Calcium is critical in pears, and fruit concentrations need to be double that acceptable for apple. 10mg/100g fresh weight at harvest is the accepted norm in European pears.
Calcium and Pear Quality
Correct calcium nutrition has been shown to minimize black end, cork spot and alfalfa greening.
Both foliar and soil-applied forms of calcium have an effect on cork spot and alfalfa greening and it is widely accepted that the N:Ca ratio needs to be maintained at 6 or below in order to minimize alfalfa greening in pears.
Regular applications are important. Up to eight foliar sprays have proven effective at reducing water core in Japanese pear.
Calcium also improves skin finish in pears and calcium nitrate improves winter hardiness reducing susceptibility to cold damage. Growers do need to avoid over application of nitrogen, as this will soften bud tissue, increasing damage.
Recommended Yara Fertilizers for Top Fruit
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YaraMila COMPLEX
12-4.8-14.9 + 8% S - Prilled NPK fertilizer which also contains magnesium and sulphur as well as micronutrients ideal for use on a wide range of arable and horticultural crops.
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YaraLiva TROPICOTE
15.5% N + 19% Ca - Granular calcium nitrate fertilizer for field application to a wide range of crops.
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YaraVita ZINTRAC 700
A fully formulated flowable liquid micronutrient fertilizer containing 700 g/l zinc for foliar application to prevent and treat zinc deficiency on a wide range of crops.
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YaraVita BORTRAC 150
A liquid micronutrient fertilizer containing 150 g/l boron for foliar application to provide additional boron or to treat boron deficiencies in a wide range of crops.
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YaraVita SENIPHOS
A liquid micronutrient fertilizer containing high concentrations of phosphate and calcium for foliar application to improve yield and quality in fruit and potatoes.
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YaraVita STOPIT
A liquid micronutrient fertilizer containing 160 g/l calcium for foliar application to control and reduce calcium related disorders in top fruit and other crops.
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YaraVita BUD BUILDER FL
A flowable liquid suspension fertilizer with nutrients and micronutrients including magnesium, zinc, nitrogen, boron and phosphate for foliar application to improve the flowering of top and soft fruit.