Calcium associated with amino acids improves apple productivity and quality

In summer, Brazilian orchards prepare for the apple harvest. However, calcium deficiency during the crop development cycle can compromise the productivity of apple trees and directly impact their commercialization and profitability. This is because the nutrient is essential for quality results, such as size, firmness and uniformity of the reddish color of the skin, and greater post-harvest. In this way, national producers invest in nutrient supplementation, preventing poor absorption or unsatisfactory distribution from causing physiological disorders and financial losses.  

A study carried out by Alltech Crop Science, in commercial crops, proved that the association of calcium with amino acids is more efficient compared to a simple source of the element. The analysis revealed that, compared to the effect of Calcium Chloride, the application of the biotechnological solution promoted an increase of 5,7 grams in apples, representing an increase of 6,2%.

Impact on marketing 

According to the agronomist and doctor in plant production, Marcos Revoredo, technical manager specializing in horticulture at Alltech Crop Science, significant differences were also observed in the presence of russeting, roughness, in the apples. “The balanced nutrition provided by calcium combined with amino acids resulted in the reduction of irregularities in the skins, improving the appearance of the fruit and, therefore, its added value”. 

Revoredo highlights that apple cultivation is especially demanding on calcium, a nutrient that can be deficient not only due to its absence in the soil, but also due to its poor distribution or great competition at different growth points in the plant. “Calcium is essential for fruit development. Therefore, supplementation associated with amino acids is necessary, promoting greater nutritional absorption and, therefore, greater productivity and quality”, he explains.

About the biotech solution 

Liqui-Plex Ca is a biotechnological, foliar solution that combines a soluble source of calcium with an organic amino acid base. Its use, preferably during the flowering and fruit formation period, according to the agronomist, allows for better development of the cell wall, less physiological stress on the plant and good performance of the apple, which has characteristics such as: firmness, larger caliber, peel no stains or roughness, vibrant and uniform coloring and superior shelf life. 

“During the study, we also found that Liqui-Plex Ca increased the calcium content in the leaf and fruit, indicating an adequate nutritional status for the crop. We have proven the effectiveness of the solution in supplying this nutrient and in favoring the orchard and the producer's profitability”, says Revoredo, who also highlights the losses caused by calcium deficiency. “The lack of this element affects the growth of the apple - which can lead to poor fruit formation, interferes with their color and causes an aged appearance”, he concludes.