Apple tree production is divided into several stages, such as the seedling stage, flower bud differentiation stage, flowering period, physiological fruit drop period, fruit enlargement period, and ripening period. Let's learn about the key points in apple tree flowering period management.
Key Points in Apple Tree Flowering Period Management
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Thinning Flowers and Fruits: After apple trees bloom, remove densely clustered and inferior flowers to ensure the growth of central flowers. After the flowers fall, thin out the small and inferior fruits to ensure that future fruits are appropriate in size, shape, and quality.
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Artificial Pollination: Depending on the weather and the number of bees, observe whether natural pollination of apple flowers is adequate. Rainy days may cause improper pollination, necessitating artificial pollination to ensure an adequate number of pollinated flowers on the fruit trees. Avoid watering during the flowering period, as it can cause significant flower drop, and in severe cases, the entire tree may shed its flowers.
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Fertilization Before Flowering: Fertilization before flowering should be cautious, and reasonable fertilization should be carried out according to the different soil conditions during the apple flowering period. If the soil is relatively poor, a small amount of fertilizer can be applied before flowering, followed by heavy fertilization after flowering. If the soil is not very poor, it is advisable to avoid fertilizing during the apple flowering period.
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Spraying Nutrient Solution: Natural growth alone may not ensure that apple trees retain a sufficient number of flowers and fruits during the flowering period. Spraying nutrient solution during the apple flowering period can help preserve flowers and fruits, ensuring a good harvest at the end of the year.
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Pruning Branches: Prune some of the densely flowering branches during the apple flowering period to ensure that the main flowers and fruits have sufficient nutrients and space for growth. Prune excessively long flowering branches to ensure normal and rational fruiting.
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Disease and Pest Control: Diseases and pests during the apple flowering period are also very common. Pesticides should be sprayed before flowering to prevent and control them. This will ensure that the fruit trees do not suffer from dead branches and prevent flower and fruit drop, ultimately resulting in healthy fruit.
In conclusion, implementing measures such as artificial pollination, proper pruning of branches, thinning flowers and fruits, and prevention of diseases and pests during the apple flowering period can effectively increase the fruit set rate of apples, prevent alternate bearing, and improve the yield and quality of fruit.