Blackberries

During periods of rapid growth, fruit development and ripening, blackberry crops require energy for proper physiological development and high levels of calcium for fruit quality. Physiological and environmental crop stress slows down plant metabolism as well as the movement of calcium within plant tissue. Consequently, plants suffer, and crop development is weakened, while fruit frequently lacks the necessary nutrients (including calcium) required for optimum harvest quality. Calexin® translocates through the phloem and xylem, increasing calcium mobilization to fruit while supporting natural color development. Best results are achieved when atmospheric temperatures are high.

Pruning plants is an important management technique to encourage lateral growth, mitigate pest and disease pressure, as well as improve overall fruiting quality. The act of pruning can also pose a risk for the entry of bacteria and other pathogens, compromising plant health. Spur Shield® is not a fungicide, but rather a proprietary nature-based sealant. It creates a barrier against many wood pathogens that enter cuts and wounds assisted by rainfall. The combination of cleansing and sealing properties is especially effective in areas where the pruning season is cold and wet.

Fruit development is an exceptionally important and nutritionally taxing period for plants. Potassium is a critical nutrient at this time, as it is responsible for translocation of proteins and sugars, water balance in plants, production of ATP, root development, improving quality of the fruits by maintaining desirable sugar to acid ratio, ripening of fruit and many other processes. Sugar Express® serves as a key nutritional choice at this critical time. The addition of Calcium Chelate at this time can also assist in improving development and fruit firmness through the strengthening of cellular structure.

Uniform fruit ripening, color development, and Brix accumulation can be affected by numerous factors, such as photosynthesis, leaf age, nutrient deficiencies, and disease pressure. As plants begin to senesce—or age—closer to harvest, their photosynthesis and metabolic rates may be reduced. This can lead to uneven ripening and poor sugar development. Sugar Express® applications provide key nutrients which help aid the normal photosynthetic processes that drive Brix development. The accumulation of Brix earlier may improve ripening and color, which is necessary for uniform quality.