Content
When you can't spray currants: tips from experienced gardeners for a healthy harvest
29.08.2024 04:10
Currants are a valuable berry crop that requires proper care to obtain a rich and high-quality harvest.
Spraying is an important element of plant protection from pests and diseases, but if carried out at the wrong time, it can harm the bushes and the future harvest.
Seasonal restrictions on spraying
Spraying currants is a procedure that should be carried out taking into account the seasonal characteristics of the plant's development.
During the period of active sap flow, which occurs in early spring, treatment with chemicals can lead to burns of young shoots and leaves. It is better to devote this time to sanitary pruning and fertilizing the bushes.
In summer, when currant berries form and ripen, the use of chemical plant protection products becomes undesirable.
The preparations may accumulate in the fruits, making them unfit for consumption. In addition, treatment in hot weather may cause stress to the plant and lead to the ovaries falling off.
Spraying currants in late autumn and winter is also not recommended. At this time, the plant is dormant, and any intervention can disrupt the natural processes occurring in the bushes. In addition, the effectiveness of preparations in the cold season is significantly reduced.
Weather conditions and spraying
Weather plays an important role in determining the right time for currant treatment. Spraying should not be carried out in rainy weather or with a high probability of precipitation in the coming hours. Rain will wash the preparation off the leaves and branches, nullifying all the gardener's efforts.
Strong wind is also a contraindication for spraying. It can carry the solution to neighboring plants or areas, which will lead to uneven processing and possible damage to other crops. In addition, in windy weather, the risk of the preparation getting on the skin or into the respiratory tract of the gardener increases.
High air temperature is another factor that limits the possibility of spraying.
In hot weather, currant leaves become more sensitive to chemical influences, and the treatment can cause burns. The optimal temperature for the procedure is from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius.
Physiological state of the plant
Spraying should not be carried out when the currant is under stress. This may be caused by drought, sudden temperature changes or recent replanting.
In such situations, the plant is especially vulnerable, and the additional chemical load can be fatal to it.
The flowering period is another time when you should refrain from spraying. Treatment at this time can damage delicate flowers and scare away pollinating insects, which will negatively affect the yield. The exception is cases of severe pest damage, when the bush itself is at risk.
Safety and environmental aspects
From a safety point of view, it is not recommended to spray currants shortly before harvesting.
Most medications have a certain waiting period during which the berries should not be consumed. This period can vary from a few days to a few weeks depending on the medication used.
Environmentally responsible gardeners try to minimize the use of chemicals during the period of activity of beneficial insects.
This helps maintain the natural balance of the site and protect pollinators, which play an important role in the garden ecosystem.
Alternative methods of protection
During periods when spraying currants is undesirable, gardeners can resort to alternative methods of plant protection.
Mechanical removal of pests, the use of pheromone traps and the attraction of natural enemies of insect pests help control the situation without the use of chemicals.
The correct choice of currant varieties that are resistant to major diseases and pests also reduces the need for frequent treatments.
Proper agricultural technology, including timely pruning, weeding and mulching, strengthens the immunity of plants and makes them less susceptible to adverse effects.
