Before tying, the length of the 5th to 7th internodes of 5 main vines of each plant was randomly measured using vernier calipers with an accuracy of 0.1 mm. The coefficient of variation of all measured values ​​was calculated (standard deviation / mean value × 100%).

[0124] Regulation cycle: The number of days from the first application of gibberellin or chlormequat chloride until the new internode length reaches the target (15-20cm).

[0125] Comparative Example 1

[0126] Comparative Example 1 adopted a traditional single-layer flat trellis single-sided drooping cultivation model. Concrete pillars, 2m high, were installed at equal intervals in the field, with 2.8mm diameter galvanized steel wire ropes stretched taut in both longitudinal and transverse directions at the top of each pillar. Hops were planted with a row spacing of 2.5m and a plant spacing of 1m, and irrigation was done via furrow irrigation. After sprouting in spring, eight strong main vines were selected from each plant and guided upwards along the pillars to the trellis surface. These vines were then horizontally tied along the same side of the planting row, creating a curtain-like effect on one side of the trellis surface. During the growing season, water and fertilizer management was carried out as usual. When the main vines reached 1.5m in length, the tips were pinched off, and topdressing was performed according to local standards. After the flower heads matured, the flowers were harvested manually, one by one.

[0127] According to the measurements, the average yield of dried flowers per mu (667 square meters) in Comparative Example 1 was 268 kg, the light transmittance of the middle part of the canopy was 12% during the flower head swelling period, the susceptibility rate of downy mildew in the flower heads was 28.6%, and the labor required for harvesting per mu was 8.2 man-days.

[0128] Example 1

[0129] Example 1 implemented the core cultivation framework and basic internode control scheme. The experimental site, test varieties, and soil conditions were the same as in Comparative Example 1. A flat trellis was constructed with 2m high pillars and 2.8mm diameter steel wire ropes at the top, with a center-to-center distance of 20cm between adjacent wire ropes. Hops were planted with a row spacing of 3m and a plant spacing of 1m. After planting, a drip irrigation system was installed, with drippers placed 25cm on each side of the base of the plant.

[0130] After transplanting, a tiered vine retention system was implemented: in the first year, 3 main vines were selected (1 on one side and 2 on the other); in the second year, 4 main vines were selected (2 on each side); in the third year, 6 main vines were selected (3 on each side); and in the fourth year and above, 10 main vines were selected (5 on each side). The experimental plants were four years old, and 10 main vines were selected from each plant. The main vines were horizontally tied to the steel wire rope on the greenhouse surface with a spacing of 20 cm between each vine.

[0131] Internode regulation is carried out during the main vine's growth period. After the main vine enters its rapid elongation phase, irrigation is switched to drip irrigation, controlling soil moisture content to 55%–65% of field capacity and nitrogen fertilizer application to 65% of the conventional amount. When the main vine reaches 12 internodes, the terminal vine is pinched off, removing the top 2–3 cm of the growing point. After pinching, the vine enters a thickening cultivation period, during which the above water and nitrogen control measures are maintained to keep the internode length of the main vine horizontally above the greenhouse surface at 15–20 cm.

[0132] After internode control is completed, the 10 main vines selected from each plant are divided into two groups (5 vines on each side). These groups are then symmetrically trained and horizontally tied to the steel wire ropes on the canopy surface, perpendicular to the planting rows, with the plant as the center. One main vine from each of two corresponding plants in adjacent rows is tied to the same steel wire rope, allowing the two main vines to extend towards each other along this rope. This causes the lateral branches sprouting from the main vines on the canopy surface to droop towards each other along the row spacing, forming a curtain structure. The training and tying operation is carried out on a sunny afternoon. After the flower heads mature, a hop harvester is used to harvest the fruiting branches in the curtain structure by cutting them 60-80cm below the canopy surface, moving them straight along the 3m row spacing path.

[0133] Measurements showed that Example 1 had an average yield of 532 kg of dried flowers per mu (approximately 0.067 hectares), a light transmittance of 41% in the canopy between rows during the flower head swelling stage, a downy mildew susceptibility rate of 7.2%, and required 1.1 man-days for harvesting per mu. Compared with Comparative Example 1, Example 1 increased the yield of dried flowers by 264 kg per mu, increased the light transmittance from 12% to 41%, decreased the downy mildew susceptibility rate from 28.6% to 7.2%, and reduced the harvesting labor time per mu from 8.2 man-days to 1.1 man-days.

[0134] Example 2

[0135] Example 2 further implemented the internode dynamic regulation scheme based on Example 1. The experimental site, test varieties, and soil conditions were the same as in Example 1.

[0136] The basic measures for planting, trellis construction, tiered vine retention, main vine spacing, and internode control (water and nitrogen control, topping, and thickening cultivation) are the same as in Example 1. Based on this, when the main vine reaches a length of 1.2–1.5 m, the average length L of the 5th to 7th internodes from the base of the main vine is measured. During measurement, the 5th to 7th internodes are counted upwards from the base of the main vine, and the length of these three internodes is measured using vernier calipers, and the average value is calculated. Based on the measured length (L), the following treatments were applied: If L < 15cm and the plant leaves were dark green with thick stems, spray with gibberellin GA3 solution (15mg / L, 30mL per plant); if L < 15cm and the plant leaves were yellowish-green with thin stems, apply quick-acting nitrogen fertilizer (6kg urea per acre) and restore irrigation to 65% of field capacity; if L > 20cm, spray with chlormequat chloride solution (600mg / L, 50mL per plant), and remove the 2-3cm growing point at the top on the 3rd day after spraying; if L was between 15 and 20cm, directly train the plant. After the new internodes reached 15-20cm in length, train, construct the hanging curtain, and harvest mechanically in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0137] Measurements showed that Example 2 had an average yield of 558 kg of dried flowers per mu (approximately 0.067 hectares), a downy mildew susceptibility rate of 6.8%, and required 1.0 man-day for harvesting per mu. Compared to Example 1, the yield of dried flowers per mu increased by 26 kg. The coefficient of variation for the length of the main vine internode decreased from 18.7% in Example 1 to 12.3%, the difference in length between fruiting branches within the canopy was reduced, and the uniformity of flower head size improved.

[0138] Example 3

[0139] Example 3 further implemented a control effect verification and correction scheme based on Example 2. The test site, test varieties, and soil conditions were the same as in Example 2.

[0140] The basic measures for planting, trellis construction, tiered vine retention, main vine spacing, internode control, and internode dynamic control (L measurement and targeted treatment) were the same as in Example 2. Based on this, the effect was verified 5 days after spraying gibberellin or chlormequat chloride, and the average length L1 of the newly grown 1st and 2nd internodes was measured. Corrective treatments were performed according to the L1 measurement results: if L1 > 25cm, chlormequat chloride (600mg / L, 50mL per plant) was sprayed; if L1 < 10cm, gibberellin GA3 (12mg / L, 40mL per plant) was sprayed; if 20cm < L1 ≤ 25cm, chlormequat chloride (400mg / L, 50mL per plant) was sprayed; if 10cm ≤ L1 < 15cm, gibberellin GA3 (12mg / L, 40mL per plant) was sprayed; if 15cm ≤ L1 ≤ 20cm, the plant was directly tied up. After corrective treatment, the average length of the new intersegment was measured again on the 5th day after re-spraying. After confirming that it was between 15 and 20 cm, the binding, curtain construction and mechanized harvesting were carried out in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0141] Measurements showed that Example 3 had an average yield of 571 kg of dried flowers per mu (approximately 0.067 hectares), a downy mildew infection rate of 6.5%, and required 1.0 man-day for harvesting per mu. Compared with Example 2, the yield of dried flowers per mu increased by 13 kg, the regulation period was shortened from 11.5 days to 9.2 days, and the uniformity of the plant population was further improved.

[0142] Although embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed above, they are not limited to the applications listed in the specification and embodiments. They can be applied to various fields suitable for the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other modifications can be easily made. Therefore, without departing from the general concept defined by the claims and their equivalents, the present invention is not limited to the specific details and illustrations shown and described herein.

Claims

1. A bidirectional vine-training cultivation method for hops, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1: Construct a flat shed frame and lay steel wire ropes on the shed roof; S2: Hops are planted with a row spacing of 3m and a plant spacing of 1m; S3: Select several main vines from each hop plant, divide the main vines into two groups, and symmetrically guide them to the steel wire rope on the shed surface from the left and right sides along the direction perpendicular to the planting row, with the plant as the center; among them, one main vine of each of the two plants in the adjacent row is tied to the same steel wire rope, and the two main vines extend towards each other along the steel wire rope. S4: During the harvesting period, harvesting machinery is used to harvest along the inter-row passages.

2. The method for bidirectional vine cultivation of hops according to claim 1, characterized in that, The specific number of main vines to be selected for each hop plant is as follows: In the first year after planting, select 3 main vines and tie them together, dividing them into two groups, with 1 vine tied on one side and 2 vines tied on the other side; in the second year, select 4 vines and tie them together in two groups; in the third year, select 6 vines and tie them together in two groups; in the fourth year and above, select 10 vines and tie them together in two groups.

3. The method for bidirectional vine cultivation of hops according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spacing between the main vines horizontally tied to the steel wire rope on the shed surface is 20cm.

4. The method for bidirectional vine cultivation of hops according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes the step of internode regulation of the main vine: During the main vine growth period, switch the irrigation method to drip irrigation, control the soil moisture content to 55%–65% of field capacity, and control the nitrogen fertilizer application to 60%–70% of the conventional application rate; When the main vine has 12 to 14 internodes, pinch off the growing point at the top 2 to 3 cm. After topping, the plant enters a 7-10 day thickening and cultivation period, during which the above-mentioned water and nitrogen control measures are maintained. The internode length of the main vine on the trellis should be controlled at 15-20cm.

5. The bidirectional vine cultivation method for hops according to claim 4, characterized in that, During the internode control process of the main vine, when the main vine reaches a length of 1.2m to 1.5m, the average length L of the 5th to 7th internodes from the base of the main vine is measured. If L < 15cm and the plant leaves are dark green and the stems are thick, spray with gibberellin GA3 solution at a concentration of 10-20mg / L, and spray 30-50mL per plant. When the new internodes reach 15-20cm in length, perform the binding as described above. If L < 15cm and the plant leaves are yellowish-green and the stems are thin and weak, apply 5-8kg of quick-acting nitrogen fertilizer per mu and restore irrigation to 60%-70% of field capacity. When the length of the new internodes reaches 15-20cm, the aforementioned binding should be carried out. If L > 20cm, spray with chlormequat chloride solution at a concentration of 500-1000mg / L, with a spraying amount of 40-60mL per plant. On the third day after spraying, remove the 2-3cm growing point at the top. When the length of the new internodes shortens to 15-20cm, perform the binding as described above. If L is between 15 and 20 cm, then proceed directly with the aforementioned binding.

6. The bidirectional vine cultivation method for hops according to claim 5, characterized in that, The process of applying gibberellin GA3 solution or chlormequat chloride solution and before binding includes a step for verifying and correcting the regulatory effect: Starting from the 5th day after spraying, the average length L1 of the newly grown 1st and 2nd internodes was measured: If L1 > 25cm, it indicates that gibberellin regulation is excessive or chlormequat chloride is ineffective. In this case, spray chlormequat chloride solution once, with a concentration of 500-800 mg / L and a spray volume of 40-60 mL per plant. When the length of the newly formed internodes shortens to 15-20cm, the binding process should be carried out. If L1 < 10cm, it indicates that the chlormequat chloride regulation is excessive. In this case, spray gibberellin GA3 solution once at a concentration of 10-15mg / L, with a spray volume of 30-50mL per plant. When the length of the subsequent new internodes reaches 15-20cm, the binding process should be carried out. If 20cm < L1 ≤ 25cm, spray with chlormequat chloride solution once, with a concentration of 300-500mg / L and a spraying amount of 40-60mL per plant. When the length of the newly formed internodes shortens to 15-20cm, perform the binding as described above. If the length is between 15 and L1 and 20 cm, then proceed directly with the aforementioned binding. If 10cm≤L1<15cm, spray gibberellin GA3 solution once, with a concentration of 10-15mg / L and a spraying amount of 30-50mL per plant. When the length of the newly formed internodes reaches 15-20cm, perform the binding as described above. After corrective treatment, the average length of the newly formed intersegment was measured again on the 5th day after respraying, and after confirming that it was 15-20cm, it was bound.

7. The method for bidirectional vine cultivation of hops according to claim 2, characterized in that, After planting as described in S2, and before selecting the main vine for the current year, the process also includes a step of determining the grading of plant growth: When the main vine reaches 50-120cm in length, measure the plant base diameter D and the maximum main vine length H. If D≥12mm and H≥90cm, it is determined to be a vigorous plant. The number of main vines selected in the current year shall be increased by 1 to 2 based on the provisions of claim 2, but not exceeding 12. If D≥12mm and H<90cm, it is determined to be a normal plant and the selection quantity specified in claim 2 shall be executed; If D is 8mm to 12mm and H is ≥ 70cm, then it is determined to be a normal plant and the selection quantity specified in claim 2 shall be executed; If D is 8mm to 12mm and H is less than 70cm, it is considered a weak plant, and the number of main vines to be selected in the current year shall be reduced by 1 to 2 from the number specified in claim 2. If D < 8mm, the plant is considered a weak plant, and the number of main vines to be retained in the current year shall be reduced by 1 to 2 from the number specified in claim 2.

8. The method for bidirectional vine cultivation of hops according to claim 7, characterized in that, After determining the vigorous, normal, and weak plants, the process also includes differentiated water and fertilizer management based on growth vigor levels: For vigorous plants, apply additional phosphorus and potassium fertilizers in the early budding stage, using 3-5 kg ​​of potassium dihydrogen phosphate per acre, and control the amount of nitrogen fertilizer to 70%-80% of the conventional amount; For weak plants, apply quick-acting nitrogen fertilizer during the rapid elongation period of the main vine, applying 5-8 kg of urea per acre, and irrigate with diluted, well-rotted organic fertilizer water once. For healthy plants, follow the standard water and fertilizer management plan.

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