Key points for citrus tree management in March

March is the flowering season for citrus fruits such as mandarin oranges and tangerines. During this period, the germination of flower buds and the growth of new shoots require a huge amount of nutrients. Inadequate nutrient supply may result in poor flower development, weak, ineffective or deformed flowers that cannot be pollinated and set fruit normally, negatively affecting yields throughout the year. Let’s take a brief look at the key points of citrus management in March.

1. Fertilization strategy

1. Fertilizing young trees

For young trees, it is recommended to adopt a "small amount and multiple times" fertilization method, applying water-soluble fertilizer (such as 1% decomposed cake fertilizer water plus 0.2-0.3% compound fertilizer , etc.) about every 7 to 10 days, mainly with quickly absorbed nitrogen fertilizer, supplemented with phosphorus and potassium fertilizers to promote root development and new shoot growth.

2. Fertilization of fruit trees

For fruit-bearing trees, fertilization should be adjusted according to the tree's vigor: no fertilizer for vigorously growing trees, less fertilizer for strong trees, and more fertilizer for weak trees. Before germination, apply mainly quick-acting nitrogen fertilizer, with appropriate amounts of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. Supplement nutrients through foliar spraying 1-2 times, such as 0.2-0.3% potassium dihydrogen phosphate and boron fertilizer, to enhance tree vigor and improve flower quality.

2. Pruning points

1. Pruning young trees

The goal of pruning young trees is to develop a good tree shape and expand the crown. Light pruning should be the main method, with timely bud removal and shoot thinning to remove buds and shoots with poor growth angles, as well as all flower buds, in order to reduce nutrient consumption and accelerate the expansion of the crown.

2. Pruning of initial fruiting trees

The goal of pruning early-bearing trees is to continue to develop the crown and balance tree vigor. Adopt a pruning method of heavy top and light bottom, heavy outside and light inside to promote the growth of new branches. You can appropriately thin out the overly long spring shoots and flower buds in the middle and upper parts of the crown, and retain the fruiting branches in the lower part of the crown.

3. Pruning of fruit trees

Pruning is carried out according to the principles of "ventilation, light transmission and reasonable load" to balance the tree vigor and promote stable and high-quality yields. For trees with few flowers but vigorous spring shoot growth, appropriately thin out some upright, strong, and dense branch groups; for trees with weak tree vigor and many flowers, thin out some leafless flower branches, thin flower branches, dense flower branches, and clustered buds on the spring shoots.

3. Pest and disease control

Focus on preventing and controlling diseases and pests such as anthracnose, scab, sand bark, canker, citrus psyllids, red spiders, and thrips.

The above is an introduction to the key points of citrus management in March. Please note that due to differences in climate conditions, temperature, tree vigor, tree age and variety in orchards in different regions, it is recommended that fruit farmers adjust and implement management measures according to the specific conditions of their own orchards.