Why does an apple tree drop fruits before they ripen: reasons and what to do

During the fruiting period of apple trees, cases are likely when the crop crumbles before ripening. By understanding in time why an apple tree can drop fruits before they ripen, it will be possible to take measures to preserve the crop. Fruits falling to the ground from a great height are often damaged by impact, rot and cannot be stored for a long time due to the resulting defects.

Causes for apples to fall

Faced with the problem of early fruit fall, it is necessary to understand the reasons why the tree throws off apples. Finding out why the crop does not stay on the branches until the moment of harvest, it will be necessary to reconsider the care of the tree in order to save the crop.

Increased yield

With an excess of fruit on the branches, the apple tree is not able to withstand them and begins to drop it on its own. Falling occurs as a result of the process of natural selection, and the fruits remaining on the tree absorb all the nutrients and acquire high palatability.

Not enough moisture

If sufficient moisture is not supplied to the roots, the process of self-preservation is activated due to premature dropping of fruits. Even in non-arid areas, soil moisture should be checked regularly and watered if necessary.

Lack of nutrients in the soil

Unnutritious soil causes tree branches to become weak and unable to hold heavy fruits. The need for nutrients in fruit plantations exists throughout all stages of growth.

Excess moisture

Frequent and abundant watering, as well as excess groundwater, provoke root rot and mold.

As a result of excessive fluid intake to the roots, the process of fruit set slows down, and part of the crop falls off due to a decrease in plant immunity.

Insect pests

Damage to the roots or surface of the apple tree by harmful insects causes shedding and damage to the crop. Insects gnaw through branches, damage the trunk and prevent new shoots from forming.

Increased soil acidity

When planting an apple tree, it is necessary to take into account the physical and chemical properties of the soil. Fruit trees are able to tolerate a slight acidity of the earth, but on soil with a high acidity index, the plant does not develop fully.Also, leached carbonate soils are not suitable for this crop.

Incorrect pollination

For the development and fruiting of some varieties of apple trees, pollination of inflorescences is required. To this end, it is required to grow herbs with a pronounced aroma or other tree varieties that attract pollinating insects nearby.

Shedding leaves

Premature shedding of leaves disrupts the nutrition process, weakens trees, slows down development and adversely affects fruiting. On apple trees with an insufficiently thickened crown, the fruits fall off due to low immunity and improper branch formation.

Fruit set drops

In early summer, partial dropping of the ovary is a natural process as the trees distribute their strength and get rid of excess fruit. If the ovaries begin to fall at a different time or in large numbers, the probable cause may be improper pruning, frost exposure, or damage due to direct ultraviolet rays.

Apple blossoms fall

A small number of inflorescences on an apple tree directly affects the future harvest. Falling flowers due to adverse weather conditions or an unsuitable location leads to early shedding of fruits before they ripen.

Late return frosts

Returning frosts and a sharp change in weather negatively affect the development of fruit trees. Frozen fruits and branches of apple trees lose their immunity, as a result of which the crop falls off.

Technical ripeness of fruits

The technical ripeness of apples suggests that they have gained the necessary mass and look ready to be harvested on the outside, but are not fully ripe inside. On some varieties of trees, technically ripe fruits fall off due to their large weight.

Fruit Preservation Activities

When the question arises of what to do to preserve the quality and quantity of the crop, a set of protective measures will need to be implemented. The cause of fruit shedding, the current state of the plantations and the surrounding conditions must be considered.

Timely watering

For active growth and proper development of trees, it is enough to provide three times watering. The soil should be moistened to a depth of more than 80 cm. Primary watering is carried out at the end of spring before flowering, the next - at the end of June when the ovaries are formed and the final - before the onset of the first frost. If the weather is dry, additional watering is required during the period of intensive fruit ripening, as well as during a long autumn, so that the apple trees are not dehydrated during the winter.

Fertilizer and top dressing

Fertilization and top dressing is a prerequisite for the fruiting of apple trees. To avoid early shedding of fruits, the following rules must be considered:

The first feeding is carried out in the spring. During this period, nitrogenous fertilizers are applied under the roots of plants, which activate the vegetation process.
During flowering, diluted flavoring agents are added. In rainy weather, dry products should be used.
After flowering, treatment with nitrophoska or organic fertilizers is required. About 3 buckets of top dressing are applied under each seedling.

Pest control

Harmful insects not only lead to premature shedding of fruits, but also affect the trunk, roots and foliage of seedlings. To destroy and scare away different types of insects, individual methods of control are required.

Apple codling moth

The most common pest of apple trees is the codling moth. Outwardly similar to butterflies, pests gnaw through the pulp of fruits and settle inside them.Due to the impact of the codling moth, the apples fall off and begin to rot as the insects stay inside and continue to destroy the pulp. To eliminate the codling moth, it is necessary to spray the plants with organophosphorus compounds, pheromones, neonicotinoids and other preparations from the insecticidal category.

Aphid

Different types of aphids, when infested with apple trees, suck the juice from the foliage, gnaw through the young shoots and leave secretions that attract flies, ants and other insects. After exposure to aphids, the foliage turns yellow and falls off, the tree becomes more vulnerable to infections, and the yield is significantly reduced.

Fight against the spread of aphids is necessary in early spring, when the leaves are just beginning to bloom.

Insecticides and chemicals are suitable for pest control. When spraying plants for protective purposes, it is important to take into account that repellents act for a long time and pose a danger to pollinators of inflorescences.

Pincers

Spider mites feed on plant sap, as a result of which apple trees lose a significant part of their foliage and slow down in development. Infestation of trees by mites leads to fruit drop, yield reduction, deterioration of the plant's immunity and its susceptibility to infections and viruses.

To prevent the spread of the tick, it is necessary to regularly inspect the plants and take preventive measures. Chemicals are used to eliminate pests. No more than two sprays are recommended during one season.

Apple moth

In case of damage to fruit trees by apple moth, the process of natural development stops, and the ovaries actively fall off. Untimely insect control leads to severe damage to the ground parts of plants, reduced yields and leaf fall. As a result, plantings become vulnerable and may die with further frosts or the development of diseases.

Treatment with repellent solutions should be carried out in early May, when the moth is most susceptible to chemicals. To prevent insects from moving to he althy trees, it is necessary to perform complex processing.

Leaflet

Despite their compact size, leaf rollers can damage the buds, foliage and fruits of trees. With a large-scale invasion, pests can damage a significant part of the crop. In order for insect control to be most effective, you should begin to eliminate the consequences in the early stages. For protection, not only apple trees should be treated, but also plants growing in the neighborhood. Leafworm larvae are able to move to nearby shrubs and continue to spread the infection.

Flyers are repelled by insecticidal and chemical preparations, including Kinmiks, Inta-Vir, Avant and others.

Apple flower beetle

Mass attacks of the flower beetle can completely destroy the buds and deprive the gardener of the crop. Flower beetles live under the bark and in fallen leaves, becoming active at the time of bud break. In order to detect pests in a timely manner, it is necessary to visually inspect apple trees with the onset of the first warming.

The primary measure to combat the flower beetle is to clean the trunk and knots from obsolete bark. After this, treatment with repellent drugs is required, including Karbofos, Fufanon or Inta-Ts-M. During the growing season, double spraying is carried out.

Soil deoxidation

If a seedling is grown in an area with a high acidity index, and there is no possibility of transplanting it, it is required to deoxidize the land. To perform this procedure, lime, chalk or dolomite flour should be added to the soil. Substances are able to saturate the soil with nutrients and reduce the level of acidity.

Also can be purchased at specialized stores deoxidizer. To test the acidity of the earth, use litmus strips with indicators.

Preservation of unripe fruits

When unripe fruits fall from apple trees, you can save them for further artificial ripening. So that the crop does not deteriorate, it should be laid out in wooden boxes and left in a dark room at a temperature of 10-15 degrees. It is recommended to periodically inspect the fruits so that in case of rotting of some specimens, weed them out from he althy apples.

The right choice of apple varieties

Depending on the type of soil on the site, weather conditions and other factors, it is necessary to select the appropriate variety of fruit tree To get the maximum yield and prevent premature fall, you should study the characteristics of different types of apple trees.Choosing the right variety and providing the right care is the key to a stable harvest.

Timely pruning

Fruits need a constant supply of oxygen and natural light. An excessively thickened crown creates obstacles for the sun and ventilation of the ground part of the plant. It is recommended to prune plantings in early spring so that the apple tree has time to adapt during the hot period.

Whitewashing trunks

In order for the apple tree to take root on the site and actively develop, it is necessary to provide full care. One of the conditions for care is whitewashing the trunks. As a general rule, the procedure should be performed twice during the year.

Spring whitewashing is carried out to protect the trunk from exposure to ultraviolet rays. The trunk is the most vulnerable point, so you should protect it from sunburn and other damage.The autumn procedure is necessary for the destruction of pests that live inside the bark. To prevent insects from remaining under the bark for the winter, substances that destroy pest larvae are added to the whitewash solution.