A Detailed Explanation of the Causes of Navel Orange Fruit Cracking and Its Prevention and Control Methods

Navel orange fruit cracking is a phenomenon in the process of navel orange cultivation, mainly occurring during the fruit expansion period. Fruit cracking affects the appearance of navel oranges, and in severe cases can also affect yield, and is directly related to the income of fruit growers. So what are the causes of navel orange fruit cracking? Let's take a look together.

I. Causes of fruit cracking

1. Climatic causes

During the high-temperature periods of summer and autumn, fruit exposed to strong sunlight will have its peel tissue and cells damaged. If at this time there is soil rainfall or irrigation, the fruit will expand rapidly, splitting the peel open and causing fruit cracking.

2. Relatively thin peel

Somewhat similar to the climate of drought followed by rain, when the fruit is nearing maturity, the peel becomes thinner and softer. As the sugar content in the flesh increases, the fruit absorbs water and expands rapidly, which can also cause fruit cracking.

3. Improper fertilization and watering

If too much phosphate fertilizer is applied during fertilization, or if there is too much soil moisture, both can cause navel orange fruit cracking.

4. Variety and nutrition

There are many varieties of navel orange, and different varieties have different characteristics. Some varieties bloom heavily but have more severe fruit cracking; leaf-only single-fruit varieties are prone to fruit cracking; those with a higher proportion of leafless flowers are prone to fruit cracking; flat-fruited varieties are prone to fruit cracking, while long-fruited types are not prone to fruit cracking; varieties with thinner peels are prone to fruit cracking.

II. Prevention and control measures

1. Select good varieties

When planting, choose varieties with a small navel or closed navel, relatively thick peel, and tall fruit shape, as this can reduce fruit cracking.

2. Strengthen fertilization and water management

Increase the application of organic fertilizer to strengthen tree vigor. During the fruit development period, increase the application of potassium fertilizer as a fruit-strengthening fertilizer, so that the fruit tissue grows robustly. During the navel orange fruit cracking period, a nutrient solution containing elements such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and calcium can be sprayed. In addition, do a good job of drainage and irrigation measures: water promptly during drought, but avoid flood irrigation; drain promptly during the rainy season.

3. Flower and fruit thinning

During the flowering and fruiting period, first thin out leafless flowers and fruits, leafy single fruits, and flat-shaped fruits. Then, during the summer fruit cracking period, apply gibberellin to the fruit, and bagging technology can also be used to prevent and control fruit cracking.

The above is an introduction to the causes of navel orange fruit cracking and its prevention and control methods. We hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.