Cherries are delicious, but cherry trees can be challenging to grow. Many people encounter a common issue when planting cherry trees: the tree flowers but fails to set fruit, and even if fruits form, they often drop prematurely. Below, we'll discuss preventive measures for cherry fruit drop and fruit shrinkage.
Preventive Measures for Cherry Fruit Drop and Fruit Shrinkage
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Temperature Regulation: During the pre-hard core and hard core stages of cherry development, temperatures should not be too high. High temperatures can hinder embryo development and core hardening, leading to severe fruit drop. Since outdoor temperatures cannot be controlled, when external temperatures are high, it's advisable to water the trees in the morning or evening based on soil moisture levels.
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Fertilization and Irrigation Management: Cherry trees should be fertilized after flowering, typically with high-nitrogen fertilizers that are water-soluble and have high absorption rates. During the fruit enlargement stage, apply water-soluble fertilizers primarily to supplement the nutrients needed for fruit growth. Adequate irrigation is crucial during the early stage of cherry development when external temperatures are high. However, since cherry roots are not tolerant to waterlogging, irrigation should be moderate, depending on soil moisture levels and tree size.
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Tree Vigor Management: After cherry fruit setting, new shoots gradually emerge. It's essential to begin topping and pruning at this stage. During the period of shoot growth, for trees with excessive vigor, measures such as spraying with growth retardants or cycocel can be taken to control growth vigor and reduce nutrient consumption.
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Optimal Fruit Load: Naturally, well-set cherry varieties and those with supplemental pollination have high fruit-setting rates, resulting in fruit loads exceeding capacity. Consequently, physiological fruit shrinkage is significant in the later stages. Therefore, controlling the fruit load to ensure the tree's optimal bearing capacity is essential to reduce fruit shrinkage and ensure high yield and fruit quality. For trees or branches with high fruit loads, thinning should be done promptly to reduce unnecessary nutrient consumption, alleviate physiological fruit shrinkage and drop, and improve cherry quality and marketability.
The above are preventive measures for cherry fruit drop and fruit shrinkage. To improve cherry fruit-setting rates, reduce physiological fruit drop, and enhance yield and fruit quality, attention must be paid to temperature regulation, fertilization and irrigation management, tree vigor management, and optimal fruit load during the cherry fruiting period.
Continuation Writing
Cherry cultivation requires careful attention to various factors to ensure optimal fruit production. In addition to the preventive measures mentioned earlier, here are some additional considerations:
1. Pest and Disease Management:
Cherry trees are susceptible to various pests and diseases, including cherry fruit fly, aphids, powdery mildew, and bacterial canker. Implementing integrated pest management strategies, such as regular monitoring, cultural practices, and targeted pesticide applications, can help mitigate pest and disease pressure.
2. Pollination:
Cherry trees require cross-pollination to set fruit effectively. To enhance pollination, it's beneficial to plant multiple cherry varieties with overlapping bloom periods. Additionally, attracting pollinators like bees to the orchard through habitat enhancement and avoiding pesticide applications during bloom can improve pollination success.
3. Pruning and Training:
Proper pruning and training of cherry trees are essential for maintaining tree structure, improving light penetration and airflow within the canopy, and promoting fruit production. Pruning should be done during the dormant season to remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches and to shape the tree for optimal fruiting.
4. Water Management:
Consistent and adequate irrigation is crucial for cherry tree health and fruit development. While cherries prefer well-drained soil, they also require regular watering, especially during periods of drought. Mulching around the base of the tree can help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
5. Harvest and Post-Harvest Handling:
Harvest cherries when they reach full color and firmness, typically in the early morning when temperatures are cool. Handle harvested fruit carefully to minimize bruising and damage. Proper post-harvest handling, including rapid cooling and storage at appropriate temperatures, can prolong shelf life and maintain fruit quality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How can I protect my cherry trees from birds?
Bird netting or reflective tape can be used to deter birds from cherry trees. Additionally, setting up scare devices like owl decoys or installing motion-activated sprinklers can help keep birds away.
2. When is the best time to plant cherry trees?
The best time to plant cherry trees is in the late winter or early spring, while the trees are still dormant. This allows the roots to establish before the onset of active growth in the spring.
3. Why are my cherry tree leaves turning yellow?
Yellowing leaves on cherry trees can indicate various issues, including nutrient deficiencies, water stress, pest infestations, or diseases. Conduct a thorough assessment of growing conditions and address any underlying problems accordingly.
4. How do I prevent cherry tree diseases?
To prevent cherry tree diseases, practice good sanitation by removing and disposing of diseased plant material promptly. Apply fungicides preventatively, especially during periods of high disease pressure, and avoid overhead irrigation to minimize leaf wetness.
5. What is the lifespan of a cherry tree?
The lifespan of a cherry tree can vary depending on factors such as the cultivar, growing conditions, and management practices. In general, sweet cherry trees can live for 20-30 years or more, while sour cherry trees may have a shorter lifespan.
