Key points for apple tree management in July

July is a critical growing period for apple trees . Not only do the autumn shoots grow vigorously, but flower bud differentiation and fruit enlargement also reach their peak during this period. It is also a period when diseases and pests are active. Therefore, orchard management in July is critical to ensure apple quality. Let’s learn how to manage apple trees in July.

1. Summer pruning

Adjust the angle of strong branches and long branches to slow down their growth momentum; remove branches that block the sunlight to improve lighting conditions; for trees with too many fruits, take measures such as hanging or topping branches to prevent branches from breaking, and at the same time avoid fruits from squeezing each other, promote healthy growth and uniform coloring of fruits; pinch off excessively vigorous new shoots to control growth and promote the formation of flower buds.

2. Pest and disease control

Under drought conditions, red spider mites may reproduce in large numbers. It is recommended to use a mixture of 1.8% avermectin emulsion and Roushuitong for prevention and control. For orchards with serious apple aphids, in addition to thinning out the affected branches, 48% chlorpyrifos emulsion and 25% imidacloprid suspension can be used for spraying. For the initial prevention and control of leaf rollers and leaf miners, 25% carbendazim suspension or 40% cypermethrin suspension can be used. Strengthen manual capture of leaf rollers, boat caterpillars and other pests. In the rainy season, use 70% methyl thiophanate, 25% propiconazole emulsion or Bordeaux mixture according to the situation to prevent and control diseases such as brown spot disease and leaf spot disease.

3. Fertilization management

From mid to late July, apply an appropriate amount of high-phosphorus and high-potassium compound fertilizer , generally about 50 kilograms per mu, to promote rapid expansion of the fruit, increase the firmness and sugar content of the fruit, and promote coloring.

4. Weed Control

Weeds grow rapidly in July and will compete with fruit trees for nutrients and water, affecting ventilation and light transmission, and increasing the occurrence of diseases and insect pests. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out inter-row cultivation and weeding in time, and mow the grass when it reaches 20 to 30 cm in height.

The above are the key points for apple orchard management in July. You can refer to them based on the specific growth conditions of the apple trees. Through these meticulous management measures, you can effectively improve the quality and yield of apples.