Pruning and pruning is an important technical measure in jujube tree cultivation and management. Proper pruning and pruning are closely related to the growth, fruiting, yield, quality and longevity of jujube trees. Through reasonable shaping and pruning, a solid tree skeleton is formed and a good high-yielding tree shape is cultivated, which can lead to early, high and stable yields, improve fruit quality, reduce pests and diseases, and extend the life of the tree.

1. The main tree shapes of jujube trees

1. The main trunk is sparsely layered

The tree structure is that the trunk height is 50 cm and the tree height is about 3 meters. , 6-7 main branches, divided into 3-4 layers. There are three main branches on the first layer, extending evenly in three different directions. The distance between layers is 20-25 cm, and the angle of the main branches is 50-60°. The two main branches on the second layer are distributed with the main branches on the first layer. The distance between the main branches in the 1-2 layers is 100 cm, the distance within the layers is about 15 cm, and the base angle is 45-50°. Leave one main branch on each of the third and fourth layers. The distance between the main branches on the 2nd and 3rd layers is about 70 cm. The distance between the main branches on the 3rd and 4th layers is about 50 cm. The base angle is 45°.

The main branches on the first layer are equipped with 3-4 side branches, 1-2 side branches are anticlinal sides, and 3-4 side branches are flat sides. The first side branch is about 50 cm away from the main trunk and 30-40 cm away from the second side branch. Side branches 1, 3 and 2, 4 are in the same direction. The second layer of main branches is equipped with 2-3 side branches, usually flat sides, arranged left and right. The first side branch is 45 cm away from the main trunk. Each of the 3-4 layers of main branches is equipped with one side branch, about 40 cm away from the central trunk.

Under normal management conditions, the tree skeleton can be basically formed in 5 years. The advantages of this tree shape are that the tree skeleton is strong, the load capacity is large, and the tree life is long.

2. Spindle shape

The tree structure is: trunk height 50 cm, tree height 2-2.5 meters, central trunk upright, 10-12 main branches, spirally growing On the central trunk, the angle of the main branches is about 70°, and 2-3 central fruiting branch groups are evenly arranged on the main branches according to the space.

Under normal management, the tree skeleton can be formed in 3-4 years. The characteristics of this kind of tree are that it takes shape quickly, bears fruit early, enters the fruiting period early, and requires light pruning.

3. Two-story open-shaped tree

The tree structure is, the trunk height is 50-60 cm, the tree height is 2.5 meters, and there are 5 main branches arranged in 2 layers. There are 3 main branches on the first layer and 2 main branches on the second layer. The distance between layers is about 100 cm. After the main branches of the second layer are selected, the central branch falls, and the crown takes on a two-layer open-ended shape. The configuration of the main branches and side branches is basically the same as the sparse layer shape of the main trunk.

Under normal management conditions, the tree skeleton can be formed in 3-4 years. This kind of tree shape has a strong tree frame, easy management, and good ventilation and light transmission.

4. High dry and sparse layer structure

Jujube grain intercropping adopts high dry and sparse layer structure. The tree structure is as follows: the stem height is 1.2-1.4 meters, the main branches are 2-3 layers, 3-4 in each layer, the layer spacing is 1.2-1.4 meters, and the plant height is 5.5-6 meters.

2. Pruning methods

1. Thinning pruning

It is also called branch thinning. Remove excess branches such as densely packed branches, cross branches, overlapping branches, dead branches, diseased branches, and thin branches from the base to reduce nutrient consumption and improve ventilation and lighting conditions. Thinning cuts require smooth cuts without leaving any stumps to facilitate healing.

2. Short cuts

Cut off part of the first branch of the annual jujube. In order to cultivate the tree shape and expand the crown, 1-3 secondary branches should be cut off with 1 cm left under the cutting edge to stimulate the hidden buds at the base of the secondary branches to germinate. If the secondary branches are not pruned, the hidden buds at the base are generally difficult to germinate, which is the so-called "one pruning block, two pruning will promote". The degree of stubbing depends on the growth strength of the jujube head. Generally, about one-third of the branches are cut off. If the jujube head is strong but not short, the terminal bud will sprout to form a uniaxial extension, which is not conducive to the cultivation of tree shape.

3. Retraction

Also called shrinkage. Techniques such as weak growth, long and drooping branches, the growth of branches within the plant, and the growth of auxiliary branches and fruiting branch groups that affect the growth of backbone branches should be shortened and retracted at appropriate locations to raise the angle and rejuvenate the tree. And cut off the secondary branches under the cut to stimulate the latent buds to sprout.

4. Opening angle

For upright and relatively upright branches with small angles, use methods such as bracing, pulling, and hanging to adjust the angle of the branches to an appropriate degree to ease the tree's vigor. , improve ventilation and lighting conditions.

5. Carve the buds to fill the gaps

Carve the light part of the branches 1 cm above the hidden buds, deep into the xylem, to stimulate the germination of hidden buds and fill the missing branch space. The best time to carve buds is before and after germination.

6. Wiping buds

After the jujube tree sprouts, retain the necessary buds on various technical conditions, and remove excess buds in time to reduce the ineffective consumption of nutrients.

7. Topping

During the growing season of the jujube tree, remove part of the new jujube heads and secondary branches. Timely topping can control the growth of jujube heads, effectively save tree nutrients, reduce flower and fruit drop, and improve the yield and quality of the year. It can also make saplings bear fruit early and produce early and high yields. The degree of topping depends on the location of the jujube head and the strength of its growth. Generally, 5-6 secondary branches will be left for those with stronger growth. Leave about 3-4 of the medium-growing ones. The period for jujube head topping is at the early stage of flowering.

8. Remove sprouting tillers

The sprouting branches at the base of the trunk must be removed in time to avoid consuming nutrients and affecting the normal growth and fruiting of the plant.