Size is a critical characteristic for grading top fruit. A minimal size, determined by the diameter of the equatorial section, is required on all grades. An evenly shaped and sized fruit is desired for the fresh market and also for canning. Top fruit size is greatly influenced by pruning and thinning practices and also by crop nutrition
Increasing Top Fruit Size
Crop Nutrition and Top Fruit Size
Phosphorus
Trials in France show that phosphorus can increase the commercial premium >75mm grade of apples by 24%, through increasing top fruit size. Thus, it is particularly important to ensure supplies are not limiting in the period 6 weeks post-flowering. Often this is best achieved by using supplementary foliar phosphate.
Magnesium
Lack of magnesium results in reduced photosynthesis leading to smaller leaves that are lighter in color, poor flowering, reduced top fruit size and significant fruit drop.
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.