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Photo: Ukravit Fruit Cracking
Pome and stone fruit crops start actively absorbing calcium immediately after petal fall. In the ‘hazelnut’ stage, calcium is essential for increasing yield potential, structuring the fruit, anchoring pectins in cell walls, and protecting cells from fluctuations in air humidity and temperature.
This information is from the article “Ukravit Innovations 2026: Solutions for Crop Protection and Mineral Nutrition” on SuperAgronom.com.
During the ‘walnut’ stage, the demand for cell elasticity and strength, which store water and sugars, increases. The synergistic effect of Ca + B when using the fertilizer Avangard Calcium + ME Boron significantly contributes to anchoring pectins in cell walls, enhancing the strength and elasticity of cell walls and fruit skin.
“The primary factor for calcium uptake 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 under optimal air temperature and sufficient soil moisture. When air temperature exceeds 25°C and soil moisture content is below 70-65%, calcium uptake significantly decreases. Therefore, in the absence of optimal conditions to meet a crop’s calcium needs, foliar application of calcium-containing fertilizers is recommended,” the material states.
Avangard Calcium + ME Boron contains easily absorbed calcium gluconate, at a rate of 2-3 L/ha, which is absorbed by the plant within 2-5 hours. In addition to 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 uptake, and without boron, plant calcium uptake decreases significantly.
To improve product storability, balanced mineral nutrition must be ensured. Calcium is responsible for the integrity of cell walls and cell-to-cell adhesion, making the flesh firm and resistant to mechanical damage during transportation. Boron is necessary for stabilizing the calcium-pectin matrix of cells. Without boron, calcium is absorbed and transported to fruits much less effectively. After applying Avangard Calcium + ME Bor fertilizer in the form of calcium gluconate, starting from the ‘hazelnut’ stage until the beginning of intensive fruit growth, the integrity of cell walls, pectin content, and the firmness of the flesh and skin increase.
Improving product shelf life and preventing bitter pit during prolonged storage can be achieved by increasing sugar content and maintaining an optimal potassium to calcium ratio (K/Ca) in apple fruits—20-22:1. Potassium is responsible for the transport 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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