Poor/No Fruit Set
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Poor./ No Fruit Set
Poor/ No Fruit is a disorder that can be caused by a large number of reasons.
Susceptible Plants- Most fruits, cucurbitaceae, squash and runner beans Symptoms- Plants fail to produce fruit or product very small quantities and/ or poor quality. Causes- There are many different reasons and circumstances that can affect fruit sets on plants and trees. Below is a list of the more common problems. - Poor fruit set can be caused by a frost at flowering time.
- A growing problem is lack of bees available for pollination. - Careless pruning can reduce the number of flowers or blossoms - Male flowers not opening up at the same time as female flowers - Lack of female flowers available for pollination - Poor weather at flowering time hindering pollinating insects - Dry soil. - Fungus, virus, abiotic problems - Anthracnose fruit infections result in dry,seedy fruit; failure of the fruit to fully develop; or no fruit set at all, in raspberries, and strawberries - Poor fruit development may result from the feeding of some insects. Mites, thrips, Japanese beetles, leafhoppers, and other insect pests may feed on flower buds or flower parts, resulting in fruit deformity. Prevention and Control- of poor/ no fruit is dependent upon the causes. There are some general practices that can be implemented to reduce this disorder. Following good cultural practices is an essential aspect of any disease management program. Providing trees and plants with good growing conditions helps to promote the health and vigor of the planting. Provide a sunny, fertile site with good soil drainage. Keep insects under control through sound organic gardening practices. Avoid excessive fertilization and water plants during dry periods. Practice good weed control. Weeds not only harbor viruses and their vectors, but weedy growth provides an environment conducive to the development of various other diseases Once the cause is identified and a correct remedy is applied the problem of poor fruits can usually be resolved.
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