For blueberry growers, May to June is the season for harvesting blueberries in warm greenhouses, July is the season for harvesting blueberries in cold greenhouses, and August is the season for harvesting outdoor blueberries. Therefore, efficient management during the fruiting period is crucial. Based on the experience of blueberry cultivation in the country, currently, the focus in blueberry greenhouses is on harvesting every 3-5 days. However, there is a significant difference in yield between harvesting every three days and every five days. This article will share in detail the cultivation methods and management techniques for high-yield during the fruiting period of blueberries.
How to achieve high-yield management during the fruiting period of blueberries through planting methods and management techniques? First, we need to understand blueberry fruit setting. Similar to grapes, blueberries form fruit clusters. However, there is a significant difference between the ripening process of blueberries and grapes. In a blueberry fruit cluster, the fruits at the front mature first, and the ones behind mature subsequently. Harvesting is also continuous during this period, with ripe and unripe fruits coexisting. Therefore, the key points for high-yield management during the fruiting period of blueberries are as follows: 1) fruit enlargement, 2) color change, and 3) sugar accumulation.
Regarding blueberry planting methods and management techniques for fruit enlargement, it is a common misconception among farmers that high-potassium fertilizer should be the main choice for fertilization. However, this article aims to correct this misunderstanding. In fact, whether it’s blueberries or other fruit-bearing crops, fruit enlargement relies on the intervention of nitrogen fertilizer. Nitrogen fertilizer mainly promotes cell division and enlargement, while phosphorus and potassium fertilizers play a supplementary role in fruit enlargement and the accumulation of anthocyanins and dry matter in the fruits.Therefore, nitrogen fertilizer remains essential during the fruit enlargement phase of blueberries. As the fruit rapidly enlarges during this period, the fruit skin is put to the test. Thus, it is a critical time for calcium supplementation. The use of calcium fertilizer significantly increases the toughness of the fruit skin and reduces fruit cracking.
During the color change period, it is generally advisable to avoid using potassium nitrate, as it is a nitrogen-potassium fertilizer. Instead, the focus should be on phosphorus-potassium elements, such as potassium dihydrogen phosphate, to facilitate a quick color change in blueberries. Therefore, imported high-potassium water-soluble fertilizer products can be used during this stage.
Similarly, to enhance sugar accumulation, phosphorus-potassium elements are needed. Considering the specific nutrient requirements during this period, a combination of Cui Mu chelated powder 12-7-40+TE (high-potassium water-soluble fertilizer with a large amount of elements) and chelated powder 20-20-20+TE (balanced water-soluble fertilizer with a large amount of elements) can be used. This combination ensures a sufficient supply of nitrogen fertilizer and also guarantees an adequate supply of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. Additionally, foliar spraying of chelated calcium + powdered monopotassium phosphate can be applied to quickly promote color change and sugar accumulation effects.
During the high-yield management of blueberries in the fruit enlargement and color change period, it’s essential to understand that besides nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium requirements, fruit is particularly sensitive to organic elements. The involvement of organic substances can increase cell toughness and water retention capacity, which, in turn, improves the health of cells and increases the storage and water content of blueberry fruits, resulting in fruit weight gain. Moreover, enhancing the overall quality of cells can improve blueberry’s disease resistance, increase fruit quality, and reduce fruit damage and storage resistance during harvesting.
To significantly improve fruit quality during this period of blueberry cultivation, fertilization can be done using 7-9-34+3MgO+TE+mineral humic acid high-potassium water-soluble fertilizer, which contains mineral humic acid that effectively supplements organic matter. Alternatively, a combination of chelated powder 12-7-40+TE (high-potassium water-soluble fertilizer with a large amount of elements) and chelated powder 20-20-20+TE (balanced water-soluble fertilizer with a large amount of elements) can be used. Additionally, you can complement this with high-potassium liquid special water-soluble fertilizer or fish protein water-soluble fertilizer. For foliar spraying, a water-soluble fertilizer containing amino acids, imported chelated calcium fertilizer, and powdered monopotassium phosphate can be used.
A helpful tip to keep in mind is that calcium fertilizer and monopotassium phosphate can have antagonistic effects. Therefore, it is recommended to use them separately or prepare them for immediate use to ensure the effectiveness of each fertilization.
Blueberry planting methods and management techniques have seen a positive trend in the market in the last two years, with an increase in demand for blueberries. The difference in blueberry yield and quality directly impacts the income gap for farmers. Therefore, high-yield management during the blueberry fruiting period is crucial to bridge this gap and improve the overall income for blueberry growers.
This article aims to provide valuable guidance to blueberry growers during the fruiting period, helping them achieve high yields and improved quality. Proper management during the fruiting period is essential for maximizing production and ensuring top-notch blueberry fruits. By implementing effective techniques and addressing the specific requirements of the fruit enlargement, color change, and sugar accumulation stages, growers can optimize the growth and quality of their blueberries. This will not only increase their income but also contribute to the success of the blueberry industry as a whole.
The goal is to offer valuable insights in this article, helping blueberry growers enhance their productivity and quality during the critical fruiting period.
Post time: Aug-07-2023