Reasons why an apple tree can drop fruits before they ripen and what to do

During the fruiting period of apple trees, there are likely cases when the crop falls off before ripening. Having understood in a timely manner why an apple tree can drop fruits before they ripen, it will be possible to take measures to preserve the harvest. Fruits that fall to the ground from a great height are often damaged by impact, rot and cannot be stored for long periods due to the resulting defects.

Causes of falling apples

When faced with the problem of early fruit falling, it is necessary to understand the reasons why the tree drops apples. Having figured out why the crop does not remain on the branches until harvest, you will need to reconsider the care of the tree in order to save the crop.

Increased yield

If there is an excessive amount of fruit on the branches, the apple tree is not able to withstand them and begins to drop them on its own. Falling occurs as a result of a process of natural selection, and the fruits remaining on the tree absorb all the nutritional components and acquire high taste characteristics.

Insufficient moisture

If the roots do not receive enough moisture, the process of self-preservation is activated due to the premature dropping of fruits. Even in non-arid areas, it is necessary to regularly check the soil moisture level and water it if necessary.

Lack of nutrients in the soil

The soil, which is not saturated with nutritional components, leads to the fact that tree branches weaken and cannot hold heavy fruits. The need for nutrients in fruit plants exists throughout all stages of growth.

Excessive moisture

Frequent and abundant watering, as well as excess groundwater, provoke rotting of the roots and the formation of mold.

As a result of excessive flow of liquid to the roots, the process of fruit set slows down, and part of the crop crumbles due to a decrease in the plant’s immunity.

Insect pests

Damage to the roots or surface of the apple tree by harmful insects causes shedding and damage to the crop. Insects chew 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 slight acidification of the soil, but in soil with a high acidity level 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. For this purpose, it is necessary to grow herbs with a pronounced aroma or other varieties of trees nearby that attract pollinating insects.

Shedding of leaves

Premature shedding of leaves disrupts the nutrition process, weakens trees, slows down development and negatively affects fruiting. On apple trees with insufficiently thickened crowns, the fruits fall due to low immunity and improper formation of branches.

Fruit ovary drop

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

Apple blossom fall

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

Late return frosts

Returning frosts and sudden changes in weather negatively affect the development of fruit trees. Frostbitten fruits and branches of apple trees lose their immunity, resulting in crop failure.

Technical ripeness of fruits

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

Fruit preservation measures

If the question arises about what to do to preserve the quality and quantity of the crop, you will need to take a set of protective measures. It is necessary to take into account the cause of fruit shedding, the current state of the plantings and environmental conditions.

Timely watering

For active growth and proper development of trees, it is enough to water three times a day. The soil must be moistened to a depth of more than 80 cm. The initial watering is carried out at the end of spring before the start of flowering, the next - at the end of June when the ovaries form and the final - before the onset of the first frost. In dry weather, 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 feeding

The application of fertilizers and fertilizing is a prerequisite for apple trees to bear fruit. To avoid early fruit shedding, the following rules must be taken into account:

1. The first feeding is carried out in the spring. During this period, nitrogenous fertilizers are applied under the roots of plants, which activate the growing season.
2. During flowering, flavoring substances are added in diluted form. In rainy weather, dry products should be used.
3. After flowering, treatment with nitrophoska or organic fertilizers is required. About 3 buckets of fertilizer are applied to 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 repel various types of insects, individual methods of control are required.

Apple moth

The most common pest apple tree is a codling moth. Externally similar to butterflies, pests gnaw through the pulp of fruits and settle inside them. Due to the effects of the codling moth, the apples fall off and begin to rot as the insects remain 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 drugs from the insecticidal category.

Aphid

When different types of aphids infect an apple tree, they suck the juice from the leaves, gnaw through 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 yield is significantly reduced.

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

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

Ticks

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, reduced yield, deterioration of the plant's immunity and its susceptibility to infections and viruses.

To prevent the spread of mites, it is necessary to regularly inspect plants and carry out preventive measures. Chemicals are used to eliminate pests. It is recommended to carry out no more than two sprayings during one season.

Apple moth

In case of damage to fruit trees apple moth The process of natural development stops, and the ovaries actively fall off. Untimely control of insects leads to severe damage to the above-ground parts of plants, reduced yield and loss of leaves. As a result, the plantings become vulnerable and may die due to further frosts or the development of diseases.

Treatment with repellent solutions should be carried out in early May, when moths are most susceptible to chemicals. To prevent insects from moving onto healthy trees, it is necessary to carry out complex treatment.

leaf roller

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

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

Apple flower beetle

Massive attacks of the flower beetle can completely destroy the buds and deprive the gardener of the harvest. Flower beetle beetles live under the bark and in fallen leaves, becoming active at the moment the buds open. 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 twigs of 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 level, and there is no possibility of replanting it, it is necessary to deoxidize the soil. To perform this procedure, lime, chalk or dolomite flour should be added to the soil. Substances can saturate the soil with nutrients and reduce acidity levels.

You can also purchase a deoxidizing agent in specialized stores. To test the acidity of the soil, litmus strips with indicators should be used.

Preservation of unripe fruits

When unripe fruits fall from apple trees, you can save them for further artificial ripening. To prevent the harvest from spoiling, you should put it in wooden boxes and leave it in a dark room at a temperature of 10-15 degrees. It is recommended to periodically inspect the fruits in order to weed them out from healthy apples if some specimens rot.

Choosing the right 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 maximum yield and prevent premature fall, you should study the characteristics of different types of apple trees. Choosing the right variety and providing proper care is the key to a stable harvest.

Timely pruning

Fruits need constant access to oxygen and natural light. An excessively thick crown creates obstacles to the sun and ventilation of the ground part of the plant. It is recommended to prune the 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 adequate 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 place, so you should protect it from sunburn and other damage. The autumn procedure is necessary to destroy 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.