Pomegranate is a popular fruit that is grown in many parts of the world. However, many pomegranate growers face the problem of flower drop, which can greatly reduce their harvest yield. Flower drop is a natural phenomenon that occurs when flowers on a pomegranate tree fall off prematurely, before they have a chance to produce fruit. This occurs due to various factors such as drought, low humidity, insect damage, and extreme temperature conditions. However, flower drop can be controlled with a spray application.
One of the most effective sprays for controlling flower drop in pomegranate is Gibberellic Acid (GA3). Gibberellic Acid is a plant hormone that helps stimulate flower bud formation and reduces the rate of flower drop. This spray application is ideal for pomegranate trees that have a low fruit set or trees that show signs of early flower drop.
Apply the Gibberellic Acid spray for flower drop control at the right time. It is recommended that the spray is applied during the early stages of fruit development. This will help ensure that the fruit that has set on the tree is healthy and of good quality. The Gibberellic Acid spray should be applied at a rate of 10-25 ppm, depending on the age of the tree and weather conditions.
Apart from Gibberellic Acid, other plant growth regulators such as Naphthalene Acetic Acid (NAA) can also be used to control flower drop in pomegranate. Naphthalene Acetic Acid is a synthetic plant hormone that is used to increase fruit set, improve fruit quality, and reduce fruit drop.
In addition to using spray applications, pomegranate growers can also use cultural practices to prevent flower drop. This includes maintaining adequate moisture levels in the soil, providing sufficient nutrients, and protecting the trees from insect pests and diseases. Proper pruning and training of the trees can also help improve their overall health and fruit production.
In conclusion, flower drop in pomegranate trees can significantly reduce fruit yield. However, this problem can be controlled with the use of Gibberellic Acid and other plant growth regulators. Cultural practices such as proper irrigation and pest management also play a significant role in controlling flower drop and maximizing yield. Pomegranate growers should consider incorporating these practices to ensure a healthy and profitable harvest.