Winter management techniques for longan

Longan is widely planted in southern my country. For growers, winter management is very critical. After the leaves fall in winter, growers need to carry out a thorough garden cleaning. Below, I will introduce the winter management techniques of longan, let’s take a look.

1. Pruning management

1. Pruning time: It is mainly carried out from late December after the autumn fruiting mother branches turn green until the flower spikes emerge and the flower buds are obvious, that is, pruning should be completed within 15-20 days after fruit picking. When pruning, thin out from the base and do not shorten the fruiting mother branches and large branches.

2. Pruning method: Cut off shaded branches, excessively drooping branches, diseased and insect-infested branches, and weak branches less than 0.5 cm in length and with less than 10 compound leaves. Pruning is beneficial to the accumulation of nutrients and flowering and fruiting in spring.

2. Soil Management

1. Loosening the soil: It can improve the air permeability of the soil, promote root respiration, and is beneficial to the growth and development of the root system. At the same time, loosening the soil can cut off the capillaries in the soil, reduce water evaporation, and help keep the soil moist. In addition, loosening the soil can eliminate some pests that overwinter in the soil and reduce the insect population density in the next year.

2. Soil accumulation: Soil accumulation can protect the roots of longan trees from frost damage and also help improve the thermal insulation properties of the soil.

3. Fertilization management

1. Fertilization time: Apply organic fertilizer within 10-15 days after harvesting to supplement tree nutrients and promote tree recovery. Organic fertilizer should be the main fertilizer, combined with an appropriate amount of compound fertilizer to meet the longan tree's needs for various nutrients.

2. Fertilization method: Dig a 20-30 cm deep trench below the vertical line at the edge of the tree crown and cover it with soil after fertilizing. Where conditions permit, the orchard can be irrigated once to increase soil moisture, improve the longan tree's ability to absorb fertilizer, and accelerate the recovery of the longan tree.

4. Keep warm

1. Fumigation: Before the cold wave comes, the orchard should prepare flammable smoke materials such as rice husks, sawdust and turf, and place a pile every 10 meters. Mix in a small amount of waste diesel to increase the heat of the smoke. After 22:00 on the night of the cold wave, ignite the smoke and use the smoke to increase the temperature, keep warm and prevent frost.

2. Spray water to prevent freezing: In case of wet freezing, manpower should be organized quickly to shake off the ice on the trees and spray water to thaw them.

3. Whitewash the tree trunks: Mix quicklime , sulfur powder and water to make a whitewash agent, and whitewash the main trunk to the branches to prevent diseases and insects.

4. Apply lime: After the longan fruiting branches have fully turned green and mature, apply 2-3 kg of slaked lime powder to each tree, evenly spreading it on the surface soil under the tree crown. This will kill both pathogens in the soil and overwintering pests.

The above is an introduction to longan winter management techniques. Longan winter management needs to be taken seriously. You can master the above methods to ensure the safe wintering of longan trees and lay the foundation for a good harvest next year.