This year, peach trees experienced a more severe third stage of physiological fruit drop, particularly in the "Daiwan Honeydew" variety. This phenomenon has raised concerns among growers, as it significantly affects yield and quality. The third stage of physiological fruit drop typically occurs between late May and early June, during the hardening of the peach pit. It is closely related to the tree's overall productivity and is mainly caused by various unfavorable factors that hinder embryo development.
One major cause is excessive vegetative growth, which creates an imbalance between the tree's leafy growth and its reproductive output. When the tree focuses too much on growing leaves and shoots, it diverts most of the photosynthetic products away from the developing fruits, leading to nutrient shortages and subsequent fruit drop. To address this, proper summer pruning is essential. In mid-May, it's important to remove excess shoots and buds to control new growth. Additionally, avoid applying fertilizers before the kernel stage, as this can stimulate unwanted shoot growth.
Environmental factors also play a significant role. Prolonged high temperatures can negatively impact fruit development, and water stress during the hard core stage can lead to embryo failure and fruit drop. Therefore, maintaining adequate soil moisture is crucial. If there's less than two weeks of rain, check the soil's water-holding capacity and consider irrigation to ensure the embryos receive enough water for normal development.
Improper pesticide use is another contributing factor. It's advisable to target specific pests with one type of insecticide or fungicide rather than mixing multiple chemicals. Overuse or frequent application of pesticides can cause phytotoxicity, further stressing the tree and increasing fruit drop. It's recommended to alternate pesticide use every 10–15 days to minimize damage.
This year, the weather played a key role. Mid-May saw reduced rainfall, leading to water shortages. High transpiration from the leaves worsened dehydration, further impeding embryo growth. The "Daiwan Honeydew" peach, known for its lower heat tolerance compared to other varieties, was especially affected, resulting in more severe fruit drop.
In conclusion, while the third stage of physiological fruit drop is a natural process, this year's severe occurrence was influenced by poor summer management, unusual weather conditions, and improper pesticide use. These factors combined to create a challenging situation for growers. Moving forward, careful analysis and improved field management practices are necessary to prevent similar issues in the future. By refining techniques and adopting a more scientific approach, farmers can better support tree health and reduce fruit loss.
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