A capricious winter, characterized by sudden changes in temperature, is especially dangerous for fruit trees, especially for stone fruits such as apricot, plum, sour cherry, cherry and peach. These temperature fluctuations can cause significant damage, but by applying certain measures, such as whitewashing the trunk and shoulder branches, the damage can be mitigated.
Whitening of fruit trees has two key roles: protection against temperature fluctuations and phytosanitary function. The white color of the lime reflects the sun’s rays, slows down the heating of the trunk and branches and thus delays the movement of juices and the start of vegetation. This reduces the risk of damage caused by severe spring frosts and cracking of the bark. Cracking of the bark is a consequence of rapid temperature changes. When the cold period is followed by warmer days, the bark, due to its limited elasticity, can split due to the expansion of the tissue beneath it. This phenomenon is further expressed if, after warm days, low temperatures suddenly return. And this can cause freezing of the juices in the conducting vessels and tissue damage. Cracked bark is difficult to heal, and the cracks become an entry point for pathogenic organisms, which can lead to rotting of the tree and decay of fruit trees.
More details: whitewashing trees during the cooling period
The phytosanitary function of liming is reflected in the destruction of overwintering forms of parasites and pests, while the lime itself has a repellent effect on small game. The ideal period for whitewashing is late autumn, before the onset of frost, during November and early December. The work is done in the warmer part of the day when the temperature is above zero, so that the lime remains on the tree and the pores of the bark can absorb it. It is important to whitewash not only the trunk but also the shoulders of the branches up to twenty centimeters above the first row of branches.
Preparation of lime solution requires a combination of several ingredients, because lime alone is not effective enough. The mixture prepared in 20 liters of water is most often used. It is prepared with the addition of five kilograms of slaked lime, 500 grams of table salt, 200 grams of powdered sulfur and 200 grams of blue stone. The ingredients are gradually mixed until a compact paste is obtained. This paste is then diluted with water and left to stand for 24 hours with occasional stirring. Whitening is done with a thick brush or roller, carefully applying the solution to all cracks in the bark.
A quality layer of lime applied in the fall should remain on the fruit trees until the end of winter. After that, re-liming is recommended to further reduce damage from spring frosts and ensure the protection of fruit trees during the growing season.
Source: Good morning
Source: boljazemlja.com
