Low nutrient levels in fruitlets cause concern
Analysis of fruitlet samples submitted to date give cause for real concern - and action Calcium levels in Cox and Bramley are at the lowest levels for years and so are those for phosphorus. Only nitrogen is near to normal.
Bramleys - Calcium levels are just 75% of last year´s and a long way below the guideline level. Phosphorus stands at 87% of last year and is also well below the guideline.
Cox - The average calcium level in Cox samples is 80% of last year´s figure and phosphorus 90%. Both are worryingly below the guideline.
Gala, Egremont Russell and Red Pippin - The calcium levels are still worse for these varieties compared with recent seasons. Phosphorus fairs little better.
With less apples on the tree, bigger fruits are expected. Dispersion of available calcium will be stretched and foliar supplementation is therefore essential.
Go for maximum calcium inputs but don´t play Russian Roulette with raw materials. Crops will be too precious to risk scorching them. Use Stopit (160 g/l Ca) for high calcium input, greatest safety and maximum effect.
Ca + N combinations are inappropriate. With N levels near normal and less fruit to fill no extra nitrogen is required. It could increase leaf cover and later adversely affect both fruit firmness and storage potential.
Author: Chris Merry, UK
Published: August 2000