In today’s global market it is only the highest quality fruit which will earn the farmer sufficient return to sustain his business. Progressive farmers will ensure that basic NPK fertilisation is correct and by the applications of foliar nutrients during the flowering and fruiting season will optimise fruit quality and economic return.

Citrus crops have strict quality standard and the use of correctly timed Calcium sprays of either Nutrical or Datum Ca can lead to increase leaf vigour, reduced fruit drop, increase in resistance to disease and improve peel quality. In mature trees it is important to maintain productivity as long as possible and foliar applications of Nutriphos can help build up tree vigour in the post-harvest period.

During fruit set and filling adequate supplies of Boron will reduce the incidence of fruit drop and it is linked to Calcium nutrition for good eventual fruit quality. Citrus is sensitive to Boron applications and recommendations for Orbit Boron should always be made after leaf tissue analysis.

There is a wide variety of Melons grown both in temperate and subtropical condition. This is one crop that will show dramatic responses to regular applications to Numerica formulations, which will heighten the plants natural defence to diseases, in particular downy Mildew. Potassium is an essential element for melon quality and late applications of Orbit K Ultra will maximise crop quality such as fruit firmness and Total Soluble Solids (Brix).

Table grape quality is often determined by size, skin finish pulp texture and eating quality and only the highest quality fruit will attract the best returns for the farmer. From Bud burst through Flowering and Fruit set Boron and Zinc are needed in relatively large amounts to maximise shoot extension and fruit set. Foliar applicants of either Orbit or Indiplex Boron and Zinc should be made. Magnesium and Iron, being an integral parts of the chlorophyll molecule should be supplemented where necessary by foliar applications of Orbit Fe and Orbit Magnesium. During the latter stages of fruit fill additional potassium applied as Orbit K Ultra can beneficially influence sugar levels.