Apple Tree Management and Pest Control in June
1. Bagging
Bagging must be completed in early to mid-June. The earlier bagging is done, the better the fruit surface. Bagging should be done during periods of low humidity and avoid high temperatures. Before bagging, be sure to spray protective and therapeutic fungicides.
2. Fertilization and Water Management
Fertilization: June fertilization is especially important. Quick-acting fertilizers with emphasis on potassium and nitrogen, supplemented with phosphorus, should be applied during this period to enrich the apical buds and improve the quality of flower buds for the next year.
Foliar Feeding: In early to mid-June, spray the entire tree 1-2 times with a mixture of 300 times amino acids + 6000 times sodium selenite + 1000 times heavy calcium or 800 times calcium lactate or 800 times gibberellic acid. This helps replenish nutrients, promote flower bud differentiation, and reduce calcium deficiency diseases such as bitter pit and blotch.
Underground Fertilization: Nitrogen fertilization in June is crucial, as it is the peak period for nitrogen fertilizer efficiency. Use quick-acting nitrogen fertilizers primarily, with appropriate application of phosphorus and potassium.
3. Orchard Mulching
Covering the orchard soil with straw can reduce sunlight intensity, lower soil temperature in summer, and reduce ground water evaporation. This improves the growth environment for fruit trees, promotes growth and development of both above-ground and below-ground parts, and enhances fruit yield and quality.
4. Summer Pruning
Thinning Branches: Overly vigorous and dense branches should be pruned in a timely manner.
Girdling: Continue girdling for vigorous trees and branches to control growth and promote flower bud differentiation.
Pinching: Pinch semi-woody back branches and overly vigorous branches, twisting and bending them if necessary.
Shoot Softening: In late June, after spring shoot growth ceases, soften 1-3-year-old branches by bending them horizontally or downwards.
Defoliation: Defoliation should be done when each nutrient growth phase is approaching completion, around mid to late May and mid to late July.
Branch Training: Each orchard should determine the branch training angle based on actual conditions to control further extension growth and promote early flowering.
5. Pest and Disease Control
Anthracnose: Fungal pathogens on the branches and various dead branches have entered a period of abundant spore formation. Rainfall or high humidity can lead to spore dispersal and fruit contamination. Timely spraying after rainfall is crucial to reduce late-stage fruit rot.
Spot Leaf Fall Disease: If there is heavy rainfall in late June, tender leaves on diseased shoots may be heavily infected, leading to severe outbreaks in July-August. Pay close attention and spray fungicides in a timely manner.
Hawthorn Mite: Leaf drop may occur in late June. Pay attention to prevention and control before and after wheat harvest.
Peach Fruit Borers: The peak period for overwintering larvae to emerge is mid to late June, and spraying is more effective after emergence and rainfall.
Rot Disease: June to July is a critical period for apple tree rot disease control.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. When should bagging of apple trees be completed?
Bagging of apple trees should ideally be completed in early to mid-June. Early bagging ensures better fruit surface quality.
2. What is the importance of June fertilization for apple trees?
June fertilization is crucial for apple trees as it promotes flower bud differentiation and enhances the quality of fruit buds for the next year.
3. How can I effectively manage water and fertilizer for apple trees in June?
In June, it's important to use quick-acting fertilizers with emphasis on potassium and nitrogen for top dressing. Additionally, foliar feeding with amino acids, sodium selenite, and calcium can help promote nutrient uptake and flower bud differentiation.
4. Why is orchard mulching important in June?
Orchard mulching in June helps reduce soil temperature, conserve soil moisture, and improve overall growing conditions for fruit trees, leading to increased yield and quality of fruits.
5. What are the key aspects of summer pruning for apple trees?
Summer pruning involves thinning branches, girdling to control growth, pinching overly vigorous branches, softening shoots, and defoliation. These practices help manage tree growth and promote early flowering.
6. How can I effectively control pests and diseases in apple orchards during June?
For pest and disease control in June, timely spraying is crucial for managing anthracnose, spot leaf fall disease, hawthorn mite, peach fruit borers, and rot disease.
