Foliar application of Bonus npK as fruit began to grow, improved fruit size distribution and its sugar content
Table
|
Crop/cultivar |
Apricot/ Castlebrite |
|---|---|
| Country / location | Australia / Shepparton (Victoria) |
| Objectives |
To improve fruit quality by foliar applications of Haifa Bonus as fruit begins to grow |
| Haifa product tested | Haifa Bonus |
| Application method | Foliar nutrition |
| Tested treatment | 3 x Foliar feeding @ 1.25% Bonus-npK at 1000 lit./Ha, 14 days intervals. 17/10/04, 31/10/04, 14/11/04 |
| Control treatment results | Average fruit wt. (g) – 52.2, Sugar Content (% Brix) – 8.17 Av. Fruit Diameter (mm) – 43.8 |
| Best treatment results | Average fruit wt. (g) – 73.2, Sugar Content (% Brix) -10.1 Av. Fruit Diameter (mm) – 50.5 |
| Characteristics of best treatment |
Very large benefit for grower on this variety with inproved size distribution. Improved sugar levels also a benefit |
| Net benefit of best treatment | 27075$/ha |
| Conclusions | Local: Improvement in size and taste (sugar) in early season varieties is very important. I don’t expect as dramatic results in each case but trend is positive in other varieties which is encouraging Worldwide: Obviously worth trying in other countries, but such big improvements may not always be seen. |
| Reference | Matt Thomas, Multifert Agencies, Australia |