Apple tree planting and management methods in August

August will usher in two important solar terms, Beginning of Autumn and End of Heat. At this time, apple trees are in the critical period of flower bud differentiation, the fruits enter the swelling stage, the tree tips continue to grow, and the fruits of early-maturing varieties begin to mature. Let’s learn about the planting and management methods of apple trees in August.

1. Branch pruning

Branch pulling is a key measure to regulate tree vigor and promote flower bud differentiation. For fruit trees that have just reached their ideal height, timely pulling up of branches and topping off the branches will help balance the tree. Clean the tree trunk, cut off the overgrown branches inside and the overgrown strips at the saw cuts, thin out large fruitless branches that affect ventilation and light transmission, as well as overly dense and ineffective branches, and optimize light and ventilation conditions. For the sprouting branches on the central trunk and main branches, they should be flattened when they grow to about 1 meter to slow down the growth momentum. Reasonably thin out the fruit-bearing branches, selectively retain suitable branches, and balance the tree vigor. In autumn, trees that are beginning to bear fruit are pruned with "live caps" to promote flower bud formation and further moderate the tree's vigor.

2. Fruit Management

Implement a staged harvesting strategy. In view of the inconsistent maturity and storage resistance of mid- and early-maturing varieties, harvest them in batches immediately after maturity to ensure the freshness of the fruit. For early-maturing apples such as Golden Century and Asus, remove the bags in time and lay reflective film if necessary to promote uniform coloring of the fruit. After harvesting, spray fungicides all over the tree to protect the fruit and the tree, reduce the occurrence of diseases, and supplement nitrogen nutrition to enhance tree vigor.

3. Special management during the fruit expansion period

For late-maturing varieties, apply fruit enlargement fertilizer mainly composed of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers in mid-to-late August, combined with appropriate amounts of nitrogen fertilizers, to promote fruit quality and flower bud development and improve tree resistance.

4. Pest and disease control

Starting from August, spray the orchard with fungicides regularly (every 10 to 15 days) to prevent early leaf fall and other diseases, alternating between protective and systemic fungicides. Use insecticides and miticides such as avermectin and dacarb to control pests such as leaf rollers, leaf miners, beetles , mites, etc. Carefully inspect and treat rot, scrape off lesions and disinfect.

5. Fertilizer and water management

Dryland orchards take measures such as covering and shallow harrowing after rainfall to improve water retention capacity. When there is heavy rainfall, do a good job in drainage and soil and water conservation in the orchard.

6. Planting grass in orchards

Take advantage of the autumn when there is plenty of rain, good soil moisture and suitable climate to plant grass in the orchard in a timely manner, and choose the appropriate sowing method according to the available area.

In summary, through these meticulous management measures, we can ensure the healthy growth of fruit trees, improve fruit quality, and increase the overall productivity of the orchard.