Through Research Programs in collaboration with Universities and Research Institutes in Greece and Abroad, it is proven that the superior quality and integrated innovative technologies of Agrology’s Functional Crop Nutrition® products, make a difference in crops from the very first applications!
Our goal is to demonstrate that application programs with Agrology’s Functional Crop Nutrition® products are an obvious investment for producers, as the financial benefits exceed the cost of supplemental applications!
One such Research Program on Mandarins was carried out in Chania, Crete, in collaboration with the Institute of Olive Tree, Subtropical Plants and Viticulture, ELGO—DIMITRA.
The field was divided into two equal plots, one was used as Control, while Agrology’s Program was applied to the other plot. In both plots, the farmer used the same plant protection and plant nutrition-fertilization program, apart from the additional applications with Agrology’s Functional Crop Nutrition® products, in this case Gravital Force SC, aiming to Mandarin Quality Characteristics Improvement.
Research Project Information
Project Title: Effect of Foliar Application with a Silicium-Calcium Formulation on the Postharvest Behavior of Mandarin Fruits
Poster Presentation: 30th Conference of the Hellenic Society for Horticultural Science, May 09–13, 2022, Athens
Authors: V. Ziogas*, N. Bravos², N. Rigakis³, M. Papaikonomou³
- ELGO – DIMITRA, Institute of Olive, Subtropical Plants and Viticulture, Citrus Laboratory, Chania, 73134, Greece
- Ministry of Rural Development and Food | Acharnon 2, Athens, Greece
- AGROLOGY, Sindos, 57022, Greece
The Role of Silicium
Silicium (Si) is regarded as a highly significant element in plant nutrition and is classified among biostimulants. It positively impacts plant tissue structure and enhances resilience to abiotic stress. Its influence on fruit quality is of particular interest to producers, especially when applied foliarly. This study investigates the postharvest behavior of mandarin fruits treated with a silicium-calcium formulation (Gravital® Force SC, 35% SiO₂ & 35% CaO w/w), applied as a concentrated suspension (SC) at a dosage of 250cc/100L.
Experimental Design
This study focused on the postharvest response of mandarin fruits (cv. Clementine SRA 63) following foliar treatment with a Si-Ca formulation. Three foliar sprays were performed (late August, late September, and late November). The fruits were harvested at full maturity, stored in a cold chamber (4°C, 90% RH) for one month, and then kept at room temperature. Measurements were taken at harvest day and on days 0, 3, and 5 of shelf life.
Results – Improvement in Quality Characteristics in Mandarin
1. Increase in Fruit Weight and Improvement in Mandarin Peel Color
2. Improvement in Fruit Firmness and Soluble Solids Content (SSC)
3. Increase in Citric Acid Content and Reduction in SSC/Acid Ratio
The foliar application of the Si-Ca formulation resulted in an increase in total soluble solids (Figure 4) and citric acid concentration (Figure 5), while it reduced the SSC-to-acid ratio (Figure 6), both at harvest and during the fruits’ shelf life, imparting a more pleasant and well-balanced flavor.
4. Increase in Total Phenolics and Ascorbic Acid
5. Preservation of Ascorbic Acid in High Levels During Shelf Life
The application of the Si-Ca formulation enhanced the phenolic content (Figure 7) and antioxidant capacity (Figure 8) of the mandarin fruits, both at harvest and during shelf life. It also enabled the fruits to retain high levels of ascorbic acid after cold storage (Figure 9). Furthermore, the use of the Si-Ca treatment significantly reduced Penicillium infection on the 3rd and 5th day of shelf life (Figure 10).
Overall, the foliar application of the Si-Ca formulation, Gravital® Force SC, substantially improves the postharvest quality of Clementine mandarin fruits.
“This experiment was conducted under specific field conditions and should not be applied as a standard without the guidance of an Agronomist or the Agrology Technical Department. In any case, Agrology Functional Crop Nutrition® products and programs must be applied according to the label or the instructions of the technician-agronomists.”