In recent weeks, many cherry farmers have reached out to inquire about post-harvest care techniques. To address this growing interest, the reporter had the opportunity to speak with Professor Zhang Zhicheng, an expert in fruit cultivation at Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University. According to Zhang, cherries typically take more than 30 days from flowering to full maturity. Right now, it's a crucial phase for managing the transition from bloom to fruit ripening, and growers must pay close attention to several key practices.
First, fruit thinning is essential. After the initial fruit set, small, deformed, or damaged fruits—especially those on slender branches—should be removed. This helps balance the tree’s load, improves its overall health, and ensures that nutrients are better directed toward the remaining fruits, which ultimately enhances fruit quality.
Next, topping plays a vital role during the fruit enlargement stage. When new shoots reach around 20 centimeters, they should be pruned significantly—more than half of the shoot should be removed. This practice controls excessive vegetative growth, directs nutrients more effectively, and supports better flower and fruit development. Combined with fruit thinning, these techniques can boost both yield and fruit size.
Leaf picking is another important step. Cherry leaves tend to be large and can block sunlight from reaching the fruits. Removing some leaves can help improve fruit coloration, but it's crucial not to overdo it, as this could harm the tree's health and affect next year’s flower buds.
Another effective method is the use of silver reflective mulch under the tree canopy during the coloring period. This increases light exposure on the lower and inner parts of the tree, which greatly aids in achieving a more uniform and vibrant fruit color.
Water management is also critical. After flowering, when the fruit reaches the size of soybeans, timely watering is necessary. As the fruit enters the hard core stage, proper irrigation prevents "yellow fruit drop." However, it's best to water sparingly to avoid soil dryness. Once the fruit starts to color, watering should be minimized or avoided altogether to prevent cracking.
Fertilization during the fruit development phase is equally important. Farmers can apply foliar sprays such as calcium fertilizer or micro-nutrient solutions like Weizhong 800 times diluted, Gao Mei 400 times, or Feng Baoling 200 times. These treatments have been shown to increase fruit size, improve solid content, and enhance color development.
Lastly, pest and disease prevention is crucial. Most cherry pests and diseases begin to appear during the fruit enlargement phase. Farmers should monitor closely and implement timely control measures to protect their crops.
By following these practices, cherry growers can ensure healthier trees, better-quality fruits, and a more successful harvest season.
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