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Photo: Ukravit Cracking of fruits
Pome and stone fruit crops begin active calcium uptake immediately after petal drop. In the “hazelnut” stage, calcium is essential for increasing yield potential, structuring the fruit, fixing pectins in cell walls, and protecting cells from fluctuations in air humidity and temperature.
This is reported in the material “Ukravit Innovations 2026: Solutions for Crop Protection and Mineral Nutrition” on SuperAgronom.com.
During the “walnut” stage, the need for cell elasticity and strength, which store water and sugars, increases. The synergistic action of Ca + B when using the fertilizer Avangard Calcium + M/E Bor significantly aids in fixing pectins in cell walls, enhancing the strength and elasticity of cell walls and fruit skins.
“The primary factor for calcium absorption from the soil is soil pH: the optimal pH is above 6.5. Plants absorb 72% of calcium from the soil through mass flow—the movement of calcium ions during respiration at optimal air temperatures and sufficient soil moisture. At air temperatures above 25°C and soil moisture content below 70-65%, calcium absorption significantly decreases. Therefore, in the absence of optimal conditions to meet the crop’s calcium needs, foliar feeding with calcium-containing fertilizers is recommended,” the material states.
Avangard Calcium + M/E Bor contains easily absorbable calcium gluconate, at a dose of 2-3 L/ha, which is absorbed by the plant within 2-5 hours. Besides calcium, the fertilizer contains boron and amino acids. The fertilizer has a high calcium to boron ratio: 10:1. Boron and amino acids act as carriers of calcium to plant cells. Additionally, boron is a synergist for calcium absorption, and without boron, plant calcium uptake drops significantly.
To improve product transportability, balanced mineral nutrition must be ensured. Calcium is responsible for the integrity of cell walls and intercellular adhesion, making the flesh firm and resistant to mechanical damage during transport. Boron is necessary for stabilizing the calcium-pectin matrix of cells. Without boron, calcium is absorbed and transported to the fruits much less effectively. After applying Avangard Calcium + ME Bor in the form of calcium gluconate, starting from the “hazelnut” stage until the beginning of intensive fruit growth, cell wall integrity, pectin content, and the firmness of the flesh and skin increase.
To improve product storability and prevent bitter pit development during long-term storage, it is necessary to increase sugar content and maintain an optimal potassium to calcium ratio (K/Ca) in apple fruits—20-22:1. Potassium is responsible for the outflow of carbohydrates from leaves to fruits and sugar accumulation. Potassium enhances fruit resistance to dehydration and micro-cracks. For this purpose, foliar application of modern potassium fertilizers is recommended.
All About Crop Nutrition
Olena Basanets, SuperAgronom.com
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