Jeongeup-si Strengthens On-site Technical Guidance for Post-Harvest Management of Bokbunja and Odi

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Jaegil] The Agricultural Technology Center of Jeongeup City, Jeonbuk Province, on the 21st, urged, "As the harvesting of bokbunja (Korean black raspberry) and odi (mulberry) and summer pruning have been completed and the rainy season approaches, please thoroughly manage post-harvest orchard care such as pest control and nutrient management."

Berry crops like bokbunja and odi tend to bear more fruit compared to general fruit trees, so neglecting post-harvest care can weaken the tree's vigor, leading to frequent pest and disease outbreaks and a decrease in yield the following year.

Especially during this hot and humid period, pre-inspection and timely control of pests and diseases are more important than anything else.

In summer, diseases such as gray mold and leaf spot, which spread through raindrops or wind-driven rain, and pests like the American white moth and thrips that chew or suck on leaves, occur frequently. Therefore, pest control should be carried out by spraying appropriate pesticides 2 to 3 times at an early stage.

Also, it is essential to check in advance whether the pesticide is registered under the PLS (Positive List System) and to strictly follow safety usage standards to prevent pesticide misuse.

Topdressing fertilizer used for post-harvest vigor recovery replenishes the tree's stored nutrients consumed during fruit production, promoting new root activity and the growth of branches that will develop the following year.

When managing nutrients, it is advisable to determine fertilizer amounts through soil testing since growth conditions and soil status vary by orchard, and to apply fertilization rationally according to tree vigor.

In particular, the low-temperature phenomenon that occurred this spring also affects the late growth of new shoots, so farmers who suffered damage should pay extra attention to nutrient management.

An official from the Agricultural Technology Center said, "We will do our best to contribute to increasing farmers' income by strengthening on-site technical guidance for post-harvest management of berry crops and emphasizing the importance of late-stage orchard care."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.