Detailed Explanation of the Latest Technical Points for Spring Management of Apricot Trees

Apricot trees themselves have a relatively low fruit-setting rate, and apricot trees have low resistance to low temperatures during the bud-break stage and flowering stage. If low-temperature rain and snow weather occurs during the flowering stage, they will suffer frost damage, leading to flower and fruit drop, so spring management of apricot trees is extremely important. So how should apricot trees be managed in spring? Let's take a look together.

1. Delaying the flowering stage

In winter, combined with summer pinching, the fruit set from flower buds on secondary shoots should be used, which can effectively increase the flowering rate and natural fruit-setting rate. In early spring, watering can lower the soil temperature, and whitewashing the trunk can delay flowering and avoid the period of low-temperature frost damage. This can reduce frost damage to flowers and significantly increase the fruit-setting rate. Before bud break, spraying a low-concentration salt water can also enhance the frost resistance of the flower organs and delay flowering.

2. Topdressing during the flowering stage

Spring topdressing for apricot trees should be carried out half a month before flowering, mainly with quick-acting nitrogen fertilizer. The specific amount of fertilizer should be determined according to the actual conditions such as tree vigor, tree age, and soil. The topdressing method is to open shallow trenches in the tree disk, mix in the fertilizer, then immediately cover with soil and water. In addition to topdressing during the flowering stage, irrigation should also be carried out during continuous spring drought, mainly when flower buds begin to swell, and no later than half a month before flowering, because this watering cannot guarantee the needs for flowering and fruit setting, and can also delay flowering and reduce the harm of late frost.

3. Flowering stage management

Flowering stage management of apricot trees mainly includes flower and fruit thinning, promoting pollination and fertilization, and frost protection during the flowering stage. There is nothing much to compare when it comes to flower thinning; apricot trees themselves have a relatively serious flower drop phenomenon, so measures to protect flowers and fruits are needed. If there are ineffective flowers, maintaining a reasonable load is enough. Fruit thinning, however, is very necessary, and wrapped fruits, defective fruits, and deformed fruits need to be removed in time. Promoting pollination can only be done by artificial means or by releasing bees when conditions do not allow it, because apricot trees produce a large amount of pollen. Generally, if the weather is clear and pollinating varieties are arranged, pollination is not a problem. Frost protection is generally carried out through measures such as increasing smoke and covering.

4. Pest and disease control

Spring is an active period for pests and diseases, and control at this time is also relatively effective. Second, it is necessary to ensure the normal growth and development of apricot trees. The main insect pests of apricot trees in spring are aphids and scale insects, and the main diseases are gummosis, brown rot, and shot hole disease. Control can be carried out through integrated measures combining agricultural control, physical control, and chemical control.

  The above is an introduction to the key points of spring management of apricot trees. I hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please follow us.