Citrus growers need as many tools in their toolbox as possible. With the Florida citrus industry decimated in recent years, mainly due to citrus greening disease, growers are exploring all options to help them succeed.
CYAN 365®, a biostimulant from C Green Ag Biotechnology, is one tool that has proven to help enhance the quality and size of citrus crops, namely oranges and grapefruit, according to Mike Edenfield, a field scientist at Florida AgCo. In various research trials, he found that CYAN 365® improves the size of Hamlin and Valencia oranges.
“The biggest benefit that I’ve seen from CYAN 365® is increasing the fruit size, the main benefit to the grower. That’s primarily why most of the fresh fruit growers see a nice benefit from the product,” Edenfield says.
BETTER BRIX
“With an increase in fruit size, what we’re also doing is increasing the Brix levels in the fruit,” adds Edenfield.
Brix refers to the measure of the total soluble solids (TSS) that are present in any fruit. This can include citrus, watermelons, strawberries, etc. Sugars comprise those soluble solids. When Edenfield refers to CYAN 365® increasing the Brix levels in the fruit, he means the product is increasing the natural sugar content that is available for consumption. More sugar means a sweeter, better flavor.
“We’ve seen both an increase in fruit size and an increase in pound solids. You’re not only expanding that fruit, but you’re also expanding or increasing the sugar content,” says Edenfield. “I think in fresh fruit, the use of CYAN 365® is really a no-brainer. I believe that most fresh fruit acres can benefit from the product.”
Research supports Edenfield’s opinion. In trying to prove the economics of CYAN 365® in juice oranges — whether producers benefit financially by adding this product to their input cost portfolio — Edenfield looked at various rates. He tested rates of 16 ounces and 32 ounces at different points in the production season — pre-bloom, full bloom, post-bloom and in the fall.
In the study, Hamlins yielded an additional 369 pounds per acre, more than 31 additional boxes per acre, 27% less fruit drop and 18% more fruit count. Valencias yielded 398 more pounds per acre, 54 more boxes per acre and 18.2% more fruit count.
LESS DROP, BIGGER FRUIT
It’s worth noting there was less premature fruit drop in the Hamlin study. According to the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), post-bloom fruit drop affects all species and cultivars of citrus. But its severity varies due to a couple of factors, namely time of bloom and rainfall. Navel and Valencia oranges have experienced the most damage in Florida.
CYAN 365® helps synchronize the harvest timing. Because of this, it …..
Learn more about Making Sense of Biologicals: Improve Fruit Size and Quality on the Citrus Industry website.