Study shows that using sunscreen for leaves and fruits increases productivity of coffee plantations

Studies carried out by Santinato & Santinato Café proved that the use of Sungard, a sunscreen for leaves and fruits produced by Viter, a brand of agricultural inputs from Votorantim Cimentos, increases the productivity and quality of the coffee harvest. To prepare the study, two tests were carried out with the product, one with applications during the flowering period and the other during the rains and high summer temperatures. 

In the first scenario, Sungard was applied in the pre- and post-flowering period of coffee, in Patos de Minas (MG). The results demonstrated significant improvements in three indices that are extremely relevant to coffee growers: control of leaf and fruit scalding (both immediate and residual), improvement in grain maturation (increasing the quantity of cherries and raisins) and reduction in leaf temperature.   

In the second study, Sungard applications were carried out in São João da Boa Vista, in the state of São Paulo, and during the rainy season. In this context, even in the most adverse conditions, the product showed positive results. Promoted thermal comfort for plants, scald control at high temperatures; and resulted in  better quality grains.

Launched in 2021, Sungard is a Viter sunscreen for mineral-based crops (calcium and magnesium hydroxide). The main function of the product is to provide thermal comfort to plants and, therefore, avoid the harmful effects that this stress would cause on plantations.

“Studies show that it is possible to protect coffee plantations from the harmful effects of excessive sun exposure. High temperatures and intense solar radiation can cause stress to plants and scalds on leaves and fruits, damaging the quality and quantity of coffee beans. With Sungard, the farmer protects his coffee plantation and provides adequate conditions for the good development of each phase of the plants and, consequently, a more abundant and better quality harvest”, says Viter's Research and Development coordinator, Erivelton Lopes Paes.

Sungard is applied by spraying using any type of equipment. Featuring high solubility and applied to plants, Viter's sunscreen creates a protective physical layer that maintains the color of the fruits and does not interfere with gas exchange and photosynthesis, in addition to providing excellent adhesion and permanence on the plants.

Sungard is sold in 20-kilogram packages and is recommended for use on various crops, especially those most sensitive to solar radiation, such as coffee, citrus and some fruit and vegetables. The sunscreen is the result of investment in research and development by Viter carried out in Brazil over three years.