Naju-si Urges Prevention of Cold Damage to Fruit Trees in Spring

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Han-hyuk] Naju City, Jeollanam-do (Mayor Kang In-gyu) has urged farmers to take thorough precautions to prevent cold damage to fruit trees in spring and to secure various fruit tree pollens, which are expected to face difficulties due to COVID-19.

According to the city on the 30th, last year the Naju area suffered significant damage due to poor fruit set and deformities caused by abnormal low temperatures before and after the fruit tree flowering period.

The problem is that this year, too, the early bud break of pear trees, triggered by a warm winter, has advanced by about 4 to 7 days compared to the previous year, raising concerns about damage such as pistil withering caused by low temperatures, making prior preparation essential.

The key to preventing cold damage is managing soil moisture and temperature control for fruit trees.

Farmers should perform rotary tillage in orchards once bud break begins to suppress soil moisture evaporation, and reduce cold damage by using micro-sprinkler irrigation methods that scatter water or by operating wind machines to circulate warm air in the upper layers.

Since fruit trees that bloom early suffer greater damage, farmers are advised to frequently check the flower condition and perform artificial pollination in 2 to 3 divided sessions.

Along with cold damage, difficulties in pollen supply for next year due to COVID-19 are also anticipated.

Fruit trees require artificial pollination in case flower buds suffer cold damage or the activity of pollen-carrying pollinators such as bees and butterflies is low. However, securing pollen collected from China is expected to face setbacks due to prolonged COVID-19 quarantine and customs clearance difficulties.

Therefore, it is important for each farm to collect and store a sufficient amount of pollen.

Varieties rich in pollen such as Chuhwang, Super Gold, Changjo, and Manhwang are good choices and can also be used as pollen donors for the main variety ‘Shingo’.

Mayor Kang In-gyu said, “Due to the warm winter, the flowering period has advanced, raising concerns about cold damage and difficulties in pollen supply. We hope farmers will pay close attention to weather information and follow management guidelines for each fruit tree to minimize damage.”