Periodicity in Carob Tree (Year of Existence, Year of None)
One of the common situations encountered by carob growers is that the tree yields abundant crops one year and significantly less the next year. This situation, popularly known as the "year of existence – year of none", is called periodicity (alternative or irregular yielding) in horticulture. Sources define carob as a species that shows significant periodicity, especially when growing conditions are poor.
Read MoreHow Does Carob Flowering and Pollination Happen?
Carob is known as the only tree among Mediterranean trees whose main flowering period coincides with autumn. During this period from September to November, small, fragrant flowers bloom on the trunk and old branches; It is pollinated by insects such as bees, flies, hornets and night-flying moths, and partly by wind.
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When and How to Harvest Carob?
Carob harvesting is a largely manual labor job that usually starts at the end of summer on the Mediterranean coast and lasts throughout autumn depending on the region. When the pods ripen on the tree and begin to dry, they are dropped from the branches with long poles and collected in nets or covers laid under the tree. Harvesting at the right time directly affects both the quality of the fruit and the next year's product.
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