What causes shoot shriveling in peach trees? Latest control measures explained in detail

Shoot shriveling in fruit trees is a common phenomenon. It not only causes disordered tree form, incomplete canopy and delayed fruiting, but may also cause the fruit tree to dry up and die. Peach trees are no exception, and are also highly prone to shoot shriveling in spring. So what causes shoot shriveling in peach trees? How should it be controlled? Follow along with the editor to learn about it.

1. Influence of adverse factors

Generally speaking, peach trees that develop shoot shriveling are mostly those that were insufficiently prepared for overwintering, and it is caused by the effects of freezing injury and drought, or when the tree's resistance is poor and the tree vigor is weak, shoot shriveling can also occur under high temperature and drought conditions. In addition, if the peach branches have many wounds, under intensified transpiration in spring a large amount of water is lost, which can also lead to shriveling and death.

2. Internal causes

Whether shoot shriveling occurs in peach trees is closely related to the tree's drought resistance. Varieties with strong drought resistance have small lenticels on the branches, a small total lenticel area, well-developed protective tissues such as the cuticle and cork layer, low plant respiration intensity, a long time needed to break dormancy, and a relatively developed root system. Second is the state of the peach tree during overwintering. Generally, trees that grow vigorously have strong resistance to freezing and drought, and shoot shriveling is mild, while weak trees grow poorly, have weak photosynthesis, accumulate few nutrients themselves before overwintering, and have strong resistance to freezing and drought, so shoot shriveling is more severe. In addition, because water sprouts are not plump and do not form a good protective layer, their resistance to freezing and drought is the worst, and shoot shriveling is also relatively severe.

3. Preventive measures

First, strictly control water, especially water in autumn. From the late stage of vegetative growth of peach trees until the winter irrigation is shallow, reduce the soil water content. If there is no autumn irrigation, drain excess water and avoid planting intercrops that require much autumn water. Next is fertilizer control, especially nitrogen fertilizer. Do not apply nitrogen fertilizer in the later stage, to avoid excessive vegetative growth, and increase the application of phosphorus and potassium fertilizer to strengthen tree vigor. At the same time, pruning methods such as pinching and twisting shoots can also be used to control vigorous growth of the plant. In addition, pest and disease control should not be taken lightly.

4. Remedial measures

When shoot shriveling occurs, supplementary pruning can be done before flowering. In spring, remove branches killed by freezing and dead branches, and cut the shriveled branches back to living tissue, then apply a wound protectant specially made for fruit trees to the cut. Because spring winds are strong and the tree body evaporates a relatively large amount of water, you can spray an appropriate amount of transpiration inhibitor on frozen or shriveled trees to reduce water evaporation. At the same time, strengthen fertilizer and water management, supplement the nutrients the plant needs, restore tree vigor as soon as possible, loosen the soil in time, ensure the soil is loose and breathable, and promote root growth and development.

The above is an introduction to the causes of shoot shriveling in peach trees and the control measures. We hope it can help you. To learn more related knowledge, please follow us.