Testing of phyto-regulatory products in fruit orchards

The trial was carried out on a Zincal 15 nectarine farm in the Vega Media area of Blanca (Murcia). This test was carried out in collaboration with the local company.

The aim was to see the performance of Tomex K25 and Bio-algeen S92 in the field, looking for both earlier ripening and larger fruit size.

First, 8 rows of adult trees, corresponding to approximately half a hectare, were randomly selected on the farm and marked.

At the same time as Bio-algeen S92 was to be used, Tomex K25 was used via the roots to encourage root growth, as these trees had problems with soil salinisation, partly due to the supply of saline water. The application of Tomex K25 was intended to release salt-binding microelements from the soil and at the same time increase the root system.

The trial began in January with the root application of Tomex K25. 2 l/ha was applied once every 10 days for a total of 6 l/ha per month. The application was carried out up to and including the month of April, with a final product expenditure of 30 l/ha.

Bio-algeen S92 was applied by foliar application at a dose of 150cc/hl. The first application was recommended as soon as the stone of the fruit was formed, after which it was applied three more times at 15-day intervals, for a total of four passes.

At the end of the third treatment with Bio-algeen S92, the differences between the trees in the trial with our products and the control trees were already visible.

1st – Compared to the other trees, the trial trees showed less foliage in the canopy and in general (this leads to a saving in pruning the trees, saving on labour).

2ª.- Advance ripening of the fruit by about 12 days with respect to the controls. In other words, early harvesting of the fruit, which is an economically very important point, given that early fruit has a higher economic value.

3ª.- Larger size of the trial fruit than the control, and greater homogeneity was observed in the nectarines treated with Bio-algeen and Tomex. The following table shows the size comparison between the control and trial fruits, chosen at random, up to a total of 50 fruits, in which the diameter of the nectarine was measured.

In view of the points mentioned above, it is worth highlighting the added value that can be derived from the use of both products, not only in terms of quality and earlier harvest, but also in terms of labour savings, thanks to the reduction in vigour, achieved through balanced foliar and root nutrition during the harvest cycle….

Tabla de ensayo en nectarina.pdf