What are the methods for preventing late spring cold damage in fruit trees

Fruit trees are highly prone to late spring cold damage in spring. Late spring cold refers to the climatic phenomenon where temperatures rise quickly in early spring but remain low in late spring, which often leads to poor growth after flowering, affects fruit setting, hinders high yields, and impacts the income of fruit growers. So how can this phenomenon be prevented? Let's take a look at the detailed introduction below.

1. Watering to lower temperature

Generally speaking, watering once 7-10 days before fruit trees bloom can significantly lower the soil temperature, delay the time of bud break, and help the trees avoid late spring cold. After bud break and before flowering, watering 1-2 more times can delay flowering by 3-4 days. Watering before the arrival of late spring cold can raise the soil temperature, serving as a preventive measure, and can also reduce freeze damage to fruit trees.

2. Covering for cold protection

Before the arrival of late spring cold, plastic film, straw curtains, and similar materials can be used to cover fruit trees, retaining the geothermal heat being released and also blocking the intrusion of external cold air, thereby reducing freeze damage. This method is generally suitable for young fruit trees or low-growing fruit trees and has a good effect.

3. Spraying limewater

For mature fruit trees or those with large canopies, the covering method above is not suitable. Therefore, one month before the flowering period, fruit trees can be sprayed with limewater at a concentration of 1%. This can delay the flowering period of fruit trees by 3-5 days and help them avoid late spring cold. Moreover, limewater sprayed on the trunk and leaves forms a protective layer that can reduce the damage of frost to fruit trees.

4. Smoking for cold protection

This is a simple and easy method. Before a cold wave arrives, firewood and branches can be lit in the orchard, with less open flame and more smoke. The smoke will form a protective layer over the orchard until the sun comes out, thus avoiding the harm of the cold wave. However, there is one drawback: if the smoking is done at a wind gap, the wind will blow the smoke away. Also, when smoking, care must be taken to avoid burning down the orchard.

5. Foliar fertilizer spraying

Before the arrival of late spring cold, fruit trees that have sprouted can be sprayed with a low-concentration potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution, which can increase the cold resistance of fruit trees and also reduce freeze damage. It can also be combined with foliar fertilizer spraying, spraying plant growth regulators on the plants to prolong the time of bud break or flowering, so that fruit trees can successfully get through the late spring cold.

The above is an introduction to how to prevent late spring cold damage in fruit trees. We hope it can help you. To learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.