PREHARVEST TREATMENTS IN APPLE ORCHARDS

Ensuring long-term fruit storage:

the power of Mycobact, Fitobact, and Liposam

Long–term storage is one of the hardest tasks for producers, especially before the winter season. One of the key steps to achieve this goal is the application of biological products Mycobact (2.5 l/ha) + Fitobact (1.5 l/ha) with special adjuvant Liposam (1 l/ 1000 l of water). Why this particular combination of these products will be effective? How we can improve the quality of fruits during storage? For this and other important questions, we will give you answers. Mycobact has Trichoderma spp. as active ingredient, as well as Fitobact has Bacillus subtilis. This combination of fungus and bacteria which are in products, creates a powerful synergistic effect and some kind of barrier. Both of these active ingredients can colonize the surfaces of fruits and remain active for extended period. On the other hand Trichoderma has an ability to stimulate plant growth by producing growth hormones and increases stress resistance. What is dedicated to Bacillus subtillis, so these microorganisms can stimulate the plant’s immune response, enhancing its ability to fight stress. To increase the effectiveness of Mycobact and Fitobact we strongly recommend using Liposam. This is a natural adhesive based on natural polymers. The product enhances the adhesion of the working solution and reduces the loss of active substances due to washing and evaporation. This ensures more effective absorption of active ingredients and prolongs their action.

Top recommendations from our agronomists

Timing: Apply the combination of products 5-7 days before the expected harvest date to ensure full effectiveness
Working Solution: Adjust the amount of working solution used for spraying based on the density and height of the trees
Weather Conditions: Apply in dry weather, preferably in the morning or evening, to prevent rapid evaporation and maximize the product's effectiveness
Compatibility: The combination is compatible with other products and fertilizers, but it's recommended to conduct a compatibility test before mixing
Post-Treatment Storage: After treatment and harvesting, store apples in conditions with optimal temperature and humidity to maintain quality

Trial in Moldova orchard

The trial was conducted in Criuleni village, Moldova, focusing on the storage and preservation of the Granny Smith apple variety. The trial utilized two different treatment approaches: a combination of biological preparations, including Mycobact (2.5 l), Fitobact(1.5 l), and Liposam (1 l per 1000 l of water), and a chemical fungicide (375 g/l cyprodinil, 250 g/l fludioxonil) which served as the control.

The apples were sprayed in the field and then put in a cold storage with the shelf life extended until May 15, 2021, in an opened chamber. The results showed that the apples treated with the biological preparations exhibited generally good keeping quality. Key findings included lower levels of ethylene and sugars, which suggest a slower overripening process. This is significant for prolonging the shelf life and maintaining the freshness of the apples. Additionally, the experimental variant showed a higher pectin content, an indicator of better quality and nutritional value, as pectin is known to form in fully ripe fruit. This suggests that the biological treatment may enhance the overall quality and health benefits of the apples. As you can see from a data, the extent number of damaged apples were higher on control, where was used chemical preparation.

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In comparison to the chemical control, the biological treatment not only preserved the apples better but also resulted in fewer damaged fruits, highlighting the potential of this method as a sustainable and effective alternative for pre-harvest apple treatments. This approach offers a promising solution for producers aiming to extend the storage life of apples while maintaining high fruit quality and minimizing the use of synthetic chemicals.

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