May marks the end of spring and the beginning of summer, with the arrival of the solar term "Lixia" and "Xiaoman." In many regions, temperatures rise gradually, accompanied by increased rainfall. Therefore, effective management during this period is crucial for ensuring abundant yields of citrus trees in the future. Let's delve into the key points of cultivation and management for citrus trees in May.
Key Points of Cultivation for Citrus Trees in May
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Early Growth Stage:
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Branch Management: During the growth of summer shoots, remove dense branches and broom-like branches, trim excessively long spring shoots, and retain 6-8 leaves. For trees with upright growth, use ropes to pull branches outward, expanding the canopy and preventing dense growth.
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Fertilization: The main task for young trees is to expand the canopy, enhance tree vigor, and cultivate productive tree forms. Depending on the vigor and age of the citrus trees, apply 0.3~0.5 kg of fertilizer per tree.
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Fruit Setting Stage:
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Application of Fruit Protection Agents: Spray fruit protection agents to ensure application before the fruit setting and fruit dropping period (late April to early May) and after fruit setting (around mid-May).
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Thinning and Pruning: Perform thinning and pruning based on physiological fruit dropping conditions. Observe the physiological fruit dropping: during fruit setting, small fruits dropping is normal; after fruit setting, pay attention to prevent large fruits from dropping prematurely. For orchards yet to undergo fruit thinning and dropping, thinning can be postponed.
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Nutrient Supplementation: Based on tree vigor, apply appropriate fertilizers to stabilize fruit setting. For trees with multiple fruits but weak growth, apply organic water-soluble fertilizer with high potassium or balanced fertilizer. For vigorously growing trees, apply potassium-rich or pure potassium fertilizer combined with calcium-magnesium fertilizer early to promote fruit enlargement, fruit setting, and nitrogen control.
Above are some key points for cultivating citrus trees in May. However, with the high temperatures and abundant rainfall during the summer, effective prevention and control of diseases and pests are essential. You can refer to these tips based on the actual conditions of your citrus orchard, and feel free to leave comments to share your experiences.
