Why do pomegranates split? Causes and solutions
During cultivation, pomegranates very easily develop fruit splitting. Split pomegranates rot easily after the rainy season, and they are also hard to sell because of their poor appearance, which troubles many growers. So what exactly is pomegranate fruit splitting? And how should it be solved? Below, Qinong Net brings you the causes of pomegranate fruit splitting and solutions. Let's take a look.
1. Variety
There are many pomegranate varieties, but not every variety is flawless. Many varieties were bred by local growers through years of experience. These varieties can adapt perfectly to the local environment, but when moved to another unsuitable environment, fruit splitting occurs. In addition, some varieties have large fruit, thin and smooth skin, and are therefore very prone to splitting.
Prevention and control method: When selecting seeds, choose varieties suitable for the local environment, or choose varieties with medium fruit size, thicker skin, and rough skin that does not split easily.
2. Soil and fertilizer
When pomegranates are planted in soil that is relatively heavy in clay, retains more water, and has poor permeability, not only is the fruit quality poorer, but the fruit also splits easily. Improper fertilization can also cause fruit splitting. In particular, many people apply more chemical fertilizer to save costs and basically do not apply organic fertilizer, which leads to the loss of many trace elements in the soil, serious soil erosion, and soil compaction, so fruit splitting is likely to occur.
Prevention and control method: It is best to choose yellow loam soil with relatively high terrain, facing the sun, relatively deep soil layers, loose texture, and fertility. When fertilizing, mainly use organic fertilizer or farmyard manure, and try not to apply chemical fertilizer.
3. Temperature and light
Pomegranates also have a certain relationship with temperature and light. The fruit expands rapidly under high-temperature conditions. If the soil cools down, it can cause fruit splitting. In addition, areas with large day-night temperature differences are also prone to fruit splitting. Especially after exposure to the sun during the day, when the temperature drops at night, the cracks are often on the sun-facing part.
Prevention and control method: Cover the ground with plastic film or rice straw, which gives a good effect of preventing drought and preserving warmth, prevents sudden temperature changes, and narrows the temperature difference. The fruit can be bagged to prevent sun exposure, rain, and sudden cold and heat changes, and this has a certain buffering effect on both temperature and light.
4. Moisture
The seeds of pomegranate have a very high moisture content. When the fruit is ripening, pay attention to soil humidity and air humidity. During the ripening period, if the fruit absorbs too much water, it will burst the skin, causing fruit splitting. In addition, excessively high air humidity has the same effect.
Prevention and control method: During the pomegranate ripening period, water less or stop watering. During the rainy season, drain water in time to prevent soil waterlogging or excessively high moisture. Humidity can be addressed by bagging the fruit.
The above are the causes of pomegranate fruit splitting and solutions brought to you by Qinong Net. There are many causes of pomegranate fruit splitting. Usually, before planting, pay attention to protective measures. For more agricultural knowledge, please keep following Qinong Net.