Grower Solutions Magazine
Lefroy
Valley
Grower
Solutions - Dec 2001
The
End to Blossom
Rot
-end
Blossom end rot is a calcium related disorder which can cause
huge crop losses both before and after harvest. Tomatoes,
peppers and melons are very prone to blossom end rot,
particularly when under stress through difficult environmental
conditions or heavy fruit fill.
This complicated condition is linked to several factors
including: Low calcium, boron deficiency, irregular or over
irrigation, high fruit load (carbohydrate shortage), excess
nitrogen or high transpiration.
Sufficient calcium has proven to help reduce the incidence of
Blossom End Rot in all three crops. The difficulty arises with
getting adequate uptake. Even with good irrigation techniques
and controlled nitrogen, the uptake of calcium can be blocked.
This is where targeted foliar applications can be useful.
Calmabon is a new introduction from Lefroy Valley,
specifically formulated to improve calcium uptake. Growers of
Capsicums, Tomatoes and Melons will benefit from this with
reduced Blossom End Rot and improve fruit quality.
Calmabon has the ideal balance of calcium, boron and
molybdenum in a convenient liquid formulation, reducing the need
for difficult to spray cocktails or multiple sprays. Calmabon is
unique in its high calcium content, balance and cost
effectiveness.
Calmabon has also been used very successfully in Brassicas to
reduce internal cracking and brown bead, and to reduce tipburn
in lettuce.
In periods of extreme stress such as high temperatures, we
recommend the use of Vapor Gard (anti- transpirant) to help
plants cope with moisture loss. Mercury - Quality summer export
curds.
classic example of
Blossom end rot.
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Tips For Using
Calmabon
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Calcium sprays should be applied
at a slightly acidic pH to increase uptake.
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Calmabon is compatible with most
insecticides, fungicides and foliar fertilisers but should be
checked with a jar test.
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Contact and coverage of fruit is
essential, as calcium translocation in plants is poor.
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Calcium sprays should not be done
with low volume sprays as the majority of product will be taken up
by the foliage.
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Calcium uptake can be
substantially improved if applied with Nu- Film- 17.A
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