The Rural Development Administration (headed by Kwon Jae-han) announced that the ‘full bloom period’ for fruit tree flowers this year is expected to be similar to or earlier than usual, and due to recent weather volatility, extra caution is required.
The prediction was made using the phenological prediction model by the National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science, which reflects the growth characteristics of peach, pear, and apple crops. For peaches, it is predicted that flowers will bloom between April 8-10 in Jeonju, Jeonbuk, April 17-19 in Icheon, Gyeonggi, and April 18-20 in Chuncheon, Gangwon.
For pears, they are expected to bloom in Ulsan on April 7-10, in Naju, Jeonnam on April 10-13, and in Icheon, Gyeonggi and Cheonan, Chungnam on April 15-21. Apples are expected to be in full bloom around April 18-20 in Geochang, Gyeongnam and Gunwi, Daegu, April 21-23 in Chungju, Chungbuk and Yeongju, Gyeongbuk, and April 28-30 in Cheongsong, Gyeongbuk.
If the blooming period occurs earlier than expected due to rising temperatures, sudden cold temperatures could adversely affect fruit setting. Therefore, farmers should frequently check weather forecasts and thoroughly prepare preventive measures, such as the inspection of anti-frost fans or sprinkler systems.
For apples, artificial pollination should be conducted on lateral flowers, which are more resistant to cold than central flowers. Removing weed flowers within the orchard before releasing pollinator insects can improve pollination efficiency.
Kim Dae-hyun, head of the Horticultural Crop Division at the National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science, emphasized, “Fruit farmers should be well-prepared for temperature fluctuations that coincide with the flowering period of their crops, and focus on orchard management to ensure fruits are securely set.”