Peach tree management methods in August

In August, peach trees enter a critical period of flower bud differentiation and fruit ripening. The management measures at this time will directly affect the healthy growth of peach trees and the quality of the fruit. Let’s study together a guide to peach tree planting and management in August.

1. Tree Management

With the arrival of the high temperature season in August, summer pruning of peach trees needs to be carried out with caution to avoid causing unnecessary damage to the trees. Avoid harsh pruning during the hot August months. Wait until the end of the month when the temperature gradually drops, then carry out moderate pruning of the peach trees, removing upright, overgrown branches, crossed branches, overlapping branches, diseased and insect-infested branches, and thin branches. Be careful to maintain the appropriate branch length and avoid excessive pruning. For the bare areas inside the crown where there is insufficient light, we improve the light conditions by pulling branches, fill the inner space, and promote balanced growth inside the tree.

2. Soil, fertilizer and water management

Apply fertilizer in time after harvesting the fruits to replenish nutrients in the tree and make up for the nutrients consumed by the growth of new shoots and fruiting. Fertilization should be done within one week after harvest, and combined with irrigation during drought. The amount used depends on the tree's vigor. Normally, 0.5 to 0.75 kg of triple compound fertilizer is applied per plant. In hot and dry weather, dissolve the fertilizer first and then apply fertilizer and water. Water thoroughly to avoid burning the roots. Fertilization and watering should be done in the evening.

3. Pest and disease control

Stop using pesticides half a month before harvesting late-maturing varieties to prevent pesticide residues. In early August, spray a mixture of 1.8% avermectin emulsifiable concentrate and 25% carbendazim No. 3 for prevention and control of pear borer. Pay attention to the development of peach tree perforation disease in August, the rainfall season. Peach orchards with mild disease can be sprayed with Ningnanmycin and zinc thiazole, while those with severe disease can be sprayed with zinc sulfate lime solution. The prevention and control of pink-necked longhorn beetles include shaking off to catch adult insects, hooking out or killing larvae with a knife, and fumigating larvae.

IV. Technical measures for flood prevention

There is frequent rainfall in August. Orchards in low-lying areas and with poor irrigation and drainage should clean the three ditches in advance to ensure smooth drainage. Drain water quickly after heavy rain to reduce the adverse effects of stagnant water on peach trees. High temperature and high humidity climate can easily cause diseases and insect pests. We should take advantage of favorable weather to spray pesticides throughout the orchard, focusing on preventing and controlling pear borer, borer disease, anthracnose, etc.

5. Harvest Management

For orchards that have not yet completed harvesting, ripe fruits should be harvested before the rain to reduce economic losses.

The above are the key points for planting and managing peach trees in August. Fruit farmers are advised to refer to and learn from them based on actual conditions to lay a solid foundation for a bumper fruit harvest in autumn and flowers and fruits next year.