Naju-si Urges Production of 'High-Quality Naju Pears' in Preparation for Early Chuseok

[Naju=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Kim Yukbong] Naju City in Jeollanam-do has earnestly urged farmers to follow practical measures for producing high-quality Naju pears ahead of the early Chuseok holiday next month.

According to the Naju Agricultural Technology Center on the 3rd, weather conditions after the pear blossom blooming period this year were generally favorable compared to previous years, causing no significant disruption to pear growth.

With the shipment period advancing due to the early Chuseok, conventional cultivation methods are increasingly likely to produce immature and low-quality fruits such as low-sugar content and small-sized pears, which may affect distribution.

Accordingly, the city is conducting maturity assessment surveys by variety for high-quality Naju pear production during the Chuseok holiday, providing on-site technical support for timely harvesting and harvesting techniques, and urging pear farmers to carefully manage orchards before harvest.

The Agricultural Technology Center’s Technical Support Division identified key farmer practices including ‘fruit enlargement,’ ‘branch training,’ ‘late-stage thinning,’ ‘fertilization and water management,’ and ‘pest and disease control.’

During the second fruit enlargement period from mid-last month to early this month, to produce large and high-sugar fruits, it is advantageous for the growth of new shoots to stop by more than 80%.

If secondary growth of new shoots occurs, P-K fertilizer should be sprayed on the leaves to suppress branch growth.

Additionally, branches should be trained or the density of overly long branches (dojangji) adjusted to ensure sunlight reaches the fruit cluster leaves well. During this month, to prevent fruit drop caused by strong winds from typhoons, fruit-bearing branches should be secured to supports to prevent shaking.

Also, during the second fruit enlargement period, it is recommended to remove small fruits at the tips of main branches or shaded parts under the tree to create an environment where the remaining fruits can enlarge fully.

For fertilization management, the use of nitrogen fertilizers is prohibited, potassium sulfate (1 bag per 300 pyeong) should be applied, and excessive use of hormones to promote fruit set should be avoided.

Regarding orchard water management, maintaining appropriate soil moisture is important to prevent sunburn and leaf scorch damage.

If there is no rain for 7 to 10 days, 30mm of irrigation should be applied, and if tropical nights with minimum temperatures above 25 degrees Celsius persist, irrigation should be conducted for 1 to 2 hours at dusk to lower orchard temperatures.

Thorough pest and disease management is also essential through regular orchard monitoring and timely control measures against ‘pear scab,’ ‘spider mites,’ ‘pear psylla,’ ‘cottony cushion scale,’ and ‘peach shoot borer.’

A representative from the Naju Agricultural Technology Center said, “Shipping immature and low-quality fruits damages consumer trust in the Naju pear brand as well as farmers’ income and reputation. We hope farmers will diligently follow practical measures for tree, soil, and pest management before harvest to ensure the production and distribution of high-quality Naju pears.”

Naju=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Kim Yukbong baekok@asiae.co.kr

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