Peach tree management techniques in January

In January, due to the low ambient temperature, peach trees are in a dormant state. At this time, Taoyuan’s main management tasks include: first, reviewing and summarizing the production experience of the previous year, and second, planning the production activities of the current year. During the dormant period of peach trees, maintenance work such as pruning peach trees, applying basic fertilizers , and deep plowing the soil should usually be carried out.

1. Soil and fertilizer management

Apply base fertilizer. The principle of "fertilize in winter and apply in autumn" is usually followed. If fertilizer is not applied in time, the base fertilizer application should be completed before the end of January. The main method used is trench application. Trench application is done on both sides of the ground vertically outside the crown of the peach tree (depth about 40 cm, width 30-40 cm). The directions of the new and old trenches should be alternated. Generally, about 80 kilograms of commercial organic fertilizer is applied to each fruit-bearing tree.

Deep tillage of soil and cleaning of trench systems. Use the free time in winter to carry out deep plowing in the peach orchard, control the depth to 10-15 cm, and follow the principle of shallow plowing close to the tree trunk and deep plowing away from the tree trunk. After deep plowing, the topsoil should sink and the new soil should be turned up. Deep plowing in winter helps to mature the soil, reduce pests and diseases, and improve soil permeability. After deep plowing, the drainage and irrigation systems in the peach orchard must be cleaned and maintained to ensure smooth drainage during the rainy season.

2. Tree and Park Maintenance

Tree and park cleaning: remove waste bags, diseased and dead fruits, and dead branches remaining on the trees, scrape off disease spots, and burn them in a centralized manner to reduce the source of disease. Clean up fallen leaves, rotten fruits and weeds in the park and dispose of them centrally.

White coating: White coating helps to kill bacteria, disinfect and prevent insects. In January, the main trunk and main branches of the peach tree should be whitewashed, and the gum should be scraped off the plants with gummosis first. Choose rainless weather, stir the whitewash evenly and then apply it. Use a moderate amount to avoid dripping. The whitewash agent should be prepared and used immediately, and stirred thoroughly to ensure that it is evenly applied to the tree trunk. Whitewash agent formula: quicklime : lime sulfur: salt: water = 10:1:1:20. Mix and stir evenly.

3. Winter pruning

Currently, peach trees are in a dormant period and should be pruned in winter. When pruning, be careful to distinguish between the pruning methods for mature fruit trees and young trees.

Pruning of young trees: The main purpose is to expand the crown and promote early fruiting. Cultivate main branches and side branches, and appropriately retain auxiliary branches and fruiting branches. Pay attention to adjusting the angles of the trunk and branches to balance the tree. Pruning should be light to moderate the tree's vigor and promote flowering and fruiting.

Pruning of fruit trees: The main task is to maintain the balance of the tree, regulate the growth of main and side branches, cultivate and renew branch groups, and prevent premature aging and emptiness of the inner trunk. Pruning should be a combination of growing long and short, light pruning and heavy pruning, and appropriate retention of renewal branches in the middle and lower parts of the inner chamber to prevent the middle and lower parts from being empty. For mature trees with stronger vigor, you can consider using long-tip pruning techniques to control them.

4. Integrated pest control

After pruning, you should carefully spray Baume 5 degrees or 50-100 times diluted crystal lime sulfur mixture, which is effective in preventing and controlling peach tree diseases and pests. Lime sulfur should be sprayed during the dormant period of peach trees to avoid pesticide damage.

The above is an introduction to the management plan for peach trees in January. Many fruit farmers often ignore the management of fruit trees during their dormant period. In fact, the work at this stage also lays a solid foundation for a good harvest next year.