How to plant and manage wolfberry trees?

Wolfberry tree, as a plant that has both medicinal value and rich nutrition, has been favored in the field of agricultural cultivation in recent years. Its fruit, wolfberry, is not only a treasure among traditional Chinese medicinal materials , but also a popular product in the modern health food market. So how to plant and manage wolfberry trees? Let’s take a look below.

1. Soil selection and improvement

Soil selection: Wolfberry trees prefer an environment with plenty of sunlight, fertile soil and good drainage. Therefore, when choosing a planting site, priority should be given to plots with sufficient sunlight, loose soil and good drainage.

Soil improvement: For plots with poor soil texture, soil improvement is required. The fertility and air permeability of the soil can be improved by increasing the application of organic fertilizers , watering properly, loosening the soil and other measures. Increasing the application of natural organic fertilizers is a key measure to improve saline-alkali soil, which can significantly improve soil fertility.

2. Planting time and method

Planting time: Wolfberry trees are generally planted in spring or autumn. When planting in spring, it should be done as soon as possible after the soil thaws; when planting in autumn, it should be completed before the soil freezes.

Planting method: Before planting, the seedlings should be properly pruned to cut off excess branches and leaves and excessively long roots. Then, use the pit planting method or strip planting method for planting. The hole planting method is to dig holes at a certain distance on the prepared land, place the seedlings in the holes, fill with soil and compact it, and water them enough to establish roots; the strip planting method is to dig trenches at a certain row spacing, place the seedlings in the trenches according to the plant spacing, fill with soil and compact it, and water them to establish roots.

3. Fertilization management

Base fertilizer: Before planting, sufficient base fertilizer should be applied to improve soil fertility and provide sufficient nutrients for the growth of wolfberry trees.

Top dressing: During the growth period, top dressing is required according to the growth of the wolfberry tree. Especially during the peak growing season, nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium should be applied in a timely manner to meet the growth needs of wolfberry trees.

4. Pest and disease control

Prevention is the key: Common diseases and pests of wolfberry trees include anthracnose, powdery mildew, aphids, red spiders, etc. In the prevention and treatment process, we should adhere to the principle of "prevention first, comprehensive prevention and control".

Integrated prevention and control: Enhance the disease and pest resistance of wolfberry trees by selecting disease-resistant varieties, rational fertilization, timely pruning and other agricultural measures; use natural enemies and biological agents for biological control; when diseases and insect pests occur seriously, use high-efficiency, low-toxicity, low-residue pesticides for chemical control.

5. Pruning and shaping

Pruning time: Pruning and shaping is a very important part of wolfberry tree management. Pruning is generally done in spring and during the dormant period. Spring pruning can promote the germination and growth of new branches; pruning during the dormant period can adjust the tree structure and improve ventilation and light conditions.

Pruning method: Pruning should be carried out according to the growth habits and variety characteristics of the wolfberry tree. Diseased and insect-infested branches, dead branches, crossed branches, overlapping branches and other useless branches should be cut off, and strong main branches and side branches should be retained. Apply wound healing agent in time after pruning to promote wound healing.

6. Harvest Management

Harvest time: Wolfberry fruit is generally harvested from summer to autumn. The fruit can be harvested when it turns red, the flesh is plump and the stem is loose.

Harvesting method: After harvesting, the fruits must be processed in time to remove the fruit stems, impurities, and fruits with diseases and insect pests, and then air-dried or dried to a moderate degree of dryness. Processed wolfberry dried fruit should be stored in a cool and dry place to avoid moisture and mildew.

In summary, the planting and management of wolfberry trees require comprehensive consideration of multiple aspects, including soil selection and improvement, planting time and methods, fertilization management, pest and disease control, pruning and shaping, and harvest management. Only by doing a good job in these aspects can we ensure the growth and yield of wolfberry trees and improve the economic benefits of wolfberry trees.