Q. Last year, my plum tree didn’t have any fruit at all. This spring, it has so many plums that I’m afraid the branches may break! Why?
This phenomenon is called “alternate year bearing” and is very common in fruit trees. In non-bearing years, the tree tends to expend its resources on vegetative growth since fruit production takes an enormous amount of energy. Although this is a natural occurrence, there are some steps you can take to mitigate it.
In bearing years, aggressively thin the fruit to alleviate stress on the tree. An extremely heavy fruit load will not only stress the tree’s resources but will also result in broken branches. Removing up to 90% of fruit also means that the remaining fruit will be larger and better tasting. Be ruthless when thinning and make several passes since you’re bound to miss branches. Start on branch ends that are farther from the trunk and leave only a few near the base of the branches. The remaining fruit should be at least 8 inches apart. Fruit at the branch tips creates more stress and is more likely to break the branch. When removing, twist the fruit while gently lifting it. Pulling downwards will cause breakage (which is what you’re trying to avoid in the first place).
Other factors may influence fruit production or non-production, including environmental conditions. If frost occurs after a bloom, the flowers may drop and cause a reduced fruit set. Low populations of pollinating insects may also adversely affect fruit production. This may be caused by excessive pesticide use or a shortage of food sources (flowers). Plant pollinator-friendly flowers and use insecticides sparingly (or not at all).
When pruning in the winter or early spring, trim branches in a way that allows light to penetrate the interior canopy of the tree. It’s okay to remove dead branches, but don’t cut off those little spikey twigs in a misguided effort to “clean up” the tree because those little spikes are fruiting spurs. (Yes, people have actually done this, then asked why they didn’t get any fruit.)
Q. Some of my indoor plants became infested with fungus gnats and they are driving me crazy! What can I do to get rid of them?
Fungus gnats are not only annoying, but they are also bad for your plants. The flying insects can be taken care of with those little yellow sticky traps. Don’t use these if you have a cat that likes to hang out with your houseplants – this is a lesson I learned from an unfortunate experience.
The fungus gnat larvae are the real, but unseen, villains since they feed off plant roots. Fortunately, they can be eradicated by drenching the soil with B. israelensis. Just purchase some mosquito dunks (granular or tablets) and follow the package directions for fungus gnat treatment. Several treatments are usually required, but this should take care of your gnat problem.
Los Angeles County
mglosangeleshelpline@ucdavis.edu; 626-586-1988; celosangeles.ucanr.edu/UC_Master_Gardener_Program/
Orange County
ucceocmghotline@ucanr.edu; mgorange.ucanr.edu/
Riverside County
anrmgriverside@ucanr.edu; 951-955-0170; ucanr.edu/sites/RiversideMG/
San Bernardino County
mgsanbern@ucanr.edu; 909-387-2182; mgsb.ucanr.edu
Related Articles
Why Pride of Madeira is such a memorable, drought-tolerant flowering plant The secret to a refreshing cocktail or mocktail might be growing in the garden How creating colorful plant combinations can create an impact in the garden What makes a plant invasive and harmful? Let’s look at some examples 2 things to do in your yard to make a difference, says native plant expert Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Too much or too little fruit on your tree? Here’s what you can do about it )
Also on site :