Apple tree management methods in April

With the arrival of April, the earth comes back to life, the temperature rises steadily, and creatures in nature wake up from hibernation and begin a new round of growth cycle. For fruit trees like apple trees, spring is not only the beginning of growth, but also a critical period that determines the year's harvest. Let’s learn together about apple tree management methods in April.

1. Orchard cleaning and pest and disease prevention

Before the fruit trees sprout, the orchard should be cleaned in time to remove fallen leaves, weeds and other materials that may harbor pests and diseases. Spray lime sulfur or other recommended pesticide mixtures throughout the garden to prevent and control the occurrence of pests and diseases. Choose the appropriate agent and concentration, and dilute it according to the recommended multiple before use to ensure that it can effectively prevent and control pests and diseases and protect fruit trees from drug damage.

2. Fertilizer and Water Management

1. Topdressing

For fruit trees that have not been fertilized or have been fertilized insufficiently, an appropriate amount of compound fertilizer can be applied before budding, and the amount of fertilizer can be adjusted according to the age of the tree and the fruiting conditions. Water should be applied in time after fertilization to facilitate the absorption and utilization of fertilizer. Using a fertilizer gun for soil injection fertilization can deliver fertilizer to the roots of fruit trees more accurately.

2. Watering

For newly planted saplings, water them regularly to keep the soil moist, which is beneficial to improving the survival rate of seedlings and promoting growth. After watering, you can use mulch to cover the tree tray to reduce water evaporation and maintain soil moisture.

3. Tree shape and growth management

1. Bud carving

Before budding in spring, the branches are bud-cut to promote the growth of strong branches. For the parts of the middle trunk where branches are missing and the branches that are too vigorous, bud cutting should be carried out in a targeted manner or the wounds should be incised at a specific time according to the specific situation.

2. Suppress the top and promote sprouting

For shorter fruiting branches, the growth of branches can be regulated by breaking off the top flower buds to promote the formation of flower buds.

3. Pull branches

According to the type and shape of the fruit tree, reasonably adjust the branch pulling angle to promote reasonable distribution of branches and fruiting.

4. Remove the buds

Before and during budding, remove unnecessary competing buds and tender shoots in time to reduce ineffective growth and concentrate nutrients on useful branches.

4. Flower and Fruit Management

1. Re-pruning before flowering

For plants with too many flowers, remove some weak flower buds before flowering to maintain a reasonable distribution of flower buds.

2. Thinning flowers and fruits

Starting from the inflorescence separation stage, gradually remove weak inflorescences and excess fruits to ensure that the remaining fruits can obtain sufficient nutrients.

3. Preserve flowers and promote fruiting

During the flowering period, spray nutrient solution and trace elements such as borax in time to promote the development of flowers and fruits. In case of low temperature weather, take measures such as fumigation to protect against the cold, and spray protective agents when necessary.

V. Integrated pest control

In April, we should focus on the prevention and control of diseases such as blossom end rot, core mildew, powdery mildew, rust, and pests such as hawthorn leaf mites, aphids, and beetles .

For rot diseases, the spots should be removed in time and treated with pesticides.

During critical periods, such as the inflorescence separation period and the last flowering period, spray the corresponding pesticide mixture to prevent and control diseases and pests.

At the same time, physical methods, such as hanging trap bottles, can be used to lure and kill pests.

In short, spring is a critical period for orchard management. In order to ensure the healthy growth of fruit trees and increase fruit yield and quality, a series of management measures are needed.