Reasons for dropping buds and ovaries in pepper

Falling flowers and already formed pepper ovaries is an unpleasant phenomenon that can occur at a summer cottage even with an experienced gardener. In order not to lose the harvest, it is necessary to immediately correct the situation, but for this it is necessary to determine exactly why the flowers and ovaries of the peppers fall off. All reasons can be conditionally divided into two groups: those associated with improper agricultural technology, and those that are provoked by unfavorable weather conditions.

Growing mistakes

Often it is the inexperience and lack of foresight of the gardener himself that becomes the main cause of problems during the flowering of the culture. If at this stage of development the peppers do not adhere to the basic rules of care, they react by dropping buds and ovaries or do not bloom at all, which has an extremely negative effect on the number of fruits. Below is a list of the most common gardener mistakes, as a result of which the stage of flowering peppers is extremely problematic.

• Incorrect feeding

Even if the soil was well fertilized before planting the seedlings in a permanent place, by the time the bushes bloom, some elements in it may be exhausted. At this stage, the bushes consume a large amount of potassium, and if there is none, they actively signal the fall of the formed fruits and flowers.

On the other hand, the reason for this may be the excessive nitrogen content in the nutrient substrate. Due to the excess of the element, the bushes begin to "grow fat", that is, they actively grow greenery, and they do not have the strength to bloom. Moreover, an overabundance of nitrogen can be observed even when fertilizing is added during the budding period, in which there is no nitrogen. The fact is that the disorderly and excessive fertilization of the soil with nitrogen during the period of active growth of the bushes provokes its accumulation. This element is poorly washed out by water, therefore it does not disappear anywhere and remains in the ground.

Peppers overfed with nitrogen are very leafy, but at the same time flowers and fruits crumble.

• Improper watering

It is possible to determine that the bushes lack moisture not only by the falling buds, but also by a change in state - the leaves turn yellow, and the stem becomes woody. Not all gardeners know that the irrigation regime should depend on the stage of development of the bushes. During the period of active growth of peppers, it is enough to water the bushes only once a week. But at the budding stage, the frequency and volume of watering are somewhat increased. Later, when the fruit ripens, it is reduced again. If the peppers are not given the right amount of water during the flowering stage, the fruits will not set well.

• Lack of air exchange

The most common mistake when growing a crop in a greenhouse, due to which the pepper sheds the ovary, is the lack of ventilation. It promotes pollination of flowers and, therefore, better fruit set, and also prevents the emergence of pests and diseases for which a humid environment is favorable.

• Pests and diseases

The most rare reason for the falling of flowers and ovaries of bell peppers is considered to be infection with diseases and pests. Usually bushes react this way when the degree of damage is very high. To avoid the reproduction of pests and diseases in the garden, it is recommended to take preventive measures in advance: pickle the soil and seeds before planting. And at the first signs of the activity of harmful insects and fungi on peppers, they are treated with solutions of insecticides, fungicides or folk remedies.

• Lack of shaping

Peppers need timely shaping, which is carried out at the stage of bud appearance at the first fork.It is called the crown. The crown bud must be removed. If this is not done, some subsequent flowers may fall off. In this case, fewer fruits are formed on the bush, but they will grow large and tasty.

• Insufficient soil volume

Sometimes peppers are grown in separate containers, which are placed on the balcony, loggia, in the greenhouse. The potting method is most commonly used for bitter varieties. If their buds and ovaries fall off, it is possible that the volume of the container is insufficient. The situation can be corrected by transshipment into a larger pot without destroying the earthen coma.

Weather

Unfavorable weather can significantly spoil the harvest. Ovaries and buds can fly under the following conditions:

• persistent heat;
• prolonged cloudy weather;
• sharp changes in temperature.

Peppers are considered one of the most thermophilic crops, but the heat and heat negatively affect the flowering of the bushes. In such conditions, dry air, its high temperature, insufficient soil moisture are observed. To prevent the ovaries from falling off, the plantings are shaded.

If on the street, on the contrary, there is cloudy weather for a long time, the result is the same - due to low illumination, the bushes poorly absorb nutrients and carbon dioxide.

Sharp temperature changes create a stressful situation for peppers, which do not tolerate strong temperature fluctuations (more than 5⁰FROM).

Conclusion

There are many reasons for the falling of flowers and small fruits in peppers. This phenomenon can occur when growing crops in any way - in open and protected ground. It is important not only to carefully look after the plantings, but also to be able to take care of them in unfavorable weather: open and close the windows and doors in the greenhouse, throw a temporary shelter on open beds, put up a shading canopy, etc.