Apricot Fruit Drop Causes And Treatment For Apricot Fruit Falling Off

Apricot fruit falling off your tree happens because most trees produce significantly more flowers than they need. The odds are that these flowers won't all be successfully pollinated, so the extras are like insurance for the apricot.

Why is my apricot tree dropping fruit?

If a tree has not developed a system to properly store reserve food, the fruit that forms will compete for nutrients to feed them. If there is too much fruit forming, "survival of the fittest" kicks in, and the tree drops fruit.

How do you prevent premature fruit from dropping?

To avoid fruit drop as a result of overbearing, we recommend thinning the young fruit before the tree drops it. In general, it is best to leave 4-6 inches between each fruit and break up any clusters that may form. You may use small, sharp pruners to remove the fruit or simply pluck it off with your fingers.

How do you treat an apricot scab?

Fungicides are the big weapon in treating apricot scab. You'll need to find a fungicide recommended for this disease, then spray according to label directions. Often, you'll need to spray every two weeks from the time the petals fall until 40 days before harvest.

What do you spray apricot trees with?

Spraying apricot trees for pests doesn't stop with the coming of spring. Right at the time of bud break, spray with a fixed copper fungicide to kill off brown rot and shot hole fungi. You may need to use an active apricot fruit tree spray during the growing season if you see any pests or fungus.

How long do apricot trees live?

Apricot trees are perennials, meaning that they can live for very long periods of time; apricots usually live between 40 and 150 years.

Do apricot trees produce fruit every year?

Apricot Yield

A dwarf variety will produce 50 to 100 pounds of fruit per year.

What causes early fruit drop?

Lack of pollination may be the result of cold or wet weather during the bloom period, or by a lack of honey bees. Also, if there is freezing weather just before the flower buds open, more fruit drop may occur. ... Pests and diseases may contribute to the problem of premature fruit drop.

How do you stop blossoms from dropping?

Flower Drop Tips

Keep the soil evenly moist. Mulch helps prevent water evaporation and keeps the moisture level even. ...
Plants experience stress when they don't have the proper nutrients. ...
Plant flowers and vegetables in a location where they will get the right amount of sunlight.

What causes apples to drop early?

Apples start dropping off the tree before they are ripe or even fully grown. Often the flesh has softened and is less tasty than normal. There are many factors that can trigger early fruit drop: excessive fruit load, excessive summer pruning, insect damage, diseases and extremes in weather.

Why do my apricots have black spots?

The black spots on your apricot tree may be characteristic of the fungal disease, freckle. To keep this disease under control as well as leaf curl, brown rot, shot hole and rust, spray your tree at budswell with Yates Leaf Curl Copper Fungicide Spray.

Can you eat apricots with shot hole disease?

Almond, apricot, nectarine, peach, prune and cherry trees can be affected. Both edible and ornamental varieties are vulnerable to infection. Almost all over-ground parts of the plants are affected including the fruits, buds and the stems, but the damage is most noticeable on the leaves.

Can you eat apricots with scab?

While apricot or peach scab symptoms may look horrible, you can generally get rid of them by peeling the produce. You won't be able to sell it, but it will still be edible.

How do you treat gummosis on apricot trees?

If you want to know how to treat gummosis, remove the darkened area of bark from the tree, plus a strip of the healthy bark until the wound is surrounded by a margin of healthy bark. Once this is done, let the area dry. Keep checking the area and repeat the bark trimming if necessary.

How long does it take apricot trees to bear fruit?

Apricot trees typically bear fruit three to four years after planting.

How do you water an apricot tree?

Water Your Tree Correctly

Apricot trees require deep watering, especially when they begin bearing fruit. To avoid over-watering your apricot trees, water the trunk and base areas every two weeks or so, giving your trees a healthy soak.

Should I prune my apricot tree?

Hi Margaret, we're not sure what your other fruit trees are, however your apricot tree is best pruned in autumn, early winter or early spring before it begins to produce new growth. Remove any unhealthy branches and thin out any bushy areas in the leaves.

Which apricot tree is the best?

Moorpark trees grow the largest and sweetest apricots known today! Exceptionally sweet, delicious, and classic apricot flavor of the same quality as Blenheim! Moorpark is a hardy and resilient cultivar that protects its delicate blossoms from unpredictable spring weather.

How much sun does an apricot tree need?

Requirements. The trees need full sun and well-drained sandy or loamy soil that is at least 4 feet deep. In addition, they require 600 to 900 hours of winter temperatures below 45 degrees Fahrenheit to set fruit.

Do you need a male and female apricot tree?

It is often said that two fruit trees are needed for production, but it's not because there are separate male and female trees. ... Although some apricot varieties will set some fruit on their own, two different varieties are best for cross-pollination.

What time of year do you prune apricot trees?

Prune apricot trees in late winter or early spring as the new leaves and flowers begin to open. During this period of time the tree is actively growing and the pruning cuts heal quickly so that diseases have little chance to enter the wounds.

When is the best time to pick apricots?

Apricots come to harvest mid- to late-summer. Test for near ripeness by holding a fruit in your hand and giving it a gentle twist leaving the stalk behind. Apricots will keep for a day or two in a cool place. Apricots will not ripen further after harvest.