SA03SEQ-02: Pre and Post Nutrition Management

Research Site / Demonstration Number: SA03SEQ-02

Grower Collaborator: Pinata Farms – Wamuran

Location 1: Newlands Rd, Wamuran
Location 2: Powell Rd, Wamuran

Start Date: March 2019

OUTLINE

To develop and evaluate a post-induction nutrition program on the hybrid variety 73-50 to improve fruit quality and yield.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effect of nutrient application after floral induction on yield and fruit quality at two locations in Wamuran (Newlands Rd and Powell Rd).
To undertake a cost analysis of the benefits of post induction fertiliser programs.
To identify potential post induction plant growth.

METHODOLOGY

The trial site has followed a previous crop of 73-50 hybrid which was taken to plant crop only. The previous crop was harvested with major issues of Phytophthora root rot and nematode. The soil was prepared to standard industry conditions with good soil tilth, no crop residue and good soil moisture with a soil pH of 4.3. Weather leading up to application had good rainfall with temperatures ranging from 20 – 30°C. However, early in the cropping cycle the block experienced major rainfall events that caused significant erosion and replanting was required.

The treatments were applied to a hybrid 73-50 plant crop. A total of four applications were made, these began after dry petal stage and continued until one month prior to harvest.

Phase 1: Trial location Newlands Road, Wamuran, showing location of Control (nil) and Programs 1, 2 and 3

Research Treatments

Phase 1

The objective in phase 1 is to identify any positive impacts of fertiliser applications after floral induction. This is achieved through the evaluation of different rates of fertiliser applied monthly after dry petalling stages of floral development.

The fertiliser programs (monthly) are as follows:

Note: rates are in kg / ha.

Phase 2

Phase 2 takes the results from phase 1 and further refines a fertiliser program with more precise application rates, timing of application and different types fertiliser. There will be a total of 3-4 applications after dry petal.

Note: the liquid calcium is to be applied separately.

ASSESSMENT / EVALUATION METHOD & DELIVERY SCHEDULE

PROGRESS REPORT

CURRENT PROGRESS

Phase 1

April 2019

Block induction

June 2019

Treatments Applied

November 2019

Harvested crop

Assessment – fruit packout, yield and initial cost analysis

Phase 2

May 2020

Treatments applied

ISSUES ENCOUNTERED

The block experienced dry conditions throughout the growing cycle.

OTHER NOTES

Nil

RESULTS

Phase 1

Plant growth assessment of the two sites for 73-50 indicated growth continued after induction. The variations in crop responses to different rates of fertiliser can be clearly observed.

Note: Plant weight, leaf length and leaf width are averages taken from 40 samples (plants) in each treatment.

Note: The orange (Newlands Rd) and blue bars (Powell Rd) show plant weights from separate trial sites. Newlands Rd had plants of moderate health. Powell Rd had plants of good health.

The yields from the nil and low rates of fertiliser at the Newlands Rd site were similar whereas the yields from the medium and high rates were higher.