Why do pomegranates burst and how do we deal with it?
Why do pomegranates burst every year in our garden and what causes the bursting? In early fall, as the pomegranates are growing and getting ready to enjoy, we may notice the pomegranates bursting and spoiling. Pomegranate cracking is a frequent problem in pomegranate cultivation that causes uneven fruit ripening.
In addition, the bursting of pomegranate fruits is a major cause of secondary attacks by fungal diseases such as alternaria, as well as by insects such as meligra. In some cases, it has a direct consequence that the production of pomegranates deteriorates in quality and is unfit for consumption.
Cracking feet can be caused by many different things and requires a comprehensive treatment plan to protect our production. As we see, what causes explain the bursting of pomegranates and how we can deal to avoid wonderful live pomegranates from our garden.
What are the causes of bursting in pomegranates? The bursting of pomegranates is due to one or more causes that are related both to the cultivation operations of watering and fertilizing, as well as to the climatic conditions that prevail in the cultivated areas.
The main causes of bursting pomegranates are the following:
a) Pomegranates burst due to lack of water. If we do not water our pomegranates during the summer months, it is very likely that we will be faced with the problem of the pomegranates bursting. Also, the irregular watering we do on our pomegranates is also the main reason for the pomegranates to burst.
b) Pomegranates are sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity. The day-night temperature swings during the period of rapid endocarp (inside of the fruit) growth in early autumn can make our eyes pop.
c) Pomegranates burst due to incorrect lubrication. Nitrogen fertilizers, mainly ammonium fertilizers, during fruiting of pomegranate trees cause a significant increase in fruit cracking. Analogous phenomena are observed with the addition of a high amount of manure to pomegranates during the summer season.
How do we deal with pitting in pomegranates? In order to effectively deal with pitting in pomegranates and to ensure quality fruit production, we must take several measures at a preventive level, which are detailed below.
1. We water the pomegranates regularly. We regularly water our pomegranates 1-2 times a week, during the summer, depending on the prevailing temperatures and the soil of our garden. We ensure a stable uniform irrigation system for pomegranates by preferring the drip irrigation system which presents several advantages in terms of efficiency as well as water saving.
2. Spray the pomegranates with calcium fertilizer. For the preventive treatment of the bursting of pomegranates, we preventively spray the foliage of the pomegranate trees with a liquid ecological calcium fertilizer. Pomegranate spraying starts in mid-summer, early July, and is repeated every 15 days, until mid-autumn when we harvest the pomegranates.
3. Put the appropriate fertilizer on the pomegranates. We avoid late nitrogen (ammonia) fertilization on pomegranates, after they have set their fruits. We choose organic fertilizers with a high potassium content for good fruit ripening.
And a secret for bursting pomegranates. In pomegranates that have little foliage, the phenomenon of bursting the pomegranates is enhanced due to the hardening of the skin of the fruits from sunburn.