Targeted foliar nutrition supports Pome fruit quality

BETTER: Yara research has found the best orchards consistently have higher fruit levels of phosphorus, zinc, calcium, magnesium, boron and manganese.

This is advertiser content for Yara Australia.

BETTER apples and pears with longer shelf life is the end result that comes from the regular application of foliar nutrition throughout fruit set and development.

That's according to Yara Crop Nutrition sales agronomist - SE Victoria and Tasmania, Andrew Downs.

Mr Downs said a strong foliar nutrition program holds numerous benefits including:

Boosting root and leaf growth early in the season to ensure high yields;
Maximise budburst and provide strong flower development;
Improving fruit quality and consistent sizing;
Improving fruit colour and reduction in storage disorders;
Maintaining fruit firmness;
Reduction of splitting risks;
Stimulating root development after harvest;
Replenishing nutrient reserves to maximise Spring bud burst.

Working with fruit growers about 15 years ago in Tasmania and Central Otago, Yara found the best orchards consistently had higher fruit levels of phosphorus, zinc, calcium, magnesium, boron and manganese.

"Based on the outcomes of this study, we developed an intensive foliar program based on the multiple applications of YaraVita FRUTREL from petal fall and YaraVita STOPIT from fruit set until late fruit development," Mr Downs said.

YaraVita FRUTREL contains a mix of essential macro and micronutrients (nitrogen 6.9 per cent, phosphorus 10.5pc, calcium 20pc, magnesium 6pc, zinc 4pc and boron 2pc) in a flowable suspension concentrate formulation.

BENEFITS: Yara Crop Nutrition sales agronomist - SE Victoria and Tasmania, Andrew Downs, says trials have consistently shown YaraVita STOPIT is safer and more effective than other chloride-based products, while also being less corrosive to machinery and equipment than traditional products.

Mr Downs said YaraVita StopIt has become the industry benchmark in many countries.

Formulated from food-grade calcium chloride, YaraVita STOPIT delivers a rich source of calcium (16%) for optimal fruit quality, shelf life and consumer safety.

"Trials have consistently shown YaraVita STOPIT is safer and more effective than other chloride-based products," he said.

"It is also less corrosive to machinery and equipment than traditional products."

Mr Downs said, in apples, growers should be looking to apply FRUTREL from petal fall through to 14 days after fruit set (two to three applications).

MIX: YaraVita FRUTREL contains a mix of essential macro and micronutrients (nitrogen 6.9 per cent, phosphorus 10.5pc, calcium 20pc, magnesium 6pc, zinc 4pc and boron 2pc) in a flowable suspension concentrate formulation.

STOPIT should start to be applied during the 10-14 days post fruit set through to the end of late fruit development (five to six applications).

"All of the YaraVita products are co-formulated with wetters and stickers that make them highly compatible with complementary products used throughout the growing period," he said.

"YaraVita products are also easy to handle and use."

Foliar sprays enable the precise application of the right nutrients directly to where they are needed.

"Foliar application provides nutrients for immediate uptake by the fruit or leaves," Mr Downs said.

"As a result, the grower can use targeted applications to manage the crop, providing key nutrients to support the development of quality fruit."

This is advertiser content for Yara Australia.