Bioscience Methods 2025, Vol.16, No.5, 228-237 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/bm 228 Review Article Open Access Study on the Technology of Regulating the Flowering Period of Loquat and Its Influence on the Fruit Ripening Period JinyangMa1,2 1 Zhejiang Hemei Agricultural Technology Co., Ltd., Lanxi, 321100, Zhejiamg, China 2 Zhejiang Agronomist College, Hangzhou, 310021, Zhejiang, China Corresponding email: 253226321@qq.com Bioscience Methods, 2025, Vol.16, No.5 doi: 10.5376/bm.2025.16.0021 Received: 01 Jul., 2025 Accepted: 12 Aug., 2025 Published: 01 Sep., 2025 Copyright © 2025 Ma, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Ma J.Y., 2025, Study on the technology of regulating the flowering period of loquat and its influence on the fruit ripening period, Bioscience Methods, 16(5): 228-237 (doi: 10.5376/bm.2025.16.0021) Abstract Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) is a subtropical fruit tree with high economic value, especially in southern China, where early market entry can significantly improve profitability. This study reviews the current biological understanding and technological progress on the regulation of loquat flowering time, focusing on its impact on fruit ripening time. We first investigated the endogenous hormonal mechanisms, environmental factors, and genetic factors that control loquat flowering and ripening. Subsequently, we summarized the main technologies used to regulate flowering time, including the application of plant growth regulators, agronomic techniques, and environmental treatments, and evaluated their subsequent effects on fruit quality, harvest time, and market supply. In addition, we discussed molecular biological methods such as gene identification, gene editing, and transcriptomics as emerging strategies for precision flowering regulation. Environmental impacts were also analyzed, and a case study from Guangdong Province was used to illustrate practical applications and farmers' responses. This study believes that effective flowering regulation can not only extend the supply season of loquat and improve market competitiveness, but also lay the foundation for future innovations in precision cultivation and sustainable loquat production. Keywords Loquat flowering regulation; Fruit ripening period; Growth regulators; Genetic control; Market timing 1 Introduction Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) is native to China and a subtropical evergreen fruit tree that is popular for its early fruiting. As early as the Han Dynasty more than 2000 years ago, loquat had become one of the important fruit trees in southern China. Its fruits usually mature in spring and can enter the market before most fruits are on the market (Cai et al., 2019). Loquat is suitable for growing in places with warmer winters. Its fruits are rich in nutrients, such as sugars, organic acids, and some active substances that are beneficial to the body (Shah et al., 2023). Because of its rich nutrition and good taste, and the increasing popularity of loquats, its economic value has become increasingly high, and it has now become one of the most important fruit varieties in the domestic and international markets. Zhejiang is the main production area of loquat in China, and Lanxi is one of the three major loquat production areas in Zhejiang, with a loquat planting area of about 1500 hm2. Due to the suitable climate, fertile soil, and excellent variety, Lanxi loquat is famous for its beautiful color, tender flesh, sweet and sour taste, and rich flavor. It is a specialty of Lanxi and a Agro-product geographical indication in China. Unlike most fruit trees that bloom in spring, loquat flowers bloom in autumn and winter, and the fruit does not mature until spring (Peng et al., 2021). This unique flowering time brings new opportunities to growers, but also brings some problems. If the flowering period can be properly adjusted, not only can the fruits grow together, but the yield can also be increased, and the harvest time can be extended, which makes it easier to meet market needs. Now, many researchers are trying to find ways to solve this problem. They have tried some methods, such as cutting off part of the inflorescence, thinning out part of the flower buds, or adjusting environmental conditions and hormone levels in the plant. These practices can make the flowering time more appropriate, and can also make the fruit grow larger and better quality. As long as the flowering period can be regulated well, a more stable
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNA==