Calcium has long been associated with increased resilience to cracking, increased firmness, increased storage duration and increased yield however this depends on calcium actually getting to the fruit. Early accumulation is vital due to decreasing vascular connections during maturation but calcium accumulation across the fruit skin has not been extensively explored. Applications of calcium via overhead irrigation after rainfall events during the more cracking susceptible Stage III of cherry growth has had some success, but results are inconsistent. Studies in apple report that foliar calcium uptake is possible, but some disagreement on timing exists with some in support of early and others for late, uptake in fruit development. Foliar applications have also been associated with changed distribution throughout fruit tissues which may explain the inconsistent results regarding total calcium levels and impact on quality. Early and repeated spray patterns for calcium uptake are supported. A major limitation of using direct calcium applications to prevent cracking is the unsightly residue left on the fruit, generally from the use of calcium chloride. This HAL funded study undertaken in Tasmania was designed with two objectives; to assess the effectiveness of foliar applications of calcium compared to fertigated applications, and to assess uptake of foliar applications during different developmental stages.

Item Type:	Magazine Article
Research Division:	Agricultural, Veterinary and Food Sciences
Research Group:	Horticultural production
Research Field:	Horticultural crop growth and development
Objective Division:	Plant Production and Plant Primary Products
Objective Group:	Horticultural crops
Objective Field:	Stone fruit (excl. avocado)
UTAS Author:	Measham, PF (Dr Penny Measham)
ID Code:	86661
Year Published:	2013
Deposited By:	Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture
Deposited On:	2013-10-08
Last Modified:	2014-03-13
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