Agrotechnical activities in the orchard in October

In October, in all fruit tree species, the process of accumulation of reserve nutrients is actively taking place.

During the month, agrometeorological conditions will be determined by temperatures around and above the climatic norms and by precipitation close to the monthly norms.

During most days of the first ten-day period of October, no significant precipitation is forecast. Rainfall is expected at the end of the first and the beginning of the second ten-day period, as well as during the second half of the third ten-day period of the month.

Conditions for field work will occur in the middle of the second and during the first half of the third ten-day period, when relatively dry weather is forecast.

In fruit nurseries

Care is taken to preserve the germination capacity of the seeds of stone fruit species collected for stratification.

Preparation begins for lifting the rootstocks from the seedbeds and the two-year-old nursery trees.

The rootstocks from the seedbeds and the grafted trees are lifted after the end of their vegetation period – in the second half of October and in November.

The plants must not have leaves. If the leaves have not fallen, 0.1-0.2% calcium chloride is used for this purpose. Irrigation facilitates lifting.

In orchards

Harvesting of almond and some plum fruits continues.

The harvesting of autumn-winter apple and pear cultivars must be completed no later than mid-month.

The soil in the inter-rows of one-year-old and young orchards is deeply cultivated.

If no pre-plant fertilisation with phosphorus and potassium fertilisers has been carried out, 50-60 kg of superphosphate and 20-22 kg of potassium sulphate – or another phosphorus and potassium fertiliser in the same quantity per decare – are applied.

Phosphorus and potassium fertilisers are also incorporated deeply in fruit-bearing orchards.

In strawberry plantations

The establishment of new strawberry plantations continues.

Planting of the runners must be completed no later than mid-month. The runners should be pricked out, with a small amount of soil around the roots. After planting, irrigation is carried out with 0.5–1 dm³ of water per plant.

The final cultivation of fruit-bearing plantations is carried out – at a depth of 10-15 cm, with the plants being slightly earthed up.

Lifting and preparation for cold storage of runners intended for spring-summer planting continues.

In raspberry plantations

Areas for establishing new raspberry plantations are being prepared.

Fruit-bearing plantations are fertilised with 2-3 t of farmyard manure, 20-30 kg of superphosphate and 10-15 kg of potassium sulphate – or another phosphorus and potassium fertiliser in the same quantity per decare, after which the fertilisers are deeply ploughed in – at 20-25 cm depth.

In blackcurrant plantations

In dry conditions, fruit-bearing and young plantations are irrigated.

Autumn fertilisation is carried out with 1-2 t of farmyard manure, 20-40 kg of superphosphate and 10-15 kg of potassium sulphate – or another phosphorus and potassium fertiliser in the same quantity per decare. The soil in the inter-rows is cultivated at a depth of 15-18 cm, and near the plants – at 5-6 cm.

In plantations with other crops

Autumn ploughing is carried out at a depth of 18-20 cm, which contributes to good soil moisture storage from winter precipitation.

After the third year, the above-ground part of bay laurel plantations is cut back to 20-25 cm from the root collar. The cut stems are taken to a dry, well-ventilated room for drying of the leaves.

Harvesting of persimmon, pomegranate and kiwifruit (Actinidia) begins.

At the end of the month, in case of risk of frost and relatively dry weather, all bay laurel plants (bay leaf, laurel) are earthed up with a plough.

Harvesting of fig fruits continues.

Care for green cuttings of Actinidia, chokeberry, sea buckthorn and others, set for rooting, continues.

Collection of terebinth seeds for the production of pistachio rootstocks begins.