Essential Winter Care Tips for Orchardists from Bharmour's Horticulture Officer

Guidelines for Orchard Management in Winter

Mahinder Patyal

Bharmour
Dr. Manohar Lal, the Horticulture Officer in Bharmour, has provided crucial advice to local orchardists on effective winter management practices for their orchards.

Fertilizer Application

During the winter dormancy period, Dr. Lal emphasized the importance of applying phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) fertilizers. These nutrients are vital for enhancing root growth, improving flower quality, and boosting the trees' resilience against frost and diseases. For trees older than ten years, he recommends using 350 grams of phosphorus (P₂O₅) and 700 grams of potassium (K₂O). The fertilizers should be evenly distributed in the tree basin and lightly incorporated into the soil to avoid harming the roots.

Pruning and Protecting Tree Trunks

He advised on light pruning, warning that excessive pruning can lead to increased branch growth at the cost of fruit production. After pruning, the cut ends should be treated with Chaubatia paste (a mix of copper carbonate, red lead, and linseed oil) or Bordeaux paint (composed of copper sulfate, lime, and linseed oil) to prevent canker and fungal infections.

For trunk protection, applying a Bordeaux mixture or whitewash (a blend of lime, copper sulfate, linseed oil, and DDL) is recommended to shield against sunburn from intense winter sunlight and frost. This treatment also helps minimize the risk of bark splitting and pest problems.

Dr. Lal stressed the importance of maintaining cleanliness in the orchard and removing any diseased branches post-pruning to curb the spread of infections. These practices are essential for safeguarding plants from canker and other diseases.