As the cherry harvest draws to a close, it’s time to start assessing tree growth and deciding what to do to improve productivity next season.
In most cherry growing regions a wet, cool blossom season followed by a mostly overcast growing season and then mild conditions continuing well into harvest, has resulted in fewer sunlight hours and a drop in expected yields.
Vegetative growth and fruit buds
Following a season that has had mixed results for some varieties, it’s important to check those varieties that rested from production, to see if fruit bud development has been stronger than normal.
The lack of a full crop often results in extra vegetative growth which leads to shading of the lower sections of the tree and results in fewer fruit buds being formed.
That is why it is important to check where the fruit buds are in the tree, and if they appear to be in balance or in excess.
It is difficult to decide to remove limbs from a tree if it did not produce a financial benefit, but it is important to identify trees that are overloaded with fruit buds as it often leads to over-cropping and the production of small fruit that are not economically viable.
Waterlogging
Too much rain over the growing season has also resulted in waterlogged soils.
Excess soil moisture affects root growth and can lead to the odd dead limb showing now. Dead limbs need to be removed low down in the tree—to where there might be a live green shoot.
The other thing that happens when soil becomes waterlogged is that there is a lack of oxygen in the soil profile and it is difficult for nutrients to transfer from the root zone into the tree to nourish growing cherries and leaves—which could also explain some of the disappointing yield results.
Keep your eye on future production and make informed decisions.
See this article in Tree Fruit Feb 2023
