What to Do About Fruit Cracking in Fujiminori Grapes? Cause Analysis and Control Measures

Fujiminori grape is one of the more popular grape varieties. Its berries are large and sweet, with plenty of juice and large berries, making it highly prone to fruit cracking. Once the fruit cracks, it quickly becomes infected with other diseases and rots in hot and humid seasons, causing economic losses. So what causes fruit cracking in Fujiminori grapes? How should it be controlled? Let's take a look together.

I. Causes of Fruit Cracking

1. Drastic changes in moisture

During fruit development, fruit cracking caused by drastic changes in soil moisture occurs as follows: in summer, temperatures are high and evaporation is great, so the soil dries out very easily and moisture is insufficient. If heavy rain suddenly falls or flood irrigation is used, the roots absorb a large amount of water and transport it to the flesh cells, causing the flesh cells to rapidly expand as they take up water. The skin cannot keep up with the expansion rate of the flesh, so the skin splits.

2. Improper management

If the fruit cluster is infected with powdery mildew, the skin will also be damaged and fruit cracking will occur. If the plant loses its leaves early, transpiration is reduced, and a large amount of water in the tree flows to the berries, raising the turgor pressure of the berries, so the skin cannot withstand it and splits.

II. Control Methods

1. Regulate moisture

Stabilising and balancing soil moisture is the most fundamental measure for preventing grape fruit cracking. Especially during the period when the fruit is sensitive to cracking, you must constantly watch for changes in soil moisture and prevent drastic fluctuations, keeping the vineyard soil from turning white on the surface and keeping it consistently moist. Water promptly during drought, but pay attention to the amount of watering; it is not advisable to water too much at one time. After the rainy season, when sunny days return, irrigate for several consecutive days to combat drought. At this time, the irrigation amount should be sufficient, with water covering the bed surface, until the berries begin to absorb it. Alternatively, pay attention to the weather forecast and irrigate well before heavy rain arrives, which can effectively reduce the degree of fruit cracking. You can also lay a 5-10 cm thick layer of rice straw on the bed surface when the hot season arrives, which provides excellent moisture retention.

2. Strengthen cultivation management

Strictly carry out shaping of flower clusters, flower thinning and fruit thinning to prevent fruit clusters from pressing against each other due to overly dense growth, strengthen disease control measures, and protect the photosynthesis of the leaves. Apply more phosphorus and potassium fertiliser; especially applying more phosphorus and potassium fertiliser during the pit-hardening stage can reduce fruit cracking. After the first physiological fruit drop, spraying growth regulators can significantly reduce fruit cracking.

The above is an introduction to the causes of fruit cracking in Fujiminori grapes and control measures. We hope it helps you. To learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.