Over the past few years a number products have been introduced into programmed applications, primarily to improve the quality of fruits. Starting during vegetative growth magnesium, iron, manganese and zinc build chlorophyll and plant reserves prior to flowering. Boron and zinc play an important role in both flower and vegetative bud development, improving flower set, reducing the early drop of the small fruits and limiting terminal bud necrosis.

As fruit develop correctly balanced nutrition can affect both external (skin) appearance and internal fruit quality. For example, in citrus, potassium applications give a better skin finish guarding against splitting and peel disintegration which is important not only for visual effect but also for transport, storage and shelf-life.

Other elements have different effects: calcium reduces pith breakdown in citrus and bitter pit in apples; boron deficiency reduces calcium uptake, so a balance of nutrients is important. In citrus, boron, iron, manganese and zinc increase total dissolved solids; reduced potassium supply can lead to harder, less juicy fruit segments; in apple, phosphorous improves late season fruit colour.

Used in a planned approach, starting early season and continuing through to harvest, selected Indigrow ‘Quality Enhancers’ can add significant value to crops and ensure that they reach the high standards that the market place demands for the best prices.