What is alternate bearing in fruit trees?
La beat It is a phenomenon characteristic of certain fruit trees, where fruit production alternates between years of abundance and years of scarcity or even none at all. This production cycle can be observed in various species, and is most noticeable in apple, olive, and pistachio trees. For example, a tree may produce a large amount of fruit one year, but the next, production may decrease drastically.
The reason behind this phenomenon lies in the tree's use of nutrients and energy during its productive cycle. One year, the tree uses all its reserves to produce fruit, and the next, it's in a state of recovery, resulting in low production.
Causes of alternate bearing
The causes of alternate bearing are multiple and may depend on genetic, environmental and agronomic management factors:
- Genetics: Some fruit varieties have a genetic predisposition to alternate bearing. For example, the 'Gala' apple variety is less prone to alternate bearing than the 'Golden Delicious' variety.
- Environmental conditions: Late frosts, droughts, or extreme temperatures can affect flower formation and development, impacting fruit production in the next cycle.
- Agronomic management: Lack of pruning care, inadequate watering, or insufficient fertilization can weaken the tree, limiting its production in subsequent years. The importance of proper pruning can be seen by studying how plum trees are pruned.
- Depletion of reserves: A year of high production can deplete the tree's reserves, affecting its ability to produce fruit the following year.
How does vecería manifest itself?
The phenomenon of alternate bearing is not exclusive to cultivated fruit trees, as it is also observed in wild species. Alternating fruit production is a survival strategy that allows plants to maximize their dispersal opportunities. During years of high production, a quantity of fruit is generated that can exceed the capacity of predators to consume it, which in turn increases the chances of seed germination.
Economic impact of vecería
From an economic perspective, alternate bearing can be problematic, as alternating production cycles generate fluctuations in prices and sales. In years of high production, the fruits tend to be smaller, which reduces their market value. In contrast, in years of low production, the fruits may be larger, but they are few and far between, which also negatively impacts their marketing.
This affects the entire distribution and marketing chain, from farmers to agri-food industries, which may experience overloads and underutilization of their capacities during years of irregular production.
Controlling the alternate bearing
Although it is difficult to eliminate alternate bearing completely, there are techniques that can help regulate it:
- Fruit thinning: This method involves the selective removal of developing fruit to balance the load and prevent the tree from depleting its reserves in years of abundant production.
- Proper pruning: Pruning not only promotes balanced growth but also encourages the formation of flower buds for the next cycle, thus helping to regulate production. To better understand how to prune fruit trees, you can learn more about orange trees.
- Balanced fertilization: Ensuring adequate and balanced nutrition is essential to maintaining the tree's vigor and productive capacity over time.
- Efficient irrigation: Ensuring water availability at critical times during tree development can prevent water stress and promote more consistent production.
In addition, techniques such as lined, which involves cutting the main branches to block the sap and stimulate fruit production, are also being used to address the problem of alternate bearing.
Research and technology in alternate bearing control
Ongoing agricultural research has provided a better understanding of the causes of alternate bearing. Fruit tree varieties are being developed that offer more stable production thanks to genetic improvement. This research includes the use of biotechnological techniques that help identify genes that are related to consistent fruit production.
Selecting a good one rootstock It also plays an important role, as rootstocks are responsible for absorbing nutrients and regulating tree vigor, which in turn influences flowering and production. It's important for farmers to stay informed about how to improve their production and avoid problems such as alternate bearing.
It is essential for farmers to stay informed about best agricultural practices and innovations in the field to optimize crop production and minimize alternate bearing. Proper production management in fruit orchards can be key to avoiding uneven production.
Alternate bearing is a natural phenomenon that affects many fruit trees and can have a significant impact on agricultural production. However, with proper management, it is possible to control its effects and optimize fruit production in each cycle.
