Key Techniques for Increasing Fruit Setting Rate in Greenhouse Peach
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In greenhouse peach cultivation, increasing the fruit set rate is crucial for ensuring high yields and boosting income. For growers, focusing on five key factors—temperature, humidity, fertilization, flower thinning, and pollination—is essential. Neglecting any of these aspects can lead to significant losses. Therefore, it's important for farmers to pay close attention to each stage of the production process.
1. **Temperature Management**
From mid-December to early January, careful temperature control is necessary. Initially, the greenhouse cover should be partially removed—about one-third for the first three days, then half for the next six days, and fully open afterward. At night, the cover should be closed again to maintain warmth. If temperatures rise too quickly, peach buds may develop prematurely, leading to a "flower after leaf" phenomenon, which weakens the flowers and reduces fruit setting. Mr. Ye Xichang noted that this competition for stored nutrients can cause flower malnutrition, leading to poor blooming and lower fruit set. On the other hand, if warming is too slow, low temperatures can delay flowering, affecting maturity and economic returns. Ideal temperature ranges are:
- First 10 days: Daytime 13–15°C, nighttime 2–4°C
- Next 10 days: Daytime 16–20°C, nighttime 3–5°C
- Following 10 days: Daytime 18–20°C, nighttime 4–6°C
- Four days before flowering: Daytime 20–24°C, nighttime 5–7°C
- During flowering: Daytime 21–23°C, nighttime 8–10°C
- Post-flowering: Daytime 24–26°C, nighttime 8–10°C
2. **Humidity Control**
Before bud emergence, keep air humidity around 80%. After buds start to grow but before flowering, maintain 60–70%. During the flowering period, aim for 50–60% humidity. Excessive or insufficient humidity can hinder pollination and increase the risk of diseases like gray mold. To manage high humidity, black plastic mulch can be laid after the second irrigation. If humidity drops below 50%, watering the ground can help raise it. Using a humidity table can help growers monitor conditions more accurately.
3. **Fertilizer Application**
After 5 days of warming, apply top dressing along with irrigation. Use 0.2 kg of compound fertilizer per plant. Before the next irrigation, wait 20–25 days. Once the soil slightly dries after the second irrigation, place black mulch between rows to raise ground temperature and reduce air humidity.
4. **Flower Thinning**
Due to chemical control during early flower bud development, many flowers are produced. When the flowers are sparse, remove base and tip buds on fruiting branches. Only leave one bud from double flowers on back buds. Some growers may hesitate to thin out flowers, fearing no fruit will form. This can lead to excessive flower opening, consuming too many nutrients and affecting fruit growth.
5. **Pollination Techniques**
For complete flowering and self-pollinating varieties, no pollen collection is needed. Simply use a small brush or feather duster to gently transfer pollen between flowers. Pollinate between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM. For pollen-free varieties, manual pollination is required. Collect buds 2–3 days before pollination, carefully remove calyces, and use forceps to extract anthers. Dry the anthers on paper at 20–25°C with 50–70% humidity. After 24–48 hours, the pollen will be released and can be collected in sealed vials. Pollination not only increases fruit set but also improves fruit size and overall yield.