The stone-hardening period of cherries is the most vigorous period of fruit growth and development, during which the fruits rapidly enlarge. Therefore, it is essential to carry out field management work effectively. Let's explore the management methods for the cherry stone-hardening period.
Management Methods for Cherry Stone-Hardening Period
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Thinning: Reasonable thinning of flowers and fruits can reduce nutrient consumption, promote fruit development, and improve fruit quality. The degree of thinning should be determined based on the vigor of the trees and the fruit setting situation. Generally, 3-4 fruits per cluster branch are left, with a maximum of 4-5. Weak cluster branches with fewer than 5 leaves generally should not retain fruits. During thinning, small, deformed, and poorly colored dangling fruits should be removed.
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Irrigation: The stone-hardening period is the mid-to-late stage of cherry fruit growth and development, during which cherry growth is most vigorous and sensitive to water supply. Irrigation should be frequent and substantial, typically 1-2 times, to ensure that the fruits receive adequate water, which promotes fruit enlargement and improves yield and quality. Additionally, irrigation during this period can prevent fruit cracking caused by rainfall.
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Fertilization: In addition to providing sufficient water during the stone-hardening period, foliar fertilization is also necessary to promote fruit enlargement and improve yield and quality. Timely supplementing multi-dimensional nutrients such as silicon, seaweed high calcium, beneficial micro-calcium, and potassium dihydrogen phosphate required for fruit coloring and enlargement, especially quality elements such as potassium, silicon, calcium, and magnesium related to coloring and enlargement to prevent fruit cracking. During the first enlargement period, spraying with a solution of 400 times urea + 600 times potassium dihydrogen phosphate can be beneficial. During the second enlargement period, spraying with a solution of 300 times potassium dihydrogen phosphate + 1000 times micronized boron + chelated calcium fertilizer can be effective.
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Spraying: Attention should be paid to preventing anthracnose and bacterial canker during the stone-hardening period. Suitable agents include benzimidazole, polyoxin, and pyrazole ether. The main pests to control are green stink bugs and brown marmorated stink bugs, for which methyl chlorofluoride and thiacloprid can be used. When spraying, it is essential to note that green stink bugs are pests that are active at night, so spraying should be done in the morning and evening.
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Leaf Removal and Tying: Before the fruits ripen, leaf removal and tying can significantly improve the light requirements for full redness of the fruits by appropriately removing the leaves that shade the fruits. However, the leaves on the fruit branches play an essential role in flower bud differentiation, so excessive leaf removal should be avoided. After leaf removal, use rubber bands to tie the remaining leaves together to maximize leaf retention for more nutrient synthesis. Reflective films can also be used to promote fruit coloring. The tied leaves should be untied promptly after fruit picking.
Above are the management methods for the cherry stone-hardening period. When cherries reach the size of "green pea" 15-20 days after flowering, they enter the stone-hardening period of fruit development. It is essential to pay attention to the above management practices.
