Scattering of the ovary of grapes - causes and measures to prevent
Content:
Often, gardeners who decide to settle grape plantings in their garden are faced with such a problem as the dropping of the ovary in this fruit crop. It is quite dangerous to ignore this phenomenon, since it often indicates processes that can negatively affect the formation of the crop and even lead to its death even before the berries appear. In this article, we will look at the main reasons for the shedding of the ovary of grapes, as well as the necessary measures in case of shedding of the grapes after the end of the flowering phase.
Why does the ovary crumble on grapes
In fact, shedding of the ovary is not such a rare occurrence, which is completely normal at certain stages of grape development. As a rule, grapes are showered annually at such moments as:
- the end of the flowering phase of the vine (shedding lasts for 2-3 days);
- reaching the mark of 3-4 mm with the diameter of the berries;
- natural removal of barren buds that have not yet formed grapes.
Thus, the quite normal life activity of grapes involves shedding of its ovaries from time to time. This phenomenon is associated with the natural need of the plant to get rid of excess load: shedding the ovaries helps to regulate the number of fruits, thereby preventing overloading of the bush.
In addition to the above reasons, there are other factors that affect the shedding of grape ovaries.
These include:
- characteristic features of certain grape varieties, suggesting a regular fall of the ovaries;
- weakening of plant immunity as a result of disease or pest attacks;
- anomalies in the structure of the flower, when insufficient development of stamens and poor quality of pollen does not allow fertilization and the formation of berries;
- imbalance between the growth rates of shoots and the formation of fruits, since accelerated and violent vegetation processes do not allow flowering grape clusters to form berries;
- Insufficient pollination of female flowers leads to shedding of barren flowers.
Sometimes the ovaries crumble after the flowering of the grapes, which indicates certain negative factors of influence on the plant. This may be the result of exposure to bad weather, or the lack of proper care for young plants, as well as a violation of agrotechnical recommendations regarding their cultivation. So, ovaries can crumble during a drought, or during prolonged rains, provided the air temperature drops. Also, the reason for this phenomenon can be an excess of nitrogen-containing fertilizers in the soil and a deficiency of useful minerals. The degree of soil moisture also plays an important role, because with insufficient watering, the ovaries may not completely take shape, which will lead to their shedding.
How to prevent grape ovary shedding
In order to prevent the ovaries from dropping at the end of the flowering phase of grapes, it is necessary to take preventive measures even in the phase of opening the buds. Below is a list of these activities.
Fertilization
The introduction of organic and mineral dressings helps to strengthen the plant's immunity and significantly reduces the risk of shedding grape ovaries. Fertilizing the soil is best done in the spring, before the flowering phase. Top dressing is applied by the foliar method. It is recommended to give preference to mixtures containing zinc and B vitamins.The simultaneous presence of zinc and magnesium in the feeding should be avoided, since this combination will only aggravate the problem of ovary falling off.
Air circulation
Good air permeability of the grape thickets is very important for the correct development of inflorescences and the formation of healthy ovaries. To ensure a constant flow of fresh air, it is necessary to periodically prune the vines in order to remove too bulky green mass and shorten the overgrown shoots that thicken the bushes and create a favorable atmosphere for the development of fungal diseases. In addition, thinned bushes receive more sunlight, which is also important for the ripening of the crop.
Watering mode
Timely soil moisture plays a primary role in the formation of ovaries, since a lack of moisture adversely affects the ability of female flowers to pollinate.
Artificial pollination methods
Artificial pollination helps to speed up the formation of the ovary and protects it from falling off. This procedure is shown three times:
- immediately after the opening of the buds;
- in the middle of the flowering phase;
- after flowering is over.
The optimal time for artificial pollination is early morning, before sunrise. A warm, cloudy day is also good. The procedure is carried out using special brushes.
Trimming Weak Brushes
Pruning is never done during flowering, as a large amount of pollen is required for successful ovary formation. But after the first small grapes are formed, you should inspect the grape clusters and remove the weakest and smallest specimens.
Irrigation
If, according to forecasts, a cold and damp summer is expected, the grapes should be treated in advance with a solution that helps to extend the flowering period.
To prepare it, you will need the following ingredients:
- 10 liters of water;
- 2 tablespoons of carbamide;
- 2 teaspoons of copper sulfate;
- 1.5 tablespoons of boric acid;
- 2 teaspoons of citric acid.
First of all, you should dissolve citric acid in water, and then add other components. First, you need to dilute boric acid with warm water and only then pour it into the general mixture.
Topping
When deciding to grow a grape variety prone to shedding the ovary on his site, the gardener should pay attention to such an important procedure as pinching the tops of fruiting shoots. This will allow you to redistribute nutrition in favor of the brushes, rather than the foliage. In the future, the ovaries will stop dropping, the fruits will grow larger.
Conducting a systematic examination
Inspection of grape plantings will allow you to detect in time signs of improper plant development, damage by diseases or pests, weakening of the immune system. As a result, it will be possible to prevent the development of anomalies or disease-causing processes at an early stage, which does not require the use of radical means. It is important to pay attention to any alarming symptoms and take timely measures aimed at treating the plant, controlling pests or correcting the process of its development.