What Causes Peach Fruit Cracking? A Full Breakdown of Prevention Measures
Fruit cracking is a common occurrence when growing peaches, mostly happening during the fruit expansion or ripening stage. But if cracking occurs on a large scale, it not only reduces peach yield but also affects the appearance of the peaches and hurts economic returns. So what causes peach fruit cracking? And how should it be prevented? Let's take a look with Qinongwang.
1. Variety characteristics
The fruit produced by some peach tree varieties is prone to cracking. For example, varieties with loose, crisp flesh crack easily, rounder varieties crack easily, and early- and mid-season varieties crack easily.
Prevention measures: Choose to plant varieties whose fruit has firm, dense flesh and an elongated oval shape, and that are late-maturing or very late-maturing. This can reduce the likelihood of fruit cracking to a certain extent.
2. Environmental factors
During the pit-hardening growth stage of the peach, frequent overcast and rainy weather can easily cause fruit cracking; planting in soil that is fairly heavy in clay, has a high water table, and drains poorly also easily causes fruit cracking; a sudden rainfall after a long drought can also lead to fruit cracking; excessive pruning can also cause fruit cracking; serious damage to the tree body can also lead to fruit cracking, and poor, infertile soil and so on, all of these causes can lead to peach fruit cracking.
Prevention measures: In overcast and rainy weather, do a good job of drainage; when planting, choose soil that is deep and loose, has a high water table, and drains well; water promptly during droughts to maintain moisture; pruning should be based on the tree's growth state, just prune away the excess branches and leaves and keep the plant well ventilated and open to light; strengthen management to prevent pests and diseases from damaging the tree body, apply enough base fertilizer, and correct the poor, infertile nature of the soil.
3. Improper fertilizer and water management
Applying nitrogen fertilizer to peach seedlings and during the growing period can make them grow quickly, but nitrogen fertilizer is not a cure-all and should not be applied continuously. Applying too much nitrogen fertilizer makes the plant grow leggy and easily causes fruit cracking. In addition, applying only nitrogen fertilizer leads to a deficiency of calcium and other nutrients. Peach trees are extremely sensitive to calcium; calcium deficiency not only causes fruit cracking but also makes the peach fruit become soft and rot.
Prevention measures: When fertilizing, combine nutrients scientifically and pay attention to the application ratio of other nutrients. It is recommended to apply fully rotted organic fertilizer or compound fertilizer, which takes care of every nutrient. If fruit cracking still occurs, then apply calcium fertilizer promptly as a top dressing.
4. Excessive use of fruit swelling agents
Now many fruit growers, in order to ensure yield, will apply at least a little fruit swelling agent during the fruit expansion stage, so that the fruit produced is big and beautiful. This is only human nature, and using fruit swelling agents in the proper amount does not harm the peaches. But when a fruit swelling agent is used in excess or used improperly, it causes the flesh cells to expand rapidly in a short time and finally burst through the skin, resulting in fruit cracking.
Prevention measures: The best option is not to use fruit swelling agents at all. Even if you do use them, pay attention to the method and dosage, and by no means rush things; take it step by step.
The above are the causes of peach fruit cracking and the prevention measures brought to you by Qinongwang. That is all for our introduction to peach fruit cracking. When growing peaches, you should also pay attention to pest and disease control, as many pests and diseases can also cause fruit cracking, deformed fruit, and rotten fruit problems. For more agricultural knowledge, please stay tuned to Qinongwang.