Prune Yield and Quality
Independant trials on plums for prune production carried out by the Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Pruneau (BIP) in France in 2001 gave excellent results. Actiphos Ca, containing calcium and phophorus, was applied at recommended rates and timings. Fruit quality and size were significantly improved following treatment. The economic benefit was assessed in excess of £1300 per hectare.
Sugar levels in fruit were increased from 128 g/kg to 144g/kg and the fresh:dry yield ratio lowered from 3.4 to 3.2. Treatment significantly increased fruit size giving much improved returns to the grower. The photographs below taken from the official BIP newsletter shows the remarkable improvement in fruit appearance following Phosyn treatment(right).
The message is clear, for quality prune production... think Phosyn!
Author: John Brooks, France
Published: April 2002