What to Do About Citrus Fruit Drop Before Harvest? A Detailed Guide to Prevention and Control

Citrus blooms and sets fruit, and just when it looks about to ripen, which is the time for growers to reap the rewards of a year of hard work, many growers find that their fruit begins to drop continuously, causing relatively large losses for farmers. So what causes citrus fruit drop before harvest? Let's find out together.

I. Causes

Citrus fruit drop before harvest may be caused by insufficient nutrients in the tree, meaning less nutrition is supplied to the fruit, making fruit drop more likely; second, during sustained high temperatures or when high-temperature weather occurs, pre-harvest fruit drop can also appear in some areas. In addition, after the fruit ripens, the stem is also very prone to separating, and when heavy rain comes later, the fruit will be knocked down by the rain, or the fruit absorbs too much water and drops. If light is too poor, it will also affect the synthesis of nutrients, and nutrient deficiency-induced fruit drop is also very likely; in the later stage, drought and lack of water will also cause large-scale fruit drop, and severe pests and diseases will also cause fruit drop.

II. Prevention

1. Fertilization

Apply sufficient fertilizer during every growth stage of citrus. During the fruiting stage, continue topdressing until after harvest to ensure the fruit has sufficient nutrients for growth and development. At the same time, pay attention to supplementing trace elements to avoid fruit drop caused by deficiency symptoms.

2. Pruning

Prune the canopy structure at any time to ensure good light penetration and satisfy photosynthesis. Cut off excess branches; some dead branches, branches crossing through the interior, drooping branches, and branches that disrupt the canopy structure must all be pruned away. This can save a large portion of nutrients. Prune at any time during the growing period, so nutrients can be accumulated and supplied to the fruit.

III. Improvements

1. Weather

When high-temperature weather occurs, you can spray water in the orchard in the morning and evening to cool it down, or you can harvest early. Pay attention to weather changes, and open ditches for drainage in time before rain to avoid water accumulation and allow rainwater to drain away. If there is drought, water in the afternoon or evening to keep the soil moist, until it starts to rain, and stop when the weather eases.

2. Pest and Disease Control

A common disease is anthracnose. When it occurs, a lesion appears on the fruit and gradually expands, rotting when it encounters rain. Often, after half the fruit rots, it falls; if the lesion is at the leaf stalk, it is even more likely to fall. Some fruits bored by insects, such as those bored by fruit flies, look intact on the outside but are spoiled inside and will fall on their own. This needs to be prevented in advance, and controlled promptly once it occurs.

The above is an introduction to what to do about citrus fruit drop before harvest. I hope it can help you. To learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.