Testing the Effectiveness of Ca Preparations as an Alternative to Calcium Chloride
Two experiments using Folanx® Ca29 were carried out from 04.07.2006 - 20.05.2007 at the Land- und Forstwirtschaftliches Versuchszentrum (= Research Center for Agriculture and Forestry) in Laimburg/South Tyrol.
The goal was to find an alternative to calcium chloride (CaCl2) and calcium nitrate (Ca(NO3)2).
The goal was to find an alternative to calcium chloride (CaCl
Trial Design
1st Test
Product testing on the same tree with 10 repeat procedures for fruit analysis.
8 fruits were systematically treated on one side, with the other side acting as a control sample. This was done to ensure that influential factors, such as the soil, wind conditions, amount of sunlight etc. for each individual fruit remained constant.
Product testing on the same tree with 10 repeat procedures for fruit analysis.
8 fruits were systematically treated on one side, with the other side acting as a control sample. This was done to ensure that influential factors, such as the soil, wind conditions, amount of sunlight etc. for each individual fruit remained constant.
2nd Test
Product testing, 4 repeat procedures, each using 20 trees
6 treatments were carried out at intervals of 2 to 3 weeks (04.07. to 11.09.2006).
The trials were carried out on the Braeburn variety.
Product testing, 4 repeat procedures, each using 20 trees
6 treatments were carried out at intervals of 2 to 3 weeks (04.07. to 11.09.2006).
The trials were carried out on the Braeburn variety.
Results
The initial evaluation of analysis done on 25.09.2006 regarding the effectiveness in combating bitter pits showed the following results:
| Post-Harvest Effectiveness Analysis (25.09.2006) | |||
| Group | Dosage |
Apples with |
|
| Control | 5.35 |
||
| Folanx (LANXESS) |
29 % Ca | 400 g |
0.51 |
| Calcium chloride (CaCl |
300 g |
0.49 |
|
| Test media 1 | 15 % CaO | 400 mL |
1.57 |
| Test media 2 | 12 % CaO | 400 mL |
2.23 |
| Test media 3 | 15 % CaO | 400 mL |
1.75 |
| Test media 4 | 9 % CaO | 500 mL |
3.45 |
| Test media 5 | 15 % CaO | 400 mL |
4.53 |
The evaluation of the storage tests with fruit analysis (calcium content / fructose content) and the effect with regard to combating bitter pits was carried out on 12.04.2007.
| Effectiveness Analysis after Removal from Storage (12.04.2007) | |||
| Group | Dosage |
Apples with |
|
| Control | 9.35 |
||
| Folanx (LANXESS) |
29 % Ca | 400 g |
4.87 |
| Calcium chloride (CaCl |
300 g |
1.28 |
|
| Test media 1 | 15 % CaO | 400 mL |
5.65 |
| Test media 2 | 12 % CaO | 400 mL |
6.76 |
| Test media 3 | 15 % CaO | 400 mL |
4.51 |
| Test media 4 | 9 % CaO | 500 mL |
6.31 |
| Test media 5 | 15 % CaO | 400 mL |
6.78 |
The following diagram illustrates both sets of results:
The level of resistance to pressure was determined using a penetrometer.
To summarize, it can be said that Folanx® Ca29 is highly effective in combating bitter pits. To what extent the fruit calcium content actually influences the bitter pit effect needs to be clarified in further trials.
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