In the latest strawberry technical update Soft Fruit Agronomist, Dr Neil Holmes, discusses alleviating symptoms of tip burn in strawberries.
Alleviating symptoms of tip burn in strawberries
Currently ever bearer strawberries are producing new trusses which are developing fruit for August production. The fluctuations in weather, particularly changes in humidity have affected the movement of calcium through the plant, resulting in tip burn or a temporary calcium deficiency. This is exhibited as necrotic tissue on leaves and on flower trusses. A severe deficiency can lead to flower abortion and the death of the flower or truss which has consequences for picked yield from a plantation (see picture left).
Calcium in Strawberries
Calcium is vital in the production of strawberries, it promotes good plant health, fruit firmness and shelf life.
Growers can consider applying CalMax Ultra to alleviate calcium deficiency because it contains the novel ingredient “AXM” to actively move calcium into a cell, a bit like a molecular crowbar so that tissues do not run out of calcium when they need it.
Applying CalMax Ultra
Apply CalMax Ultra at 1.0L/ ha every week. Combine with Kelpak at 3L/ ha to alleviate abiotic stress caused by fluctuations in microclimate.
