Explore key strategies and techniques to minimize flower and fruit drop in horticultural crops. Learn about causes, preventative methods, and best practices in crop management for improved yields.
Which plant growth regulator is most commonly used to reduce premature fruit drop in mango orchards?
Explanation: Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) is commonly applied to control fruit drop in several fruits like mango due to its auxin-like effect. Gibberellic acid (GA3) mainly promotes growth but is less effective for drop control. Ethylene and abscisic acid (ABA) actually promote abscission, potentially increasing drop rather than reducing it.
A sudden rise in temperature and dry winds during flowering often cause higher flower drop in citrus trees. What is the main reason for this?
Explanation: High temperature and dry winds lead to water stress, decreasing pollen viability and causing flower drop. Increased soil nutrients would generally help plant growth, not harm it. Improved pollinator activity would enhance fruit set, and excessive shade is not typically a consequence of these environmental conditions.
Which nutrient deficiency is most often associated with excessive fruit drop in apple orchards?
Explanation: Boron is crucial for pollination and fruit set in apples; its deficiency can lead to marked fruit drop. While nitrogen and potassium are important for growth, their primary deficiencies show other symptoms first. Iron deficiency generally manifests as chlorosis rather than fruit drop.
What orchard management practice can help reduce flower and fruit drop in guava?
Explanation: Consistent irrigation maintains optimum soil moisture, supporting flower and fruit retention in guava. Heavy pruning during flowering stresses the plant and may increase drop. Delaying harvest relates to mature fruit, not drop. Increased weed growth competes for resources and is detrimental.
How do pests like fruit borers contribute to fruit drop in horticultural crops?
Explanation: Fruit borers infest developing fruits, leading to tissue damage and increased hormone production that triggers fruit abscission. They do not improve nutrient uptake or promote beneficial fungi in this context. Increasing fruit sweetness is unrelated to pest damage and may not prevent drop.