Meiqiu Nectarine is a mid to late-ripening variety that has recently gained popularity at the Nankou Farm in Beijing. This variety is known for its vigorous growth, strong tree structure, and high productivity. It produces fruit on various types of branches and features multiple flower buds. The fruits are round, dark red, with an average weight of 310 grams and a maximum of 600 grams. The flesh is yellow, firm, and rich in soluble solids (12%), offering a sweet flavor. The fruit is bright in color, with a sticky pit, and typically matures around August 10 in Beijing, with a development period of 112 to 116 days.
Introduced in 1999 from Nankou Farm, the variety showed promising results early on. By the second year after planting, it began bearing fruit with an average yield of 4.2 kg per tree, equivalent to 466.2 kg per 667 square meters. In southern Lunan, Meiqiu nectarines mature around August 5. Due to their excellent color and quality, and the limited availability of nectarines at this time, the market price can reach up to 6 yuan per kilogram. By the third year, the average yield per tree increased to 17.4 kg, producing 1,931.4 kg per 667 square meters. At a selling price of 4.2 yuan per kg, the profit per acre reached 8,111 yuan, making it a highly profitable crop.
To cultivate Meiqiu Nectarine successfully, several key practices should be followed. First, select a site with good sunlight exposure and well-drained soil. The root system requires ample oxygen, so avoid waterlogged or saline-alkaline soils. Ideal conditions include higher elevation, loose sandy loam, and a pH between 6 and 8. Drainage must be efficient to prevent waterlogging, especially during rainy seasons. Avoid planting near other stone fruit trees like peaches or plums to reduce disease risk.
Planting should occur in the fall or early spring before new growth begins. Prepare the soil by tilling deeply and applying organic compost (3,000 kg per 667 m²) along with compound fertilizer (60 kg). Create raised beds with a width of 2 meters and height of 20–40 cm. Dig planting holes 50 cm in size and cover the surface with black mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Soil and water management are crucial. Apply three topdressing sessions in May, June, and July using urea at 50 g per plant. Spray a mixture of urea, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, and photosynthetic fertilizer 2–3 times monthly. Use gibberellin at 8010-6 concentration in late May to promote growth. From the second year onward, apply base fertilizers with organic manure and compound fertilizer. Focus on three key periods: pre-bud, post-fruit set, and mid-fruit development. Foliar sprays every 15 days with urea and potassium dihydrogen phosphate help enhance fruit quality. In August, apply a balanced NPK fertilizer to support flower bud differentiation.
Pruning involves a V-shaped training system with two main branches and two lateral branches. Prune young shoots to 40 cm and laterals to 30 cm. Encourage fruiting branches every 10 cm. Summer pruning focuses on removing unwanted buds, controlling shoot length, and thinning out excessive branches. Winter pruning helps maintain balance among branches and prevents competition.
Plant growth regulators, such as paclobutrazol, are used to control shoot growth. Apply 15% paclobutrazol at 200-fold dilution when shoots reach 30–40 cm. Repeat this treatment in mid to late June for mature trees to encourage flowering.
For effective fruit management, ensure proper pollination by planting compatible pollen varieties, such as red hibiscus, at about 10% of the total. Thin fruits twice: first two weeks after flowering, and again in late May based on spacing of 20 cm per fruit. Use plastic bags to protect fruits from pests. Remove leaves near the fruit 10 days before harvest to improve color and quality.
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