Potassium chlorate has been used in longan cultivation to promote flowering, first in Taiwan and later in Thailand for off-season production. In recent years, some long-distance production areas in the province have also started using potassium chlorate to encourage off-season longan growth, achieving certain economic benefits. However, many orchards have reported unsatisfactory results even after its application. This article aims to share some insights on the use of potassium chlorate in longan production for reference.
There are several issues with the current application of potassium chlorate:
1. **Inconsistent Application Effects**: Different regions, including various provinces and Hainan, show varied responses to this technique. While some areas experience good results, others report little or no flowering. Even when flowers appear, there is often a large variation in flowering times between branches, leading to flower drop due to adverse weather conditions such as low temperatures, rain, or high heat, or poor management of pests, fertilization, and irrigation. Some trees may produce fruit, but the size is uneven, reducing commercial value.
2. **Immature Technology**: The use of potassium chlorate for anti-season longan cultivation is still not fully developed. It requires further scientific research and discussion before it can be widely promoted.
3. **Application Methods**: Potassium chlorate is applied either through soil or foliar methods. So far, soil application has shown better results than foliar application, but more research is needed to determine the most effective method. For example, should it be applied across the entire root zone or just part of it? Should it be deep or shallow? These questions remain unanswered.
4. **Timing of Application**: Determining the best time for application is still unclear. Differences may exist between regions, years, varieties, and tree ages, requiring deeper investigation.
5. **Dosage Issues**: There is currently a lack of standardization in dosage. Some farmers apply 0.1 kg, while others use up to 0.5 kg per plant. The amount should depend on factors like tree size, topography, soil type, and seasonal climate, especially rainfall. Systematic studies are needed.
6. **Long-Term Effects**: It is unknown whether continuous use of potassium chlorate is safe. Its long-term effects on tree health, soil quality, and fertility are still unclear.
To improve the effectiveness of potassium chlorate in off-season longan cultivation, several measures are recommended:
- **Strengthen Research**: More studies are needed to understand how potassium chlorate promotes flowering. Although some reports exist, the mechanism remains unclear. It is suspected that the root system plays a key role, but the exact cause—whether it's due to oxidation, root water control, or ion absorption—needs further exploration.
- **Improve Safety Management**: Potassium chlorate is a hazardous chemical and can be used in explosive production. Therefore, government authorities should regulate its sale and use strictly. Distributors must obtain proper permits, and growers should only use it under technical guidance to avoid accidents.
- **Enhance Technical Measures**: The success of potassium chlorate application depends on proper timing and management. Key practices include:
- **Three Looks**:
- Look at the tree: Trees should be healthy and well-nourished. Overly vigorous trees may respond better to potassium chlorate, while weak ones may suffer from nutrient deficiency.
- Look at the shoots: Flower buds should be formed on mature shoots, not tender ones, to ensure sufficient nutrients.
- Look at the water: Avoid overwatering after application to maintain potassium chlorate concentration.
- **Two Defenses**:
- Prevent competition between fruits and new shoots.
- Avoid thick, small fruits by managing temperature and using growth regulators.
- **Appropriate Timing and Post-Application Care**: Applying potassium chlorate outside the natural growing period can stress the tree, affecting fruit quality. It is best used to supplement spring flowering or in small-scale, suitable areas. If possible, temperature-controlled facilities could help, but they are currently too costly for most growers.
- **Seasonal Management Tips**:
- **Spring (Chun Shiqiu)**: Cover the root area with plastic film after application to prevent dilution from rain. Keep the soil moist and spray water during hot summer months to protect young fruit.
- **Summer (Xia Shidongshu)**: Improve pollination through artificial means and manage shoot growth. As temperatures drop, prune trees and remove excess leaves to focus nutrients on fruit development.
- **Winter (Winter Shi Chunshu)**: Flowering in cold, dry conditions poses challenges. Try this method in southern regions where conditions are more favorable.
Overall, while potassium chlorate can be a useful tool in longan cultivation, its application requires careful planning, scientific understanding, and proper management to achieve sustainable and profitable results.
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