What are the latest methods to prevent late spring cold damage in fruit trees?

In spring, fruit trees are highly susceptible to late spring cold, which refers to the climatic phenomenon where temperatures rise quickly in early spring but remain low in late spring. It often leads to poor growth after flowering, affects fruit set, hinders high yields, and affects growers' income. So how can this phenomenon be prevented? Let's take a look at the detailed introduction.

1. Watering to lower temperature

Generally, fruit trees can be watered once 7-10 days before flowering, which can significantly lower the soil temperature, delay the time of bud break, and help the trees avoid late spring cold. After bud break and before flowering, water another 1-2 times. This can delay flowering by 3-4 days. Watering before late spring cold arrives can raise the soil temperature, serve as a preventive measure, and also reduce freezing damage to the fruit trees.

2. Covering to protect against cold

Before late spring cold arrives, plastic film, straw curtains, and other materials can be used to cover fruit trees, preserving the geothermal heat they release and also blocking the invasion of external cold air, thereby reducing freezing damage. This method is generally suitable for young fruit trees or low-growing fruit trees and has a good effect.

3. Spraying limewater

For mature fruit trees or fruit trees with large canopies, the method of using covers is not suitable, so one month before the fruit trees bloom, spray them with limewater at a concentration of 1%. This can delay the flowering period of fruit trees by 3-5 days and help them avoid late spring cold. In addition, limewater sprayed on the trunk and leaves will form a protective layer that can reduce the damage of frost to fruit trees.

4. Smoking to protect against cold

This is a simple and easy method. Before the cold current arrives, firewood and branches can be lit in the orchard, with less open flame and more smoke. In this way, the smoke will form a protective layer over the orchard until the sun comes out, helping avoid the harm of the cold current. However, there is one disadvantage: if the smoking is done at an air vent, the wind will blow the smoke away. Also, care must be taken when smoking to avoid burning down the orchard.

5. Foliar fertilization

Before late spring cold arrives, spray sprouting fruit trees with a low-concentration potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution. This can increase the cold resistance of fruit trees and also reduce freezing damage. It can also be combined with foliar fertilization, spraying plant growth regulators to extend the time of bud break or flowering, so that the fruit trees can successfully get through late spring cold.

The above is an introduction to how to prevent late spring cold in fruit trees. We hope it can help you. To learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.