In the fall, pruning apple trees plays a crucial role in enhancing fruit quality for the next season and ensuring stable, high yields. Autumn pruning typically involves techniques such as branch spreading, thinning, and light pruning.
1. **Branch Spreading**: This technique involves adjusting branches that are not at the ideal angle. It is usually done before the autumn equinox. The main branches should be spread to an angle of 70–80 degrees, while secondary and temporary branches should be at 90–100 degrees. The exact angles may vary depending on the variety, soil conditions, and tree vigor.
2. **Thinning and Light Pruning**: Removing dense inner branches, upright shoots, and competing branches helps improve air circulation and sunlight penetration. This process also prevents excessive stripping, which can occur if heavy pruning is done in winter.
3. **Light Shoot Trimming**: Using light shears on new shoots or pinching off the tips of non-flowering buds can reduce nutrient consumption, promote better nutrient accumulation, and encourage flowering.
4. **Autumn Basal Fertilization**: This is typically done in early September when roots can heal quickly and grow new absorbing roots. Organic fertilizers are primarily used, with a small amount of inorganic fertilizer. Young trees receive 50–100 kg of high-quality compost and 1–1.5 kg of fruit tree fertilizer, while mature trees get 150–300 kg of compost plus 2–4 kg of fruit tree fertilizer. Fertilizer application depth should not exceed 50 cm, and methods like trenching or broadcasting are used depending on the tree's age. If needed, trace elements like iron or zinc can be mixed into the organic fertilizer.
5. **Orchard Clean-up and Soil Turning**: After leaves fall, it's important to clear dry branches, fallen leaves, and weeds and burn them to eliminate pests and diseases. Deep tilling before the peak of root growth helps the tree heal faster, increases deep root development, improves water retention, and reduces overwintering pests.
6. **Pest Control**: Even after harvest, temperatures remain warm enough for some pests and pathogens to continue active. Effective control measures include using insecticides like Xiaoling Po (1500 times) or DuPont Wanling (3000 times), and fungicides such as 1.5% new high-fat film or Bordeaux mixture. After leaves fall, spraying 3°Brix sulfur compounds can help prevent disease.
7. **Winter Watering**: Frozen watering should be done in mid to late November. Adequate watering ensures the trees have enough moisture during winter and helps kill some pests that overwinter in the soil.
By following these practices, apple growers can ensure healthier trees, better fruit quality, and more consistent yields in the coming season.
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