Analysis Data Supports Phoztrac Application
No one would argue as to the link between fruit firmness and adequate calcium status at harvest in apples. Recent information from Australia demonstrates clearly the importance of other nutrients and also shows that it is not just mineral status at harvest that is important.
An ongoing three-year project is already showing that the mineral content of fruitlets sampled early in the season (typically around 30gm) is very closely linked to fruit firmness.
Around 50 orchard blocks have been sampled on 3 occasions and the results of mineral analysis correlated with measurements of fruit firmness taken at harvest, after storage and following simulated marketing.
Fruitlets with the highest concentrations of calcium, phosphorus and zinc went on to give fruits that had the highest pressures, as shown by the graphs below.
The following results clearly point to the role of Phoztrac in fruit production. This flowable formulation contains calcium, phosphorus and zinc and is recommended for use before flowering or from petal fall onwards.
Author: John Brooks, Australia
Published: December 2000