Flowering is the most critical phenophase of apple in terms of the sensitivity of flowers and floral elements to low temperatures, but also to disease and pest attacks.
The time of flowering (beginning, course, duration) depends on the genotypic characteristics of the variety and on the action of environmental factors. As with other fruit species, three basic subphases can be distinguished in the phenophase of flowering: Beginning of flowering, full flowering, end of flowering-overblooming. The duration of flowering is varietal specificity. Varieties with long flowering have a greater possibility of pollination, fertilization and fruit setting, but they are also more sensitive to the attack of pathogens.
The apple is currently in the phenophase of the beginning of flowering, therefore it needs treatment with preparations that will prevent the infection of erwinia (Erwinia amylovora), venturia (Venturia inaequalis) and powdery mildew (Podosphaera leucotricha), additional amounts of NPK fertilizers, microelements and boron are also needed (B).
ERWIX is a preparation that successfully suppresses the phytopathogenic bacteria Erwinia amylovora. In its composition, it contains bacteria of the genus Bacillus spp., which, by forming their biofilm, protect plants from attacks by pathogenic microorganisms and thus prevent infection. As secondary metabolites, they produce auxins and surfactin, which play a role in the formation of biofilms. Auxins affect the reproduction of Bacillus spp., while surfactin facilitates their binding to the plant surface and thus together represent a barrier for harmful microorganisms. In order to achieve this, it is important that the bacteria from the Erwix preparation first “come” and “take” their place. Treatment with 1% ERWIX solution should be done at least three times, in the following order of phenophases:
- At the beginning of flowering;
- In full bloom;
- After the beginning of flowering.
It is important to note that Erwix is not toxic to bees or the environment, and it can be applied even in the later stages of vegetation. It is necessary to apply Erwix if there are mechanical injuries from hail or after thinning when small injuries occur at the point of separation of the fruit stalk from the branch, which represent entry holes for the attack of the bacterium E. amylovora, as well as other pathogens.
In addition to protection, it is very important that the plant receives balanced amounts of all elements necessary for proper growth and development.
The company Agrounik recommends the application of Nika Fert 20 20 20, an inorganic complex crystalline solid fertilizer with microelements. This fertilizer affects the stimulation of flowering and the growth of vegetative mass. Fertigation 50 kg/ha or foliar 2-3 kg/ha can be applied.
Energen + Microelements is also very important to apply in the pre-flowering, flowering and over-flowering phase, when the plant needs additional stimulus and energy in order to make the fertilization as good as possible. It contains humic acids, organic compounds that improve nutrient absorption, influence better photosynthesis, remove plant symptoms due to microelement deficiencies and nutrient antagonism, and increase yield. Its microelements are in chelate form. Application is 1l/ha foliar or through the watering system 6l/ha.
Also, the chemical element needed in these stages is boron (B). Boron is an immobile element and therefore it is important to add it through the leaf-foliar during the phenophase of flowering. It is generally known that boron (B) influences the growth of pollen anthers and promotes fertilization, as well as vitamin synthesis, cell wall construction, sugar transport and regulation of plant hormones. Because of all this, we recommend liquid inorganic NIKA B fertilizer at this stage. It is recommended to apply it together with Erwix at 2-3 l/ha.
Wetting agent LEPILO is a microbiological preparation, which improves the action of pesticides and foliar fertilizers. It increases absorption and translocation, affects better adhesion of deposits and reduces the risk of being washed away by rain or degradation under the influence of sunlight. It is necessary to apply it with each treatment, for the sake of better adoption of the deposit, and therefore for better and longer action, in a concentration of 0.1%.
You can find our products in agricultural pharmacies.
B.Eng. Milica Milić
