FRUITREL and STOPIT in Stone and Pome Fruits

Yara Crop Nutrition Sales Agronomist – SE Victoria and Tasmania, Andrew Downs, says cherries have more intensive nutrient requirements during a relatively short period of time compared to many other crops

“About 15 years ago, Yara undertook a trans-Tasman project to determine why some cherry growers always had much better quality fruit than others,” he says.

“Working with cherry growers in Tasmania and Central Otago, it was 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 stone hardening until harvest.

“Cherry growers have to produce a bigger, better quality cherry that has the ability to ship well and has good market durability.”

YaraVita FRUTREL contains a mix of essential macro and micronutrients (N 6.9%, P 10.5%, Ca 20%, Mg 6%, Zn 4% and B 2%) in a flowable suspension concentrate formulation.

Andrew says 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,” Andrew says.

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

In general, up to four applications of FRUTREL and 8-10 applications of STOPIT are applied on 10 to 14-day intervals from petal fall until harvest as part of an integrated Yara Crop Nutrition program.

Andrew says foliar sprays enable the precise application of the right nutrients directly to where they needed.

“Foliar application provides nutrients for immediate uptake by the fruit or leaves,” he says.

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

YaraVita FRUTREL and STOPIT contain wetters and stickers to ensure optimal uptake by the fruit and leaves.

“The purity of the raw ingredients and uniform particle size ensures quick uptake and crop safety,” Andrew says.

“These high quality formulations are easy to measure, pour and mix and contain all the necessary wetters and stickers to maximise uptake in all weather conditions.”

“Even better, they are compatible with a wide range of crop protection products for an easy, one-pass application.”

“However, always check the compatibility of the intended tank-mix partners before mixing by visiting the Yara website, downloading the Yara TankmixIT app or contacting your Yara Sales Agronomist.”

Calcium is responsible for the structural stability and integrity of plant tissues and deficiency can be related to many disorders such as bitter bit in apples, tip burn in lettuce or blossom end rot in tomatoes.

Phosphorus is involved with adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the molecule used to provide the energy to drive many of the chemical processes in the plant.

Magnesium is the central component of the chlorophyll molecule and is therefore key to all plant growth and development.

Magnesium also plays a key role in phosphate and nitrogen metabolism and water uptake by the plant.

Zinc is essential for root development and at crop emergence due to its role in auxin (growth hormone) synthesis, auxins control the growth of plants by affecting cell and stem elongation.

Zinc also plays a specific role in flower fertilisation and an inadequate supply during seed set could result in smaller than normal fruit.

Boron is essential for the integrity and optimal function of membranes and through this role influences diverse functions such as carbohydrate metabolism, flower formation, pollen germination, fruit setting, water management and transport.