Introduction Performance and Cultivation Techniques of White Sapote in Guangdong Area

【Objective】The large-scale cultivation of white sapote in China is in its initial stage, and the adaptability of white sapote in Guangdong is not clear yet. Clarifying the phenology of white sapote in Guangdong as well as its flowering and fruiting habits and summarizing cultivation techniques can provide guidance for the large-scale cultivation of white sapote.【Method】A white sapote cultivar 'W4' was used as the research material to observe its botanical characteristics, phenology, fruit growth law, fruit setting and fruit quality. The key points of its high-quality cultivation techniques were expounded from aspects of garden construction, fertilizer and water management, shaping and pruning, pest control and fruit harvesting.【Result】The flowering period of white sapote on was from late January to early February, and there were three growth peaks of shoot growth in April, June and September, respectively. The slow growth period was from November to next February. During fruit growth and development, there were three fruit-dropping peaks, which were in mid-March, mid-April and May to June before harvest. The average fruit weight is 148.93 g, and the shape index is 0.83. The fruit melts in the mouth like ice cream, the edible rate is 79.7%, the soluble solid content is 20.36%, and the solid acid ratio is 45.83. White sapote can withstand a low temperature of-2--4℃, which is higher than the average temperature of the coldest month(January) in Guangdong. Therefore, it can be cultivated in most areas of Guangdong.【Conclusion】This variety has good growth potential, strong adaptability, large single fruit quality, good flavor and excellent quality, and has high economic benefit in the market. It is a new fruit variety with planting potential. Attention should be paid to preventing anthracnose and sooty blotch in cultivation.White sapote is suitable for planting on the slope with loose soil and good drainage and irrigation in Guangdong. Dwarfing treatment should be done and tree shape be controlled for young trees.