As an orchard owner or a fruit farmer, it’s crucial to understand dormancy and what role it plays in the health and productivity of your fruit trees.

But what is it?

Dormancy is a natural phase that fruit trees go through at a certain time of the year. It is a period of rest whereby the three conserve energy and prepare for the upcoming growing season.

At this time, the tree's growth slows down, and the metabolic processes are reduced. This protects the trees from extreme weather conditions and ensures their survival during these cold months. It enters this state in response to the dropping temperatures. In short, it can be viewed as a self-preservation mechanism that is provided by nature.

What is the importance of overcoming dormancy in fruit trees?

If you want to enjoy a bountiful harvest, you need to know the importance of overcoming dormancy.

Dormancy break is a period when the tree starts to come out of the dormancy state and prepares for the growing season. This is the time when the buds start to swell and new growth begins to emerge.

Promoting dormancy breaks kickstarts the tree’s growth and maximizes its productivity.

Without proper dormancy breaks, the fruit trees struggle to develop; they are unable to produce healthy fruits, and their overall vigor and health are reduced.

Signs of Dormancy in Fruit Trees

During the dormancy period, the tree’s growth slows down, and the leaves start to change color and eventually fall off. Besides, the tree’s branches become bare, indicating there is no sign of new growth.

The absence of blossoms or fruits on the tree can also be an indication of dormancy. During this period, the trees redirect their energy towards root growth and nutrient storage. These signs show that the tree requires specific care to overcome dormancy.

Tips for Promoting Dormancy Break in Fruit Trees

Your plants need special care and attention to promote a dormancy break. But the question remains: how do you promote the break? Well, here are a few tips that may work wonders, such as:

Desiccation

Did you know you can counteract the lack of chilling to some extent using cultural practices? Desiccation is an excellent option, whereby you withhold irrigation water in the dry season following harvest to induce early dormancy.

Chemicals

Apart from cultural control, prolonged dormancy can also be reduced using chemicals such as potassium nitrate (KNO3), thiourea, and dinitro-orthocresol (DNOC). Besides, this can also be done using cyanamide (DormexTM). 

Spraying the trees with these chemicals causes the leaf buds and flowers to open more evenly and at the right time. However, when using DNOC or tail oil, you need to grow the cultivars within their climate range. Some cultivars that would not have grown properly unless sprayed bear good yields after chemical treatment.

For instance, potassium nitrate affects primarily flower buds, whereas thiourea induces the opening of leaf buds.

Pruning techniques and proper watering

Removing dead and diseased branches can also work as a dormancy break strategy. It stimulates new growth and improves airflow in the plants. This should be done before new growth begins.

During dormancy, the trees require less water as little vegetative growth is taking place. However, you still need to keep the plants watered to keep the trees from drying out.

Enjoy Healthy and Fruitful Trees All Year Round

Overcoming dormancy in your fruit trees is an essential step to achieving a thriving orchard. 

Start your journey towards healthy and fruitful trees by implementing Frutunda's management strategies and certified seedlings.

Our expertise and commitment to quality will give you a 100% guarantee that you can easily overcome dormancy and enjoy the beauty and abundance of your trees.

Take the necessary steps today to ensure the success of your fruit trees tomorrow!

Frutunda prides itself on its commitment to quality. Our range of certified services, along with our comprehensive agronomy support and orchard management, ensures that you can establish an orchard with confidence. With just a phone call, we are ready to assist you. Don't hesitate; reach out today!

Visit us here at our farm, Ridgeways, along Kigwa Road.

Contact: 0769623300

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