Enhancing Iceberg Lettuce Cultivation with HaifaStim™ Wall-Up

A field trial in Spain demonstrated the benefits of HaifaStim™ Wall-Up in Iceberg lettuce cultivation. The silicon-rich formulation improved plant resistance, increased head weight, reduced tip-burn, and extended postharvest shelf life, highlighting its potential to enhance both yield and quality in agricultural practices.

In the ever-evolving world of agriculture, finding innovative solutions to improve crop yield and quality is essential. One such breakthrough is HaifaStim™ Wall-Up, a product that has shown remarkable results in Iceberg lettuce cultivation.

HaifaStim™ Wall-Up is a concentrated formulation rich in silicon, delivered as ortho-silicic acid. This form provides outstanding plant availability, making the product particularly effective in improving plants' resistance to abiotic stresses and increasing their mechanical strength. Learn more 

This article explores the benefits of HaifaStim™ Wall-Up, as demonstrated in a recent trial conducted by Haifa Iberia.

Trial Overview 

The trial* took place in Archivel, Murcia (Spain), to assess the effects of HaifaStim™ Wall-Up on Iceberg lettuce grown in open fields. Over six weeks, foliar applications of 0.5 liters per hectare were made weekly. The results were impressive.

Key Results

Improved Weight and Quality 

A significant outcome of the treatment was the increase in the weight of the lettuce heads. The lettuce treated with HaifaStim™ Wall-Up weighed 480 grams—60 grams more than the control group. Importantly, this increase in weight was accompanied by quality improvements across several parameters.

Control: 420 g

HaifaStim™ Wall-Up: 480 g

 

Reduced Tip-Burn

Tip-burn, often caused by calcium deficiency, is a common issue in lettuce cultivation. HaifaStim™ Wall-Up's ortho-silicic acid improves the plant’s ability to absorb calcium, reducing tip-burn and promoting healthier crops.

Greener Lettuce 

The treated lettuce also displayed a greener appearance. This improvement is due to the presence of chelated copper (Cu-EDTA) in HaifaStim™ Wall-Up, which is critical for photosynthesis. In addition, the silicon content strengthens the leaves' structure, improving their exposure to sunlight and enhancing the overall green color.

The control plot

HaifaStim™ Wall-Up treatment

 

Extended Shelf Life

Postharvest shelf life is crucial for both farmers and consumers. The trial revealed that lettuce treated with HaifaStim™ Wall-Up had an extended shelf life. This is attributed to silicon's ability to help retain water within the leaves by reducing evapotranspiration, particularly in high-temperature conditions.

Conclusion

The trial highlights the multiple benefits of incorporating HaifaStim™ Wall-Up into Iceberg lettuce cultivation. From increased head weight to reduced tip-burn, greener leaves, and longer shelf life, HaifaStim™ Wall-Up proves to be a valuable tool for farmers seeking to enhance both the quality and yield of their crops.
By integrating HaifaStim™ Wall-Up into their practices, farmers can achieve superior results while contributing to a more sustainable and productive agricultural future.

* The trial was conducted in collaboration with Alimer S.L