Gyeonggi Agricultural Research Institute Warns of Sunburn Damage to Fruit Trees Due to Heatwave

The Gyeonggi-do Agricultural Research and Extension Services has urged farmers to take special precautions against 'sunburn' damage to fruit trees such as apples, which is a concern due to the heatwave following heavy rainfall.

Sunburn damage is a physiological disorder that occurs when the surface of the fruit is directly exposed to strong sunlight, causing symptoms similar to burns.

In the early stages, the fruit skin turns white or pale yellow, and later it can become brown and softened, potentially leading to secondary diseases such as anthracnose.

In particular, fruit that has not been bagged is at greater risk. If high temperatures persist, the entire orchard may suffer from excessive respiration, lack of moisture, decreased sugar content, and fruit drop.

Gyeonggi-do Agricultural Research and Extension Services warned farmers to be especially cautious of 'sunburn' damage to fruit trees caused by strong sunlight exposure. Provided by Gyeonggi-do

Accordingly, the research institute recommended preventive measures such as installing shade nets, using micro-sprinkler systems, removing damaged fruit early, and irrigating briefly but frequently.

It also explained that operating wind circulation fans or air circulation fans?originally installed to prevent cold damage in spring?without hot air can help disperse stagnant hot air inside the orchard.

Lee Junbae, head of the Technology Dissemination Division at the Gyeonggi-do Agricultural Research and Extension Services, said, "With the heatwave arriving earlier than in previous years, the risk of damage to fruit farms is increasing. We will minimize damage by expanding on-site distribution of heatwave response technologies such as shade nets and micro-sprinkler systems, and by strengthening education on orchard management practices."