How to prevent heat damage in grapes? Prevention and management methods for hot weather
In the process of growing grapes, you will encounter many problems, such as pests and diseases, fruit drop, and uneven berry size. These problems are all very detrimental to the growth of grapes. They have a great impact on yield and quality, and heat damage is one of them. Heat damage can scorch the fruit and the vine. It leads to fruit cracking and fruit drop, so how do we prevent heat damage in hot weather, especially in summer? Let's take a look together below!
1. Watering
Heat damage generally occurs in summer, because summer temperatures are the highest of the entire year, and when the temperature is too high, the rate of water evaporation also speeds up. When grapes lack water, the grape leaves gradually turn yellow, affecting photosynthesis. At this time, we need to water the grapevines appropriately to replenish the water needed for growth. Try to avoid watering when the temperature is high, such as at noon. Morning or evening is the best time to water. Sufficient water can ensure normal color change of the grapes and prevent abnormal ripening.
2. Topdressing
The occurrence of heat damage is closely related to nutrient deficiency in the grapevines. Proper topdressing can enhance the resistance of the grapevine. When fertilizing, pay attention to the amount of fertilizer used. Appropriately determine the nutrient ratio of the fertilizer according to the condition of the vine. When topdressing, do not apply a single fertilizer excessively or over-apply any one type of fertilizer, especially nitrogen fertilizer. Nitrogen fertilizer can cause excessive vegetative growth of the branches and canes. Not only can it fail to prevent heat damage, it may even worsen the degree of heat damage. Therefore, we should fertilize reasonably, applying fertilizer according to the vine's nutrient deficiencies, and simply replenish the fertilizer needed for growth.
3. Leaf thinning
Everyone knows that the work of thinning leaves in grape growing is very important, especially in summer, but in weather with relatively high temperatures, leaf thinning needs to be done as appropriate. Because a proper density of branches and canes can effectively shade the fruit and the vine from sunlight, we should shape and prune the vine according to the tree shape, growth vigor, and so on. As long as strong air circulation and light penetration in the orchard are ensured, that is enough. Absolutely do not thin leaves excessively. Otherwise, too few leaves will affect the vine's photosynthesis, leading to insufficient nutrients, the appearance of yellow leaves, and an increased incidence of pests and diseases.
4. Bagging
Now bagging is basically essential work for every fruit grower, and this is especially true for grapes, because bagging grapes can effectively prevent heat damage as well as non-physiological disorders such as sunscald. When the fruit is at the young fruit stage and has not yet fully ripened, bag it in time, and try to bag it before the temperature has risen. Do not do it when the temperature is relatively high. After bagging, strengthen orchard management, water and topdress in time, and do a good job of pruning the vine, etc. This can reduce heat damage caused by high temperatures.
The above four points are the methods for preventing heat damage in grapes. Heat damage is very harmful to grapes. Causing reduced yield is still considered mild; in severe cases, it may lead to a total loss of production. Therefore, in the process of growing them, we should strengthen orchard management and do a good job of preparing to respond to all unexpected situations. Increase grape yield and boost your own economic benefits. That is all for today's introduction. If you want to learn more related information, please continue to follow us!