If inclement weather continues, production may be affected due to premature flowering of apple trees.
Jagran correspondent, Shimla. The concern of gardeners has increased due to lack of rain in Himachal Pradesh for a long time. Due to continuous sunshine and above normal average temperature, flowering of apple can happen about 10 to 15 days before the scheduled time. This change in weather can affect the apple crop. Horticulture expert Dr. SP Bhardwaj says that if there is not enough rainfall or snowfall by the end of February, then buds may emerge prematurely on apple trees. If flowering occurs prematurely, the pollination process is affected, which also affects the setting of the apple. In such a situation, there is a possibility of reduced production.
Flowers do not survive due to lack of moisture in the ground
He told that due to lack of moisture in the ground at the time of flowering, the flower does not last long. Due to continuous sunshine, not only is the flowering of apple likely to happen soon, but petals have also started blooming in stone fruits. However, due to lack of rain now, there is a possibility of less impact on stone fruits.
Gardeners are gazing at the sky, waiting for rain, because timely rainfall is considered the key to better flowering and good setting.
Save moisture, avoid fertilizing
Horticulturist has advised to avoid adding fertilizer for now. Adding fertilizer to dry soil does not provide the expected benefits to the plants and may have adverse effects on the roots. Instead, gardeners have been advised to do mulching to save moisture.
Spreading dry grass, leaves or other organic matter around tree trunks helps in maintaining soil moisture for a longer period of time. Experts believe that if there is a change in the weather and rainfall by the first week of March, the situation may become normal to some extent.
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