Analysis of the Causes of Empty Walnut Shells and Prevention Methods
Walnut is one of our common nuts and is deeply loved by consumers. However, during walnut production, the phenomenon of empty shells often occurs. The so-called empty shell phenomenon refers to some walnut fruits having no kernel. This phenomenon seriously affects walnut yield, so what causes it? Is there a solution? Let's take a look together with Qinnongwang.
1. Unsuitable environment
Walnut is a warmth-loving plant. If it is planted in an area with abnormal climate, or under continuous high-temperature conditions, it will affect its kernel growth. Especially when the temperature remains continuously above 40 degrees, the fruit is prone to sunburn, increasing the probability of empty shells. In addition, walnut is relatively sensitive to water. If the planting environment has little rainfall and is relatively dry, and watering is not done in time, it is easy to cause empty shells.
Prevention methods: The planting environment must be suitable for walnut growth. The suitable temperature for walnut is 27-29 degrees, and it should not grow in temperatures exceeding 40 degrees for several days. In addition, in areas with relatively low rainfall, timely artificial watering should be carried out so that the fruit receives sufficient water during growth.
2. Poor pollination
Walnut is a monoecious tree species with separate male and female flowers. Their blooming is not synchronized. The fact that male and female flowers do not open at the same time leads to a low self-fruiting rate in walnut. Some fruits cannot grow and develop normally due to insufficient pollination, resulting in the empty shell phenomenon. In addition, walnut is pollinated by wind. If rainy weather occurs during the pollination period, the pollination effect will be poor and empty shells will appear.
Prevention methods: The phenomenon of poor pollination is relatively easy to solve. Since its self-pollination is poor, we can assist it with artificial pollination. When planting, plant according to the ratio of male to female so as to ensure sufficient pollen sources. During the rainy season, artificial pollination can be helped by picking off male flowers and applying them to female flowers to complete pollination.
3. Nutrient deficiency
During the fruit growth period of walnut, a large amount of nutrients is consumed. If the nutrients in the plant and soil are insufficient, the tree will show a kind of starvation phenomenon, causing the fruit to fail to grow due to lack of nutrients, thus forming the empty shell phenomenon.
Prevention methods: During the fruiting and fruit growth periods, the supply of nutrients must be ensured. During this period, strengthen fertilizer management, improve soil fertility, and ensure nutrient supply. However, when fertilizing, attention should be paid to the reasonable combination of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers to prevent nutrient imbalance. The amount of fertilizer should be determined according to the growth condition of the plant and controlled flexibly to increase yield and reduce the empty shell rate.
4. Too many fruits
If a walnut tree is managed properly, it usually bears a relatively large number of fruits. Generally, female flowers set double fruits, and sometimes clusters or spike-like fruits also appear. Once the number of fruits is too large, competition between fruits will occur, competing for nutrients. Some fruits cannot obtain sufficient nutrients and will develop empty shells.
Prevention methods: Thin the fruit reasonably. When the fruit load is large, nutrients are consumed quickly. In order to avoid this situation, we should thin the fruit in time. For fruits that are too densely grown or growing in clusters, select the larger ones, cut off some of the smaller and deformed ones, and retain enough nutrients for the remaining fruits so that they grow robustly.
The above are the causes of empty walnut shells and prevention methods brought to you by Qinnongwang. We hope it can help you. If you want to learn more, please stay tuned to Qinnongwang.