Good longan results show that the parent shoots should have a thickness of 0.8 cm or more and possess at least 15 compound leaves. Before flower bud differentiation, the leaves should turn green and mature, then stop growing (enter dormancy) and accumulate sufficient nutrients. Based on these findings, the following cultivation practices are recommended:
First, timely tip pruning. After harvesting, prune the fruit-bearing and fruit-dropping branches by shortening them from the top of the gourd section, while keeping the gourd section intact. Then remove inner-lid branches, thin and weak branches, overly dense branches, dead branches, and diseased ones. All insect-infested branches should be cut off at the base to ensure an open and well-ventilated canopy.
Second, proper application of fertilizer. Trees with heavy fruiting, old trees, or weak growth should be fertilized once per shoot, ideally in mid to late September. For trees with little or no fruit, two applications are recommended: the first in late August and the second in early October. Apply fertilizer one week before each shoot, mainly using nitrogen-based fertilizers, with phosphorus and potassium added as needed. For example, use 50 kg of urea, applying 4–5 kg per tree, along with 2–3 kg of compound fertilizer. The fertilizer should be applied when the new shoots reach 5–10 cm in length, focusing on phosphorus and potassium, with a small amount of nitrogen. Apply 4 kg of compound fertilizer per 100 kg of fruit, and mix 2–3 kg of cooked peanut bran. Use a ratio of 1 kg of phosphate and potash fertilizer per application, and combine it with 2–3 liters of manure water. Dig a ring-shaped ditch or 4–6 trenches under the canopy and apply the fertilizer directly to the soil.
Third, timely thinning. When new shoots grow to 3–5 cm, select the best ones to keep. On each main branch, retain three new shoots, and allow one to two weak or medium shoots. Remove all others. Ensure the remaining shoots grow uniformly in direction and space.
Fourth, foliar feeding. After pruning, spray 1–2 times with a 1000–1500 times dilution to promote neat shoot growth. During shoot development, spray a solution of 0.3% urea, 0.2% potassium dihydrogen phosphate, 0.2% magnesium sulfate, and zinc sulfate every 7–10 days. Once the leaves turn green, apply a foliar fertilizer to boost nutrition, encourage thick and green leaves, and promote full branches.
Fifth, mulching. Longan roots prefer well-aerated soil and thrive in new clay-like conditions. After harvest, loosen the topsoil around the tree, spread a 3–5 cm layer of mud, cover it with 5–10 cm of straw or other organic material, and sprinkle a little lime powder. This helps prevent pests and diseases.
Sixth, pest control. Common pests affecting longan shoots include beetles, hibiscus, and moth tips. These can be controlled during top dressing by spraying from the beginning of new leaf growth. Use 1000 times An Lvbao combined with 800 times trichlorfon, or 1500–2000 times Kung Fu, or chrysanthemum-based pesticides. Spray every 7–10 days for 2–3 applications to effectively manage infestations.
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