As a tropical cash crop, the pollination rate of betel nut directly affects the fruit yield. Since the opening time of male and female flowers of betel nut is not synchronized, the natural pollination rate is low (about 30%). Therefore, promoting flower bud differentiation, extending flowering period and improving pollen vitality through scientific water and fertilizer management is the key to increasing yield. So, how to improve the pollination rate of betel nut through water and fertilizer management?

·Precise fertilization: Promoting and strengthening flowers is the key

1. Flowering fertilizer (flower bud differentiation period)

During the flower bud differentiation period, it is necessary to focus on applying high-phosphorus and high-potassium fertilizers. Phosphorus can promote the formation of flower buds, potassium can enhance pollen vitality, and organic fertilizer can improve soil structure. Be careful to avoid excessive application of nitrogen fertilizer, which will cause leggy branches and leaves and inhibit flowering.

Water-soluble organic fertilizer recommends Monband® PULI-NANO® (3~5 kg/acre), which can provide an energy source for beneficial microorganisms in the soil and improve fertilizer utilization.It can promote the rooting of crops, strengthen tree vigor, and effectively improve the phenomena of weak roots and weak flowers.

2. Flower fertilizer (before flowering)

During the bud stage, you can add phosphorus and potassium foliar fertilizers and fertilizers containing trace elements such as boron, zinc and molybdenum when spraying, such as Monband® FeiFei® (0-400-480), Monband® XiGu®. Boron can prolong the pollination time of female flowers, zinc can promote the elongation of pollen tubes, and molybdenum can increase pollen activity.

·Scientific water management: drought and flood control

1. Control water to promote flowering

During the flower bud differentiation period, control water appropriately and keep the soil moisture content at about 40%-50%. You can observe when the topsoil turns white and is slightly cracked before watering again.

2. Moisturizing during flowering period

During the flowering period, the soil needs to be kept moist (water content 60%-70%), and it is recommended to spray or drip irrigate every 2-5 days. By spraying water on the leaves in the early morning, the air humidity can be increased, and the pollen dispersion distance can be increased from the normal 12 meters to 20 meters.During the rainy season, ditches should be dug and drainage should be carried out in time. Water accumulation for more than 24 hours will cause pollen abortion.