How to prevent promogranate from fruit cracking

Question

Pooja Soni · Answer

Hello, Preventing pomegranate fruit from cracking involves several horticultural practices aimed at maintaining consistent moisture levels, providing balanced nutrition, and protecting the fruit from environmental stresses. Here are some strategies to help prevent fruit cracking in pomegranates:

1. Consistent Watering
Regular Irrigation: Ensure that the plants receive a consistent amount of water throughout the growing season. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, as sudden watering after a dry spell can cause the fruits to absorb water too quickly and crack.
Drip Irrigation: Use a drip irrigation system to provide steady, even moisture to the roots, which helps in maintaining uniform hydration and reducing the risk of fruit cracking .
2. Mulching
Apply Mulch: Use organic mulch such as straw, wood chips, or compost around the base of the plants. Mulching helps to retain soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce water evaporation, thus providing a more consistent moisture level .
3. Soil Management
Well-Drained Soil: Ensure that the soil is well-drained. Poor drainage can lead to waterlogging, which can stress the plants and contribute to fruit cracking.
Soil Moisture Monitoring: Regularly check soil moisture levels using a soil moisture meter to ensure that the plants are receiving adequate water without being overwatered.
4. Nutrient Management
Balanced Fertilization: Provide balanced fertilization to avoid nutrient deficiencies or excesses that can lead to uneven growth and fruit cracking. Ensure an adequate supply of calcium and potassium, which are essential for cell wall strength and fruit integrity .
Avoid Excessive Nitrogen: While nitrogen is important for plant growth, excessive nitrogen can lead to rapid vegetative growth and soft fruit skins, making them more prone to cracking.
5. Pruning and Training
Proper Pruning: Prune the trees to maintain an open canopy, which improves air circulation and light penetration. This helps in reducing humidity around the fruits and decreases the risk of cracking .
Support Branches: Ensure that the branches are supported adequately to prevent heavy fruit from causing stress and splitting.
6. Environmental Control
Protect from Extreme Conditions: Protect the plants from extreme weather conditions, such as high winds and heavy rains, which can stress the plants and lead to fruit cracking.
Shade Cloth: In regions with intense sunlight, using shade cloth can help reduce the temperature around the plants and prevent heat stress, which can contribute to fruit cracking .
7. Harvesting Practices
Timely Harvesting: Harvest the fruits at the right time. Overripe fruits are more prone to cracking, so monitor the fruits regularly and pick them when they are mature but not overripe.