When it comes to hawthorn, I believe everyone is no stranger. In the northern countryside, it is common to see hawthorn trees planted in front of villagers' homes and yards. Its little red fruit is sweet and sour, which is the childhood memory of many villagers. But did you know that hawthorn is not only a wild fruit commonly eaten by people in the village, it is also a very valuable fruit tree that can bring considerable economic benefits?
Introduction to hawthorn
Hawthorn belongs to the genus Hawthorn in the Rosaceae family and is an evergreen or deciduous tree. Hawthorn trees grow rapidly, have low environmental requirements, are cold and drought tolerant, and can be cultivated economically or wild.
Hawthorn trees have a long fruiting period, generally starting in August, and the fruit ripening period can last until March of the following year. The fruit is spherical in shape, about 1-2 cm in diameter, and has a red or dark red rind. The flesh is crisp and tender, rich in fruit acid, and the taste is sweet and sour, quite delicious.
Because it is rich in vitamin C, organic acids, minerals and other nutrients, hawthorn can not only be eaten raw, but also processed into jams, juices, dried fruits and other foods. In many rural areas, hawthorn is one of the most commonly eaten fruits by villagers.
The economic value of hawthorn
As a wild fruit tree, hawthorn has a very considerable economic value and market prospects.
First, the hawthorn fruit has a high yield. Under suitable cultivation conditions, the yield of hawthorn trees per mu can reach 1000 catties. Larger fruits can weigh 50-100 grams each.
Second, the market for hawthorn fruit is higher. Since hawthorn is rich in vitamin C and fruit acids, processed hawthorn products are also loved by consumers. Therefore, although the unit price is only 1-2 yuan, the market demand is large, and the market is not worried.
Thirdly, hawthorn trees are resistant to storage and transportation. Hawthorn trees bear fruit for up to half a year, and the storage period is also long. After the fruit is picked, it can be stored in a cool and dry environment for a long time without spoiling. This facilitates long-distance transportation.
Fourth, hawthorn processing can also obtain higher income. Hawthorn can not only be eaten fresh, but also an important ingredient in many health foods and jams. This provides the possibility of comprehensive utilization of hawthorn, and farmers can obtain higher returns through primary processing.
Through the above analysis, it can be seen that hawthorn planting can be used as a high-quality fruit tree worthy of promotion. It not only meets the living needs of the villagers, but also brings them considerable economic benefits.
Hawthorn cultivation techniques
For inexperienced growers, hawthorn tree cultivation techniques are not difficult to master. It is mainly divided into several key points such as seed selection, propagation methods, land preparation and fertilization, and pest control.
First, choose fresh and plump hawthorn fruits, remove the pulp and dry the seeds. Choose varieties with a high germination rate.
Second, it can be propagated by sowing seeds or grafting. Sowing is suitable for autumn, and grafting is suitable for spring.
Third, hawthorn trees do not have high soil requirements, but loam soil with poor drainage is not suitable for use. When preparing the land, it is necessary to plough the loose soil and add decomposed organic fertilizer.
Fourth, the main pests and diseases are rust, aphids, etc. Pests and diseases can be detected in a timely manner. Disease-resistant varieties can also be chosen.
Through scientific fertilization, water control, timely prevention and control of pests and diseases, hawthorn trees can grow vigorously and bear abundant fruits every year.
Precautions for hawthorn cultivation
In the process of cultivating hawthorn, it is necessary to pay attention to four problems: wind protection, drought prevention, supplemental organic fertilizer and appropriate crop rotation, which are very important to ensure the healthy growth of hawthorn trees.
First of all, the hawthorn tree has a shallow root system and cannot effectively withstand strong winds. Therefore, it is necessary to choose a plot that is sheltered from the wind, and you can plant trees around it to block the wind, and you can also set up a wind protection net. The height of the windbreak net is 1-2 meters higher than that of the hawthorn tree, and the mesh density is moderate, which can not only block the wind, but also not overly shady and affect photosynthesis.
Secondly, hawthorn trees, especially in the seedling and fruiting stages, are most afraid of water shortage. It is manifested as yellowing of leaves and shedding of flower buds. Once there is a lack of water, it is necessary to replenish water in time. At the same time, it is also necessary to ensure that the drainage is good and that there is no stagnant water. Usually, according to the climate conditions, judge the reasonable frequency and amount of watering.
Thirdly, the long-term high yield of hawthorn trees will consume a lot of nutrients. Therefore, it is necessary to add decomposed organic fertilizer every year, preferably chicken manure, rancid leaf fertilizer, etc. Organic fertilizers can both provide mineral nutrients and improve soil properties. The amount of fertilizer per mu is controlled at 1500-2000 kg per year.
Finally, planting hawthorn for many years in a row can lead to poor soil and increased pests and diseases. So it's best to rotate crops and change the planting plots every 3-5 years. Adjusting the layout is conducive to replenishing soil nutrients and reducing the accumulation of pests and diseases.
Summary
To sum up, hawthorn is a very typical and common country fruit tree. It is not only an indispensable ingredient on the table of the villagers, but also provides a stable side income** for the villagers.
Hawthorn tree has high yield, storage and transportation, and large market demand, so it has full promotion value. Its cultivation technology is simple and easy to master, and through reasonable operation, it can provide considerable economic benefits for the villagers.
It is hoped that the above information will help more villagers understand and value this seemingly ordinary fruit tree. It is believed that through scientific and reasonable cultivation methods, hawthorn can provide food and become a "cash cow" to increase income.
February** Dynamic Incentive Program