Leaf fertilisation in stone fruit
Foliar fertilisation is used both in the case of already visible deficiencies (e.g. manganese, iron, magnesium, etc.), but also in the case of latent (non-visible) deficiencies.
Foliar analysis has proven to be a useful tool for detecting latent nutrient deficiencies.
Spraying schedule stone fruit - When to apply Lebosol® fertiliser?
Download our handy PDF with the spraying schedule for stone fruit now! This unique application calendar/fertilisation plan contains all foliar fertilisers recommended by Lebosol® for cherries, plums, peaches, apricots or nectarines. Here you will find valuable information about which fertilizers can be used for which purpose.
You will easily find the best time to apply our products to ensure efficient and effective fertilisation of your stone fruit. Never miss the ideal moment to maximise the full growth potential of your fruit trees with Lebosol®.
Download our unique spray schedule now and optimise your fertilisation practices for cherries, plums, peaches, apricots or nectarines!
Nutrient availability
Even if the soil is optimally supplied with nutrients, the fruit tree's needs-based supply of main, secondary and trace elements is not always meet. Many factors limit the availability and uptake from the soil, e.g. high pH values for trace elements and low pH values for main and secondary elements, drought, cool weather, soil compaction and/or waterlogging, competition from soil greening and antagonisms (interactions) between the elements (e.g. too much potassium limits the availability and uptake of magnesium and calcium).
Specific nutrient requirements for stone fruits
Compared to pome fruits, stone fruits are less demanding. However, elements such as nitrogen (to achieve a high yield), potassium and phosphorus (for optimal fruit quality), the maintenance of an optimal potassium-calcium ratio for firm fruit and a balanced supply of zinc, iron and manganese also play an important role in stone fruit production.
Yield stabilization
Amino acid nutrition together with the auxin effect of certain amino acids is particularly important for fruit set and flower bud quality. With repeated application of Aminosol® from flowering onwards, it will enhance fruit setting and fruit growth. In addition, Aminosol® reduces leaf and fruit scab symptoms in plumes.
Iron chloroses
Cherries in particular are prone to iron chlorosis. Iron deficiency is manifested by yellowing of the youngest leaves with dark leaf veins. In addition to soil applied iron fertilisers at the beginning of vegetation, it is also beneficial to introduce the iron supply via the leaves. Early and regular foliar fertilisation with Lebosol®-HeptaIron can be recommended, as it’s proven to be effective. Lebosol®-HeptaIron is a particularly compatible iron leaf fertiliser that can also be used in organic cultivation.
Fruit quality and shelf life
Lebosol®-Calcium-Forte SC, free of chloride, will improve the calcium concentration in the fruit and enhance quality and shelf life. Besides that, Lebosol®-Calcium-Forte SC is containing the micro nutrients manganese and zinc as well.
Low level of calcium in the fruit mean poor fruit quality and quickly deterioratin flesh firmness. Treatments with Lebocal®-Hepta, which can also be used in organic cultivation or Lebosol®-Calcium-Forte SC (calcium formate -particularly effective calcium source) increase the calcium content in the fruit and thus improve firmness and above all shelf life. In addition, the trees are supplied with manganese and zinc.
Post-harvest treatment
Boron plays a decisive role for flowering and fruit set, zinc for initial development and leaf quality. Boron and zinc must be available before flowering. In this period, however, there is no uptake via the soil, the tree feeds on its nutrient reserves.
Since leaf fertilisation before flowering is not possible in stone fruit due to the lack of leaf mass, post-harvest treatment with Lebosol®-Boron and Lebosol®-Zinc 700 SC is recommended here.
This can be combined with urea spraying. In addition, post-harvest nutrition with amino acids promotes reserve storage and regeneration, so that autumn treatment with Aminosol® is also recommended.