Tebu Lang, an American hybrid apricot plum variety, is characterized by its dark purple skin often marked with brown stripes. The fruit has an oval shape and bright red pulp, with a soluble solids content of up to 22%. It is known for its juicy texture and excellent quality, with an average weight of 109 grams and the largest fruits reaching 150 grams. Introduced from the United States in 2002, this variety is now cultivated in open fields and greenhouse environments. In open fields, it matures at the end of June, while in winter-warm greenhouses, it can be harvested as early as late April. After ripening, the tree can remain on the branch for up to one month without damage, and in the following year, it can yield up to 2,000 kg per mu. Locally, it is called "the beauty of the heart" due to its high economic value.
In Shouguang, conventional solar greenhouses are used for protection. Trees are planted at a 45-degree angle facing west or south. For planting, 6,000–8,000 kg of well-decomposed manure or 3,000–4,000 kg of chicken manure is applied per 667 square meters. The spacing is 0.75–1 meter between plants and 1.8–2 meters between rows, resulting in 333–510 plants per acre. A planting ditch is dug, 1 meter wide and 0.5 meters deep. Topsoil and subsoil are separated, and the bottom is filled with subsoil after adding organic fertilizer and phosphorus-potassium fertilizers. The topsoil is then backfilled to a depth of 20–30 cm to prevent root burn. Seedlings are planted shallowly, watered immediately after planting, and mulched after 1–2 days of infiltration. If the seedling height reaches 30–50 cm, it is pruned to a low height, forming a one-sided shape in southern regions.
The key to Tebu Lang cultivation lies in flower promotion technology, which follows the principle of "pre-promotion and post-control." In early stages (before mid-July), management focuses on promoting growth and expanding the canopy. From mid-July onward, efforts shift to controlling vegetative growth and encouraging flower bud differentiation. When new shoots reach 15–20 cm, nitrogen fertilizer is applied through both soil and foliar sprays. Urea (40–50 g per plant) is used for top dressing, while foliar sprays include 0.3% urea and 0.4–0.5% potassium dihydrogen phosphate. This is done every 10–15 days for 2–3 times.
In the first year, after germination, rootstock buds are removed, and only the most vigorous shoot is kept as the main branch. Other shoots are allowed to grow up to 30 cm before being slowed down to promote early fruiting. Throughout the growing season, topping is avoided except for litchi, and the main branch is not topped to maintain its extension. When the tree reaches about 2 meters, bamboo poles are inserted on both sides of the trunk, and branches are tied horizontally. The main branches are arranged parallel, uniform, and slanted at 45 degrees. Winter pruning involves removing overlapping, dense, and crossing branches, while leaving others untouched.
PP333 is sprayed based on the tree’s growth potential. For example, 15% PP333 diluted 50–300 times is applied 2–3 times between mid-July and early August, spaced 10–15 days apart, to control shoot growth and encourage flower buds.
In the second year, after applying sufficient base fertilizer, additional organic and compound fertilizers are added in mid-September. Decomposed chicken manure (1,000 kg per mu) or manure (2,000–3,000 kg per mu) is combined with 50 kg of potassium sulfate compound fertilizer and watered in.
Winter pruning before the greenhouse is covered follows the principle of "thin branches, long stay, and long release." Long and medium fruiting branches are retained, while short and weak ones are pruned. Vegetative shoots, diseased branches, and competitive branches are thinned out to help the tree enter hibernation naturally. Greenhouse covering and grass mulching begin when the temperature drops below 10°C in late autumn. Nighttime vents allow cold air in, while daytime vents are closed to maintain low temperatures.
Temperature and humidity management is critical during germination, flowering, and fruit coloring periods. During pregermination, the temperature should rise gradually (12–18°C during the day, over 5°C at night), with humidity below 80%. Flowering requires a low-temperature and low-humidity environment (18–20°C during the day, 7–10°C at night, 50% humidity). Fruit enlargement and coloring require 20–25°C during the day and 10–15°C at night, with 60–70% humidity. Near maturity, the temperature should be 22–28°C during the day and 14°C at night, with 60–70% humidity.
Pruning focuses on maintaining a single main branch slanted at 45 degrees, with no side branches. All fruit-bearing branches grow directly from the main stem. Dense shoots are removed, and branches are straightened. Pruning is not performed within 20 days after harvest, as it can weaken the tree. After 20 days, light pruning is done, focusing on removing oversized or hanging branches. Growth regulators are applied to control growth, leading to earlier flower bud formation and higher yields.
Pest control follows pollution-free standards. Pesticides like imidacloprid and matrine are used for aphids, while bacterial infections are controlled with streptomyces. Multiple mildew and brown rot are managed with appropriate treatments.
Author unit: Agricultural Bureau of Shouguang City, Shandong Province.
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