Many gardeners face the problem when green plum fruits begin to fall off before they have time to ripen.
This phenomenon causes disappointment and anxiety, because you really want to enjoy tasty and juicy fruits.
Why do green plums fall from trees and how can this process be prevented?
Nutrient Deficiencies: The Key to the Problem
One of the main reasons for green plum fruit falling off is a lack of nutrients in the soil.
A lack of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus can result in the tree not receiving enough nutrition for normal fruit development.
Regular fertilizing with mineral and organic fertilizers will help to replenish this deficiency and improve the overall condition of the plant.
Incorrect watering: moisture balance
Plum is sensitive to watering regime, and lack or excess of moisture can cause fruit to fall off. Insufficient watering causes stress to the tree, which leads to the shedding of ovaries.
Excessive moisture, in turn, causes root rot and a deterioration in their ability to absorb nutrients.
The optimal watering regime involves regular moistening of the soil to the depth of the roots, especially during periods of drought.
Diseases and pests: a threat to crops
Various diseases and pests can also be the cause of green plum fruit falling off. Diseases such as fruit rot and moniliosis affect the fruit, causing it to fall off prematurely.
Pests such as codling moths and aphids damage ovaries and young fruits, causing them to fall.
Regular preventative treatments with fungicides and insecticides will help protect plums from these threats.
Climate conditions: influence of weather
Sudden changes in weather conditions can negatively affect the condition of the fruits. Spring frosts, strong winds and hail can damage the ovaries and young fruits, causing them to fall off.
Hot and dry weather also puts stress on trees, resulting in fruit loss.
Protecting your garden from adverse weather conditions, such as with cover or windbreaks, can help reduce the risk.
Incorrect pruning: impact on fruiting
Improper pruning of trees can negatively affect their ability to hold fruit.
Excessive branch removal or improper crown formation can lead to weakening of the tree and loss of ovaries.
Balanced pruning aimed at improving air and light circulation within the crown will help maintain the health of the tree and improve its fruiting.
Natural process: load regulation
Sometimes the shedding of green fruits is a natural process by which the tree regulates the load on itself.
If a tree has set too many fruits, it may shed some of them so that the rest can develop better.
This phenomenon is especially often observed in young trees that cannot yet support a large number of fruits.
Previously, we talked about how to check if there are ticks on your property.
