Management techniques for citrus trees in January

In January, late-ripening citrus varieties are still at the end of the harvest period and flower bud differentiation, so it is particularly important to quickly restore the tree vigor and carry out pruning and cleaning after picking. At the same time, since January is the coldest month of the year, the risk of citrus frost damage also increases accordingly. Especially for those varieties that are left on the tree to keep fresh and some late-maturing varieties, effective anti-freeze measures must be taken. Let’s learn about citrus management techniques in January.

1. Recovery of tree vigor and promotion of flower bud differentiation after picking

Picking at one time may cause a sudden imbalance in the supply and demand of nutrients for citrus trees. In mild cases, the tree will be weakened and the differentiation of flower buds will be affected. In severe cases, it may cause yellowing, leaf fall, and even death. Therefore, it is crucial to replenish nutrition in time after picking.

Winter fertilization: usually carried out during the period from Lesser Cold to Greater Cold, before or after picking. Organic fertilizer can protect the root system in winter and gradually decompose, allowing the tree to absorb when its growth slows down and the root system's absorption capacity weakens, thereby accumulating nutrients for germination and flowering in spring.

2. Cleaning and pruning of citrus orchards

After picking, prune to remove dead branches, diseased and insect-infested branches, crossed branches, and branches hanging to the ground. Apply oil to the wounds after pruning to promote healing. For fruit trees with large crowns and dense branches, "skylight opening" treatment is carried out to improve ventilation and light conditions, save nutrients, and help preserve flowers and fruits .

Completely remove weeds and parasitic plants , and thoroughly clean up lichens, mosses, rotten fruits, etc.; remove butterfly, moth, and shellfish that overwinter on the trees. After cleaning the orchard, spray pest and disease agents in time and conduct comprehensive spraying. This can eliminate overwintering pests and diseases and reduce the occurrence of pests and diseases in the following year.

3. Antifreeze measures

January is the peak period for citrus frost damage. Frost damage may cause delayed spring germination, reduced leaves, reduced spring shoot growth, prolonged physiological fruit drop period, and reduced fruit set rate. Leaves are a storage place for nutrients and are also important assimilation organs before new leaves grow. Anti-freeze measures include covering the tree crown with film, covering the tree trunk with film or grass, whitewashing the tree trunk, fumigating with smoke to prevent cold, and watering before freezing.

4. Sapling Management

Land preparation: dig holes and trenches in mountainous areas , and apply sufficient basal fertilizer before planting. The orchard on flat ground is built with ridges and mounds.

Planting method: Choose healthy and strong seedlings, dig a 25 cm hole in the mound or ridge, put a thin layer of soil at the bottom of the hole, separate the roots from the base fertilizer, stretch the roots, tamp the fine soil in layers with your feet, expose the roots, and water them enough to fix the roots, and then cover them with weeds.

Planting density: The planting density of citrus is generally 2.1-2.6 meters x 3-3.6 meters, with 75-100 plants per acre. If sour orange rootstock is used, the planting should be sparse; if trifoliate orange rootstock is used, the planting can be dense, and it needs to be done in a planned manner.

When managing young trees, attention should be paid to preventing drought and cold. Carry out 10-15 cm inter-tillage and cover the tree pit with weeds, dicanser and grass. Orchards that have suffered frost damage should also pay attention to cold protection.

Young trees of two years old need to be cleaned in winter. Spray pesticides to eliminate overwintering pests, remove cankers and insect pupae manually, and combine with shaping and pruning.

Flowering of young trees should be controlled. At this stage, the main focus is on strengthening the tree vigor, expanding the crown, and cultivating strong branches. Flowering too early will consume a lot of nutrients and affect the healthy growth of young trees.

Apply winter fertilizer: Young trees should be given enough winter fertilizer to survive the winter. The core of citrus sapling management is to create the best growth environment, rapidly expand the crown, form a good tree shape, and lay the foundation for high and stable yields. To create good citrus tree vigor, it is necessary to supplement adequate nutrients to promote crown expansion and enhance tree vigor.

The above is an introduction to the key points in managing citrus trees in January. The key points in management for mature fruit-bearing trees and young trees are different, so everyone should pay attention to adjust according to actual conditions.