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Photo: Ukravit Cracking of fruits
Pome and stone fruit crops begin actively absorbing calcium immediately after petal fall. In the ‘hazelnut’ stage, calcium is essential for increasing yield potential, forming fruit structure, fixing pectins in cell walls, and protecting cells from fluctuations in air humidity and temperature.
This is according to the material “New Ukravit 2026: Solutions for crop protection and mineral nutrition” on SuperAgronom.com.
In the ‘walnut’ stage, the demand for cell elasticity and strength, which accumulate water and sugars, increases. The synergistic action of Ca + B when applying the fertilizer Avantgard Calcium + ME Boron significantly contributes to fixing pectins in cell walls, enhancing the strength and elasticity of cell walls and fruit skin.
“The main factor for calcium uptake from the soil is soil pH: the optimal pH is above 6.5. Plants absorb 72% of calcium from the soil through mass flow – the movement of calcium ions during respiration under optimal air temperature and sufficient soil moisture. At air temperatures above 25°C and soil moisture content below 70-65%, calcium absorption is significantly reduced. Therefore, in the absence of optimal conditions to meet the crop’s calcium needs, foliar feeding with calcium-containing fertilizers is recommended,” the material states.
Avantgard Calcium + ME Boron contains easily absorbable calcium gluconate, at a dose of 2-3 l/ha, which is absorbed by the plant within 2-5 hours. In addition to calcium, the fertilizer contains boron and amino acids. The fertilizer has a high calcium-to-boron ratio: 10:1. Boron and amino acids act as carriers of calcium to plant cells. Additionally, boron is a synergist for calcium uptake, and without boron, plant calcium uptake drops significantly.
To improve product transportability, balanced mineral nutrition must be ensured. Calcium is responsible for the integrity of cell walls and adhesion between cells, making the flesh firm and resistant to mechanical damage during transportation. Boron is necessary for stabilizing the calcium-pectin matrix of cells. Without boron, calcium is absorbed and transported to fruits much less effectively. After applying Avantgard Calcium + ME Bor fertilizer in the form of calcium gluconate, starting from the ‘hazelnut’ stage until the beginning of intensive fruit growth, the integrity of cell walls, pectin content, and the firmness of the flesh and skin increase.
Improving product storability and preventing the development of bitter pit during long-term storage can be achieved by increasing sugar content and maintaining an optimal potassium-to-calcium ratio (K/Ca) in apple fruits – 20-22:1. Potassium is responsible for the outflow of carbohydrates from leaves to fruits and sugar accumulation. Potassium increases fruit resistance to dehydration and micro-cracks. For this purpose, foliar application of modern potassium fertilizers is recommended.
All about crop nutrition
Olena Basanets, SuperAgronom.com
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