With soaring temperatures and hot winds sweeping across Punjab, experts from the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) in Ludhiana have urged fruit growers to adopt effective orchard management practices to protect young plants and ensure sustainable yields. High temperatures, low humidity, and water scarcity can severely impact plant growth, fruit development, and overall productivity.
Key Recommendations for Orchard Management
According to Indira Devi from the Farm Advisory Service Centre at PAU, proper orchard management during summer helps reduce stress on plants and ensures better fruit quality. She noted that evergreen plants such as citrus, mango, litchi, papaya, guava, and dragon fruit are particularly sensitive to heat stress. Efficient resource management and protective measures are crucial to minimizing damage and securing long-term returns.
Irrigation and Mulching
PAU experts emphasize the importance of timely irrigation and mulching. Drip irrigation in kinnow orchards is beneficial as it conserves water and maintains optimum soil moisture. Mulching with paddy straw reduces fruit drop in crops like guava, pear, and plum, and suppresses weed growth during peak summer months.
Protection from Sunburn and Heat
To prevent sunburn and bark cracking, the PAU recommends whitewashing tree trunks with a lime-based solution in April and May. Additional protection can be provided by using shade nets, straw kullies, or sowing dhaincha around young plants. As high temperatures reduce nutrient uptake, fertilizers should be applied only after light irrigation, and foliar sprays can be used to correct deficiencies.
Pruning and Windbreaks
Indira Devi advises growers to avoid over-pruning during summers because reduced foliage lowers photosynthetic activity and hampers growth. Windbreaks made of jamun, mango seedlings, and eucalyptus, along with hedges of bougainvillea or karonda, can shield orchards from hot winds and storms.
