ISHS Acta Horticulturae 594: International Symposium on Foliar Nutrition of Perennial Fruit Plants
MARINE PLANT EXTRACTS IMPACT ON GRAPE YIELD AND QUALITY |
| Authors: | J. Norrie, T. Branson, P.E. Keathley |
| Keywords: | Ascophyllum nodosum, biostimulant, foliar extract, grapevine, yield and berry quality |
| Abstract:
A replicated commercial field trial evaluated the effects of Ascophyllum nosodum marine plant extract (Acadian Liquid Seaweed Concentrate; LSC) on yield and cluster quality of Thompson seedless grapes. Treatments consisted of a control, LSC at 2.34 and 3.5 L/ha applied at pre-bloom, post-bloom and sizing stages, and LSC at 2.34 L/ha with an additional treatment at bud break. Plots received a standard fertility management program in addition to specific treatments. Compared to the control, LSC at 2.34 L/ha, LSC at 3.5 L/ha and LSC at 2.34 L/ha with bud break treatment gave yield increases of 25, 14 and 13%, respectively. Heaviest individual clusters were harvested from the LSC 2.34 L/ha treated plots that averaged 0.431 kg/cluster, a 9% increase over the control. LSC at 2.34 L/ha with bud-break treatment produced berries that were 25% heavier than controls. LSC (at 2.34 L/ha) treated berries were 22.4% heavier than controls. A series of commercial samplings was also undertaken to explore effects on a wider range of varieties and locations. Results indicate a consistent increase in berry size (from 6.1 to 8.6%), weight (from 3.2 to 29%) and firmness (from 8.6 to 27.1%) for several varieties and locations. However, Brix levels tend to be lower in treated berries. This information is discussed. | |
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