Kate apricot grown under a simple plastic greenhouse matures 30 to 40 days earlier than those cultivated in the open, significantly boosting economic returns by 15 to 20 times. This method not only accelerates growth but also enhances yield and quality, making it an attractive option for farmers looking to improve profitability.
The structure of the simple plastic greenhouse is designed as a north-south arch-shaped greenhouse with a span of 10 meters and a length of 60 meters. The maximum height inside is 2.5 meters, while the shoulder height is 1.5 meters. Reinforced concrete columns serve as the main support, with bamboo arches and cantilever beams used for the framework. There are five rows of columns spaced 2.5 meters apart, with vertical columns placed 1 meter apart and 3 meters between each row. A suspension beam runs across the middle three columns, with 20 cm suspension posts installed every meter. Arches are erected on the side columns and hanging posts at one-meter intervals. The greenhouse covering uses web film without drip film, and the films are pressed together. A laminating line is placed between every two arches, allowing for easy ventilation by opening the gap between the two sides near the shoulder area.
Soil conditions at the test site are ideal for apricot cultivation, featuring sandy loam with excellent drainage and irrigation systems. The soil has an organic matter content ranging from 0.60% to 0.78% and a pH level between 7.1 and 7.3. The main variety planted is Kate apricot, with Italian No. 1 as the pollination tree, maintaining a ratio of 5:1. Planting density is initially set at 1.0 meter by 2.5 meters, and as the canopy expands, thinning is performed to increase spacing to 2.5 meters when the canopy closes.
Pruning techniques focus on a small trunk, sparse structure or naturally happy tree shape for ease of management. The trunk height can be raised slightly, up to 50 cm, with 3 to 6 strong branches selected as main branches. The tree height should be kept 30 to 35 cm below the greenhouse film. Pruning is primarily done during the growing season. Before sprouting, appropriate dents and bruises are made on missing branches. Bud and back shoot removal is carried out promptly during the bud stage, and branches with angles less than 60 to 70 degrees are pruned. When new shoots reach 15 to 20 cm, tip cutting is performed to limit growth and improve light exposure. After fruit harvesting, drooping, dense, cross, and overlapping branches are removed, and weak branches are pruned back. In the fall, branches are opened further, and long autumn shoots are encouraged to promote ripening. Winter pruning focuses on removing dense, diseased, thin, and weak branches, with long fruiting branches over 50 cm being shortened if necessary.
The optimal time for covering and uncovering the greenhouse is late December, with the average temperature reaching 15°C by mid-April, signaling the approach of fruit maturity. Temperature control within the greenhouse is crucial, with germination requiring 10-20°C, flowering 12-23°C, young fruit development 15-24°C, fruit enlargement 12-28°C, and ripening 22-32°C. Adjustments are made through vent opening and closing, as well as using grasshoppers for cooling when needed.
Soil and water management involve applying 0.5 to 1 kg of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium compound fertilizer per plant, along with sufficient watering. The tree crown is sprayed with 5% urea to enhance nutrient levels and humidity. During flowering, 0.3% borax is applied. Three applications of active bio-organic fertilizer are used during the hard nucleus and fruit enlargement stages to improve stress resistance and reduce fruit drop. Potassium sulfate (0.2 to 0.25 kg) is added during fruit enlargement to boost size and quality. In August and September, 50 kg of organic fertilizer per plant improves soil properties and supports tree nutrition.
Flower and fruit management includes artificial pollination, as high humidity in the greenhouse hinders natural pollination. Pollen is transferred manually using a brush between 8 and 11 am daily after flowering. Fruit thinning is strictly practiced, with 3 to 4 fruits left on long fruiting branches, 2 to 3 on medium ones, and 1 to 2 on short ones. Thinning occurs about 20 days after flowering. Growth regulators like paclobutrazol are used to control excessive growth, with 15% paclobutrazol diluted 300 times applied twice in mid-July. Lime sulfur is sprayed weekly after pest larvae appear, and three-degree lime sulfur is used before bud break to prevent overwintering pests. During flowering, insecticides and fungicides are applied as needed to manage pests and diseases.
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