The Latest Method for Whitewashing Fruit Trees and Points to Note
As the temperature gradually drops and winter is about to arrive, you will see fruit growers in various orchards whitewashing their fruit trees. Many people are curious: what is the purpose of whitewashing fruit trees? What should be noted when whitewashing? Let's take a look together below.
1. The purpose of whitewashing fruit trees
Whitewashing fruit trees can reduce the heat the trees absorb from the sun, preventing sunburn or frostbite. In winter, the main purpose of whitewashing is to prevent frost damage from low temperatures. Whitewashing can also deal with pests and pathogens that harm the base of the trunk, because the whitewash agent is generally made with lime, which has excellent sterilizing and disinfecting effects and can prevent pests from laying eggs. Whitewashing can also cover wounds, prevent further infection by pathogens, reduce the occurrence of trunk diseases, and dissolve the waxy layer on the surface of insects and the reproductive bodies of fungi, making it easier for the agent to enter the tree body and effectively control pests.
2. Timing of whitewashing fruit trees
Generally speaking, judging from the purpose of whitewashing fruit trees, it is mainly to resist severe cold and control pests and diseases, so whitewashing fruit trees is generally carried out from late November to mid-February of the following year. Because the temperature during this period is relatively low and cold air sinks severely, the trunk is highly susceptible to frost damage, and pests and pathogens also overwinter in the cracks of the trunk. Whitewashing the trunk at this time can effectively reduce the base number of pests and diseases and achieve twice the result with half the effort in pest and disease control the following year.
3. Points to note when whitewashing fruit trees
When making the whitewash agent, use quicklime that is white in color and free of impurities; the sulfur powder should be very fine, and it is best to add some neutral laundry detergent. Also, the whitewash agent is alkaline, so it should not be mixed with pesticides that are unstable to alkali, and it must not be mixed with Bordeaux mixture. Trunk whitewashing can be done throughout the year, but note that different purposes require different whitewashing times: to prevent sunscald, whitewash in May-June; to prevent pests from laying eggs, whitewash in April-May. When whitewashing fruit trees, it is best to treat the plant first, for example by bandaging cracked areas, and the whitewash agent should be used immediately after mixing. When applying, stir it thoroughly until it is uniformly thin or thick, so that when applied to the trunk it does not drip downward, does not form lumps, and can adhere in a thin layer, which is ideal.
The above is an introduction to the methods and points to note for whitewashing fruit trees. We hope it helps you. To learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.