How to increase the commodity rate of Red Fuji apples has always been a major challenge in orchard management. Over the past few years, through extensive field experiments and practical experience, the author has developed several effective strategies to improve the quality and marketability of Red Fuji apples. Here are some key methods:
1. **Increasing the Weight of Red Fuji Apples**
1.1 A strong foundation starts with proper fertilization. Increasing the use of organic fertilizers ensures the tree receives adequate nutrients, leading to stronger growth and heavier fruits. For example, in Wang Qingzhen’s orchard, over 1,500 kg of high-quality sheep manure per 667 square meters is applied annually, along with more than 200 kg of oil cake and 30 kg of phosphorus. Leaf fertilizer is also sprayed 5–6 times a year, resulting in an average yield of 4 tons per acre and a commodity rate of about 90%.
1.2 Proper fruit thinning is essential for increasing individual fruit weight. By maintaining a balanced load on the tree, each fruit can receive sufficient nutrients, ensuring even development and higher commercial value.
2. **Improving the Fruit Shape Index**
Pruning plays a crucial role in shaping the tree structure. By promoting long and medium fruiting branches, the fruit shape becomes more uniform and aesthetically pleasing. Short fruit branches tend to produce rounder fruits, so using fruit growth agents can help enhance the shape index.
3. **Enhancing the Color Index of Red Fuji Apples**
3.1 A well-structured tree with good light penetration is essential for color development. Techniques like the sparse layering system or the happy shape and spindle shape help open up the canopy, allowing direct sunlight to reach the fruit surface, which improves color and increases the commodity rate.
3.2 Practices such as bagging, leaf removal, fruit turning, and using reflective films under the trees are effective in enhancing color. However, these techniques work best when combined with good lighting conditions.
3.3 Applying more organic and phosphorus-potassium fertilizers while reducing nitrogen-based fertilizers helps improve fruit color. In 2000, farmers who used bio-phosphorus saw better coloration without significant reduction in the coloring index.
3.4 Spraying sweeteners like American Fructose, Chilisch, or Red Fruit 88 has proven beneficial in boosting sugar content and improving flavor.
3.5 Protecting the tree from pests such as red spider mites is vital, as they not only damage the fruit but also affect its coloration.
3.6 Girdling (or cutting) during the growing season, especially in June, can help slow down vegetative growth and promote fruit nutrient accumulation, thus improving color. However, it's important not to girdle weak branches or trees.
3.7 Harvesting at the right time is crucial. Early picking can negatively impact both color and quality, so waiting until the optimal time ensures better results.
4. **Improving the Taste and Flavor of Red Fuji Apples**
4.1 Soil structure significantly affects fruit taste. Sandy loam soil with good drainage and irrigation is ideal. If the soil is too clayey or saline, adding organic matter or green manure can improve texture and flavor.
4.2 Increasing the use of organic and phosphorus-potassium fertilizers while minimizing nitrogen application helps balance fruit sweetness and acidity. Excess nitrogen can lead to green, sour fruits with poor storage qualities.
4.3 Spraying sweetening agents or combining them with trace elements can boost sugar levels and enhance flavor.
4.4 Delaying harvest until mid-to-late October allows the fruit to fully develop its flavor profile.
4.5 Pre-harvest irrigation one month before picking helps maintain moisture levels, ensuring the fruit remains juicy and flavorful.
These practices, when implemented together, can significantly improve the commodity rate, appearance, and flavor of Red Fuji apples, making them more competitive in the market.
Chili Sweet Sauce,Traditional Preparation Of Chili Oil,Handmade Sweet And Spicy Chili Oil,Herbal Packet Chili Oil
Guizhou Guisanhong Food Co., Ltd , http://www.guisanhong.com