Surely! Here’s the article on the regarding spray schedule in apple to control premature fruit fall.
Apple trees are a significant investment, and as an orchardist, you want to ensure that you’re getting the best harvest possible. Premature fruit fall is a common issue faced by apple growers that can significantly reduce yield. However, this problem can be prevented with the right spray schedule.
Spraying apples with the appropriate chemicals at the right time is the most effective way of preventing premature fruit fall. The following spray schedule will help you manage your apple crop effectively.
1. Lime-sulfur Spray – Early in the Season:
The first spray to prevent premature fruit fall occurs during the early stages of the growing season, about two weeks after the petals fall. It’s a time to focus on preventing fungal diseases like apple scab, pests, and early-stage fruit thinning. Use a lime-sulfur spray for this purpose. Lime-sulfur spray will help in eliminating mites and some other early-season pests thoroughly.
2. Insecticide Spray – After Petal Fall:
Insects like codling moth can cause premature fruit fall. Once petal fall occurs, applying an insecticide spray can help you eliminate these pests. An insecticide spray will kill the insects that attack the fruit, giving your apples a better chance to mature and ripen.
3. NAA Spray – 30 Days After Petal Fall:
Around 30 days after petal fall, you can spray your apple trees with naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). This chemical helps reduce fruit drop by decreasing the presence of hormones that can lead to fruit abscission. NAA should only be applied on certain apple varieties that might suffer premature fruit fall.
4. GA Spray – 40-45 Days After Petal Fall:
Gibberellic Acid (GA) is an excellent growth regulator that can help reduce premature fruit fall. Spray your apple trees with GA between 40 to 45 days after petal fall to get the best results. GA can reduce fruit drops and improve yields.
5. Mites and Fungal Diseases – After 60 Days:
At about 60 days after petal fall, you should consider another application of an insecticide spray or lime-sulfur to help remove mites and prevent fungal diseases from attacking the fruit. Such pests and diseases can lead to fruit drops if left unchecked.
Conclusion:
Spraying apple trees to prevent premature fruit fall is a simple and effective method that any orchardist can adopt. Implementing the right spray schedule will help you maximize your returns on the investment. Early-season lime-sulfur sprays, insecticide, NAA, GA, and mid-season insecticide, and lime-sulfur are essential to ensure that your apples mature and ripen well. With this in mind, you can provide the best environment for your apples to grow, resulting in a bountiful and healthy harvest.