Soft-fruit growers know only too well that quality problems often lie in wait in the autumn. Dark days frequently lead to fruit cracking, which is why Biobest recommends Bluestim® – the biostimulant that quickly strengthens cell walls and safely guides fruit through stressful periods.
“It is never too late to apply Bluestim®,” explains Biobest Product Manager, Cindy Callens. “Growers can start using it any time, even now. “Scientific research shows that Bluestim® reaches the roots, leaves, and fruits within 24 hours. When applied a couple of days before a stress situation, it has a direct positive effect on the fruits.”
Strong cell walls
“Strawberry growers experience fewer cracks, due to the high level of glycine betaine in Bluestim®,” Cindy explains. “Occurring naturally in desert plants, it improves water and nutrient transport during periods of osmotic stress. This osmotic regulation of plant cells leads to better calcium absorption and stronger cell walls. The crop can exploit this extra protection at times when it suddenly turns hot or dark.”
Reducing cracks
Strawberries from plants treated with Bluestim® develop fewer cracks and have a longer shelf-life thanks to stronger cell walls. With fewer cracks and micro-cracks there are fewer entry points for pathogens, helping improve fruit quality in the long term.
Best performance
Bluestim® is supplied as a soluble powder and should be sprayed onto the leaves – the recommended dose is 2kg/ha. To minimize the influence of unexpected stress situations throughout the growing season, Biobest advises applying every three weeks – starting from flowering.
Read more news and features from the fruit growing industry in our monthly publication The Fruit Grower.
