After the spring harvest of *Citrus grandis* is completed, it's essential to implement growth control measures to manage excessive vertical growth, encourage a more compact tree structure, and stimulate the development of lateral branches. These practices help increase next year’s yield and prepare the tree for future fruiting. Common techniques include:
1. **Pruning and Topping**: After topping or shortening the branches during harvesting, it's recommended to prune the annual shoots in mid-to-late July. Leave 15–25 cm of the branch, which will develop 2–5 lateral branches within 20 days. By autumn, these can grow to 10–15 cm, forming full, short shoots that are ideal for producing taro buds in the following spring. For overly vigorous plants, a second pruning in mid-July can be done, but avoid removing the central shoot. This method can increase the number of buds by 2–2.5 times and boost yields by 1.5–2 times.
2. **Pingshuo (Flat Pruning)**: For two-year-old seedlings or those transplanted into greenhouses after winter and spring, or for old trees being renewed, cut back the main trunk to 15–20 cm above ground level. This helps create a more compact shape, encourages lateral branching, and promotes renewal of the tree. It's typically done before the end of June.
3. **Chemical Treatments**: Apply 15% paclobutrazol diluted at 200–400 times, starting from late July (late June for mature trees), spraying every 10–15 days for 2–3 applications. Alternatively, use triiodobenzoic acid at 3700–4500 grams per hectare mixed with 50–70 liters of water, sprayed every 15–20 days. Another option is using natural alfalfa extract, Shuofeng 481 liquid, and fish protein solutions at 0.3%, sprayed every 20 days for 2–3 times. These treatments not only reduce tree height but also improve leaf photosynthesis and enhance the quality of axillary buds.
4. **Root Pruning**: For vigorously growing saplings, cut the main root below 30 cm from the base in late June to early July using a sharp tool. This encourages the growth of lateral roots and broadens the root system, which helps limit the upward growth of the tree and results in a shorter, stronger stem.
5. **Girdling**: For young or vigorous middle-aged trees, remove a strip of bark about 1.5–2 cm wide in mid-to-late May through June, making sure not to damage the xylem or tear the bark. Girdling restricts nutrient flow from the leaves to the roots, slowing shoot growth and promoting dwarfing. It also stimulates the growth of lateral and dormant buds, increasing the number of branches.
6. **Soil Conditioner Application**: Apply a soil conditioner at 200 grams per 100 kg of water, spraying one acre of land. This treatment loosens and penetrates the soil up to 50–80 cm deep, encouraging strong root development, improving nutrient absorption, and enhancing water retention. It also reduces the need for frequent irrigation, making the tree more resilient and productive.
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