What to Do About Citrus Fruit Drop Before Harvest? A Detailed Guide to Prevention and Control Methods

Citrus blooms and sets fruit, and just when it is about to ripen, it is the time for growers to harvest the fruits of a year of hard work. But many growers find that their fruit begins to drop continuously, which causes relatively large losses for farmers. So what causes citrus fruit drop before harvest? Let's find out together.

I. Causes

Citrus fruit drop before harvest may be caused by insufficient tree nutrition, as less nutrition is supplied to the fruit, making fruit drop more likely. Second, during sustained high temperatures or when high-temperature weather occurs, pre-harvest fruit drop can also appear in some areas. In addition, after the fruit ripens, the fruit stalk separates very easily; when heavy rain comes later, the fruit is knocked down by the rain, or the fruit absorbs too much water and drops. If light is too poor, it also affects the synthesis of nutrients, and fruit drop caused by malnutrition is very likely. In the later stage, drought and lack of water can also cause large-scale fruit drop, and severe pests and diseases can also cause fruit drop.

II. Prevention

1. Fertilization

Apply sufficient fertilizer during every growth period of citrus. During the fruiting period, keep topdressing continuously until after harvest to ensure the fruit has sufficient nutrients for growth and development. At the same time, pay attention to supplying trace elements to avoid fruit drop caused by deficiency symptoms.

2. Pruning

Prune the canopy structure at any time to ensure good light transmission and satisfy photosynthesis. Cut off excess branches. Some dead branches, branches crossing through the interior, drooping branches, and branches that disrupt the canopy must all be pruned away. This can save a large portion of nutrients. Prune at any time during the growing period, so nutrients can be accumulated and supplied to the fruit.

III. Improvement

1. Weather

When high-temperature weather occurs, you can spray water in the orchard in the morning and evening to lower the temperature, or you can harvest early. Pay attention to weather changes, and open drainage ditches in time before rain to avoid water accumulation and allow rainwater to drain away easily. If there is drought, water in the afternoon or evening to keep the soil moist until it begins to rain and the weather moderates, then stop.

2. Pest and Disease Control

A common disease is anthracnose. When it occurs, a lesion appears on the fruit and gradually expands, rotting when rain occurs. Often half of the fruit rots and then drops. If the lesion is at the leaf stalk, it is even more likely to drop. Some fruits are bored and eaten by insects, such as fruit flies. The outside looks intact, but the inside is spoiled, and the fruit drops by itself. It needs to be prevented in advance, and controlled promptly after it occurs.

The above is an introduction to what to do about citrus fruit drop before harvest. We hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.