Why apples fall from an apple tree before ripening
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If you notice that apples are falling from the tree earlier than the allotted time and at the same time the apples are not yet ripe, then this can pretty upset any gardener, because he puts a lot of effort into growing a good and healthy apple harvest. There may be several reasons for this situation, but the main reason is improper care.
How to Naturally Adjust Yield Amount
You should understand that a large number of flowers can bloom on the tree, but there will be a little less fruit. Many summer residents claim that only up to 10% of flowers turn into healthy apples. But it is important to know that the tree independently regulates the number of apples to which it will be able to provide the necessary nutrition. Excessive amount, the tree just starts to drop. But if at the same time there are too few apples left on the tree, then there is already a reason for something else. Let's consider the possible options for such a situation. At the same time, a similar situation can arise at absolutely different periods.
Why apples fall - moisture deficiency
If in dry weather you cannot provide the tree with the necessary amount of water, it begins to redistribute moisture within its body, while it draws moisture from apples and gives it to foliage. As a result, apples begin to shrivel, dry out and come off the stalks, while they do not even have time to ripen. An adult plant for the entire growing season must receive moisture in the amount of at least 1 thousand liters of water. 3 waterings are sufficient so that the soil can be well saturated with water to a depth of 0.6 m. It is not recommended to water directly on a bole or a tree trunk.
It is best to build a near-trunk ditch or pit in advance, and water it there. But you need to understand well that excess moisture can negatively affect the condition of the tree. The root system will begin to receive less oxygen. Important metabolic processes begin to be disrupted, the movement of moisture throughout the tree begins to slow down. This also leads to a general moisture deficit, and moisture begins to be taken away from the fruit.
Why apples fall - nutritional deficiencies
Fruit trees can experience starvation, which can result in shedding fruit. This may be due to cultivation in poor soil when there is a deficiency of essential nutrients. For this it is necessary to use various fertilizers:
• When fruit formation occurs: apply nitrogen fertilizers. You can take ammonium nitrate - dilute 40 g of the drug in 10 liters of water. You can also add humus - for one tree from 5 to 8 kg.
• Mid season. Fertilizers are applied that contain large amounts of phosphorus and potassium. You can take potassium monophosphate - 10-15 g of the drug are diluted in 10 liters of water. It is also good to use potassium sulfate - 15-20 g of the drug is diluted in 10 liters of water.
If the preparation has a granular appearance, then they must be dissolved in water and added during watering, based on 10 liters of solution per 1 sq. M. Or, you can evenly scatter the granules over the surface of the soil along the entire near-trunk circle. After such a procedure, you need to loosen the soil and water it abundantly.
Why apples fall - an attack of insect pests
Apples often fall due to the defeat of the apple moth. Those fruits in which this insect appeared must fall off. How can you get rid of this insect.
1. The use of chemicals. It is necessary to spray with insecticidal preparations (spark-m, aktara). These drugs can be used in the early stages of fruit ripening. The final treatment can be carried out no later than 20-30 days before the harvest begins.
2. The use of mechanical means, namely trapping belts. They need to be installed when flowering is over and removed after you harvest.
3. Using folk methods. Use various infusions. With the help of them, trees are sprayed from the moment when flowering began 3-4 times, the frequency is about 3-4 weeks.
• Using wormwood, tansy and chamomile - in 1 liter of boiling water it is necessary to brew 1 kg of these plants, then dilute with 10 liters of water.
• Apply tomato tops. Take 2 kg of green mass on a bucket of hot water. And they stand up for 10-12 hours.
• You can take marigolds, grind them (0.5 kg) and pour 10 liters of boiling water. It is possible to use fresh and dried flowers.
Also, many summer residents plant crops next to the apple tree that have a deterrent effect against the moth. Namely phacelia, tomato, dill.
Why apples fall - technical ripeness of the harvest
Apples also fall because of their technical ripeness - this is when the seeds are already ripe inside, i.e. they turn brown. But it is precisely food maturity that is lacking. The pulp is not juicy, savory, tasteless. In order for such fruits to ripen, they must be sent for a while to a cool and dark place.
• Autumn varieties - for 1-2 weeks.
• winter varieties - for 4-8 weeks.
How repeated winter frosts will affect the harvest
If the tree has been damaged by severe frost, then it begins to hurt for a long time. The growth and development of the tree begins to slow down. It becomes difficult for the leaves to provide all the fruits with nutrition. That is why the tree begins to shed extra apples. In order for fruiting to return to its previous state, the tree needs proper care. therefore, when choosing a variety of apple trees, it is necessary to choose those that have good frost resistance.
As you can see, a tree can drop apples for various reasons. It is necessary to carefully monitor the condition of the tree and, if necessary, take timely measures aimed at maintaining the tree in a healthy state.