What to Do About Apricot Fruit Cracking? Detailed Explanation of Causes and Prevention Measures
Apricot fruit cracking is a common problem in apricot cultivation. It not only reduces the commercial value of the fruit, but also brings huge economic losses to farmers. Most fruits crack in strips centered on the fruit apex, extending radially toward the body and shoulders of the fruit, and some crack from the suture line all the way to the pit. So what causes apricot fruit cracking? How can it be prevented? Let's take a look together.
1. Variety reasons
Because apricot varieties differ, their probability of fruit cracking and the degree of cracking also vary. Among them, medium and large fruits crack more easily than small fruits, flat-round fruits more easily than round fruits, and early-maturing fruits more easily than late-maturing fruits. When rain occurs during the apricot ripening period, varieties with thin skins and soft texture are also prone to fruit cracking.
Prevention measures: Suitable varieties should be selected according to local climatic conditions. It is recommended to choose early-maturing or late-maturing crack-resistant varieties with good flesh elasticity and low plasticity, such as Dahuang, Erhong, and Chuanhong apricot.
2. Improper soil
The growth and development of apricot trees have certain requirements for soil. If they are planted on plots with heavy clay soil, fruit cracking is extremely common in apricot trees. This is caused by the drastic changes between dry and wet conditions in clay soil.
Prevention measures: Therefore, before planting, the plot should be selected, and loose, fertile sandy loam should be chosen as much as possible. Soil structure can also be improved by amending the soil and increasing the application of organic fertilizer, increasing soil permeability and water retention, so that soil moisture is supplied evenly and the possibility of fruit cracking is reduced.
3. Excessive water
If continuous rainy weather occurs during the apricot fruit ripening period, or if rain comes after a long drought, or if flood irrigation is used, the fruit will absorb a large amount of water and crack. Therefore, in many areas, if there is more rain in that year, the fruit cracking phenomenon is more serious.
Prevention measures: Apricot trees are not tolerant of waterlogging, so drainage should be carried out promptly during rain; otherwise, it will not only cause fruit cracking, but may very likely cause root rot due to water accumulation. During drought, watering should be done promptly, with drip irrigation or sprinkler irrigation being best. Flood irrigation is not suitable, especially during the fruit ripening period, and the soil should be prevented from becoming too dry or too wet.
4. Fruit growth reasons
Apricots begin to crack during the second rapid growth period of the fruit, especially during the coloring stage, where it is most serious at the colored parts. At this time, a large amount of soluble sugar in the fruit is transformed and accumulated, and the pressure resistance of the fruit skin decreases. If rain falls after a long drought, the flesh absorbs too much water and directly splits the skin, causing fruit cracking.
Prevention measures: Chemical agents or growth regulators can be used for treatment. A rare earth solution or naphthaleneacetic acid solution can be sprayed once each during the fruit expansion stage and the coloring stage, which can significantly reduce the fruit cracking phenomenon.
The above is an introduction to the causes and prevention measures of apricot fruit cracking. We hope it can help you. To learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.