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We are in the stages of enlargement, maturation or harvesting, based on the time of transplantation and the length of the cycle.

To encourage the formation of tasty, sugary and heavy fruits, it is necessary to adopt - from the first stages of enlargement - a balanced fertilization based on nitrogen and potassium, so as not to create problems in filling the fruit.

In the early stages of enlargement, in fact, it is necessary to provide nitrogen and, in smaller quantities, potassium. In the final stages of maturation, however, it is essential to increase potassium and limit the use of nitrogen.

In both phases it is also important to limit stress for the plant, as well as water imbalances.

The technical line

In the fruit enlargement phase we recommend using:

• CalcioMagno (20 l/ha) and K-Fast (10 l/ha) in fertigation, every 8-10 days
• MagnetiCal (3-4 l/ha) and Giove Bio Gold (1.5 kg/ha) foliarly, every 8-10 days

For the maturation phase we recommend using:

• K-Fast (20 l/ha) in fertigation, every 8-10 days

TO SEE THE COMPLETE FERTILIZATION PLAN click here

We are in full production period, where the various stages of fruit development overlap, with fruits in maturation and others that are just added. It is therefore necessary to set up a balanced nutritional strategy that supports the plant in all its various stages. 

In addition, this period is characterized by particularly high temperatures that create problems on the physiological state of the plant.  It is therefore essential to use biostimulating products.

The technical line

In the flowering and potting phase we recommend the use of:

• Naturblack (1.5 l/ha) and VigorGreen (1-1.5 l/ha)

For the phase of post attachment and fruit enlargement we recommend the use of:

• Focus Ca (15 l/ha) to alternate with Leaf P-Ca (10 l/ha) in fertigation
• Giove Bio Gold (1-1.5 kg/ha) and MagnetiCal (3-4 l/ha) via foliar

In the fruit ripening phase we recommend:

• K-Fast (10-15 l/ha) and Supremo (15-20 l/ha) in fertigation

TO SEE THE COMPLETE FERTILIZATION LINE click here

We are between the early stages of olive enlargement and the phases of hardening and enlargement of the drupes.

In the first phase of post-release it is important to support the plant in order to contain the phenomenon of physiological fall, applying fertilizers with anti-stress action, particularly indicated in extremely hot periods.

In the next phase of thickening and hardening of the drupes, essential to obtain a good size and good oil yield, it is advisable: 

• provide magnesium to promote photosynthetic activity;
• provide calcium for fuller-bodied tissues;
• Protect the crop from abiotic stresses.
• provide phosphorus to stimulate the thickening and hardening of the drupes

All this to prepare in the best way for the maturation phase during which it will be necessary to pay special attention to potassium.

The technical line

CONVENTIONAL PLANT

For the start of enlargement we recommend the use of:

• Cereas38 (0.5 kg/plant) or CereaSlow33 (0.5 kg/plant). Dose according to the size of the plant.

For the swelling and hardening phase we recommend the use of:

• Leaf P-Ca (4 l/ha) + VigorGreen (1.5 l/ha)

Add Giove Bio Gold (1.5-2 kg/ha) for an osmoprotective action.

INTENSIVE TREATMENT

For the start of enlargement we reccomend the use of:

• Cereas38 (0.5 kg/plant) or CereaSlow33 (0.5 kg/plant). Dose according to the size of the plant.

For the stone swelling phase we recommend the use of:

• Magnetical (3-4 l/ha) + Giove Bio Gold (1-2 kg/ha)
• Leaf P-Ca (10 l/ha) + Hydrostar (10 l/ha) in fertigation

To be repeated in the hardening phase.

TO SEE THE COMPLETE FERTILIZATION LINE click here

During 2023, a fertilization test was set up in collaboration with the Technology Transfer Center of the Edmund Mach Foundation in San Michele all'Adige (TN), on the cultivar Fuji/ M9 in Spagolle in the municipality of Castelnuovo (TN) to test the performances of the FCP Cerea Glycos Plus product against an untreated thesis. Glycos Plus is a biostimulating product (N 5%, K2O 9%, with 10% organic carbon, B 0.25% and containing amino acids and algae extracts) recommended to improve fruit coloration, uniformity of ripening, sugar content and shelf life.

The test was carried out on a sandy, sub-alkaline soil, extremely calcareous but with low content of active limestone with high content of organic matter.
The plants, planted in 2019, are grafted on the M9 rootstock and bred with biaxial system (3.50 x 1.18), with planting density equal to 2414 plants per hectare (photo 1).

Photo 1: plants in bloom on 19 April, before setting the test and particular operation of measuring the area of the trunk section of both axes for the selection of plants to be used for measurements during the growing season, as well as the withdrawal of the entire unit production per plant.

Each thesis was replicated four times within the plot in elementary plots of 12 homogeneous plants. In each parcel, three representative plants were chosen, as they are homogeneous in the trunk section area, to carry out measurements of fruit growth.
The treatments with Glycos Plus were carried out at a dose of 2 L/ ha in three foliar applications to 45, 30 and 15 days after harvest. All distributions were carried out with the same pump and with volumes ranging from 1000 to 1500 L/ha in relation to the vegetative development of the plants.
From all the plots tested, two samples of 20 fruits each were taken five days before harvesting or on 5 October for qualitative analyses (starch, refractometric index, hardness, acidity, juiciness and Thiault’s index) and for color evaluations of the same using a spectrometer.

Photo 2: Measurements of the three L*a*b* color space coordinates using the CM-2600d spectrometer on different test samples.

Chemical thinning of the fruits was carried out on all the plants tested, while manual thinning was carried out after the June fall. It should also be borne in mind that in July there were hail events which partially affected commercial production but did not affect the test with regard to the results that had been set.

Fruit colouring and colour response

The evaluation of the three components of the color space through the use of the spectrometer on fruit samples taken shortly before harvesting shows that the thesis Glycos Plus favored a more intense coloring of the fruits towards the red direction compared to that CORPORATE-NT. Also the luminosity parameter, that is the one linked in inverse way to the coloration of the fruit confirms these results, since the thesis GLYCOS-plus has significantly lower values than the thesis COMPANY-NT (fig.1).

Figure 1. Average diameters of the plants sampled in the two theses at the three survey dates. Significantly different values are indicated by different letters. Significance levels are reported for values of P < 0.05. (Source: Fcp Cerea)

Regarding the objective of quantitative evaluation of the application of GLYCOS-plus, it is clear that the product tends to favor a more homogeneous distribution of fruits, as evident by analyzing the distribution of fruits in different size classes (figure 2) with values in the classes practically similar, while in the thesis NT-AZIENDA there are values in these classes more oscillating and crushed towards the central class and with fewer fruits, instead, in the higher class (> 90 mm).

Figure 2. Average weight per fruit of the plants sampled in the two harvest theses. (Source: Fcp Cerea)

The fruits sampled for qualitative analysis in the GLYCOS thesis compared to those of the NT-AZIENDALE thesis obtained a statistically higher size. The qualitative parameters showed no significant statistical differences. GLYCOS-plus was nevertheless found to be effective in slightly increasing sugar. Glycos Plus has therefore proved to be useful for improving the coloring and uniform maturation and size.

This is a further confirmation of what was also found on table grapes: the surveys carried out at harvest, in the province of Bari, in 2023, they showed a clear improvement in the coloring of the berries treated with Glycos Plus differentiating statistically from the witness and presenting a greater intensity of the coloring of pantons more tending to red even compared to the commercial standard (fig.3).

Figure 3: percentage of the 4 different shades of colour (pantone) in the three theses. The thesis with Glycos Plus is the one with the most accentuated coloring.

Figure 4. Comparison of some nutritional parameters in the three theses. Significantly different values are indicated with different letters. Significance levels are reported for values of P < 0.05. (Source: Fcp Cerea)

Do you want to discover the complete technical line for apple tree cultivation?

We have entered the period of full production of the plant, with a succession of new crops and continuous harvests. Given the intense activity, specific solutions are needed to increase the number of flowers and to promote the fruit set in order to increase the final yield of the table tomato.

We have developed a specific program that can provide the plant with the right nutrients at every stage, to protect it from any thermal stress and support its growth.

The technical line

The fertilization of asparagus should be carried out in summer after the harvests so that it can replenish its nutrient reserves and better prepare the crop for the following year’s production.

The root system is in continuous renewal and, being the reserve organ, it is very important to stimulate its growth and promote the absorption of nutrients.

At the same time, a balanced development of the aerial part is essential.

Technical Line

These interventions allow an ideal development of the root system and an accumulation of reserve substances to prepare asparagiaia to produce at best (quality and quantity) the following year.

Almost all the products contain organic compounds (humic acids, fulvic acids, amino acids, carboxylic acids) which are very important for asparagus, a crop that, remember, loves organic matter, especially if of high quality.

GRANULAR APPLICATIONS IN POST-HARVEST

• JOLLY, a complex organomineral fertiliser with high phosphorus and potassium content. Dosage of 400 kg/ha
• CereaSlow 33, provides slow release nitrogen nutrition, lasting in asparagus growing time. Dosage of 200-300 kg/ha

The flowering of the grapewine is now near. This phase is very energy-intensive for the plant, as there is an intense demand for nutrients. However, it is important to avoid deficiencies or excesses, in order not to compromise the good flowering and subsequent grafting of the vine.

The interventions immediately following the fruit set aim to make the cluster lengthen (thus avoiding overly tight clusters) and develop the berries, in order to obtain high-quality production.

In all these delicate phases it is also advisable to support the plant, especially in situations of stress, with products with biostimulating action .

The technical line

In the pre-flowering, late blooming and potting phases we recommend the use of:

• Leaf P-Ca 4l/ha + Giove Bio Gold 1.5-2 kg/ha by foliar route

In the cluster stretching phase we recommend the use of:

• CalcioMagno 15-20 l/ha in fertigation (1-2 interventions at 15 days)
• VigorGreen 1,5 l/ha + Magnetical 3-4 l/ha by foliage (1-2 interventions at 15 days)

Want to discover the complete technical line?

In the drupacee, the swelling phase of the fruit is very delicate and requires specific and targeted treatments. Until the hardening of the stone it is played, in fact, a large part of the production as a good size of the stone will correspond to a good size of the fruits.

During this time, phosphorus plays an important role because it directly affects the enlargement of the stone; it is equally important to start, from this stage, to provide calcium, essential for compact fruits with intense and uniform coloration, ensure good shelf-life.

In the phases of enlargement and hardening of the kernel it is also important to avoid stress situations and possibly support the plant with specific products.

The technical line

FROM THE ENLARGEMENT TO THE HARDENING OF THE STONE

In the phase of enlargement we recommend 2-3 treatments every 7-10 days of:

• Hydrostar 10 kg/ha + Leaf P-Ca 10 l/ha  in fertigation
• VigorGreen  1,5 l/ha + Magnetical 3-4 l/ha per by foliar application

In the hardening phase we recommend 2-3 treatments every 7-10 days of:

• Hydrostar 10 kg/ha + Leaf P-Ca 10 litri/ha  in fertigation
• VigorGreen  1,5 l/ha + Magnetical 3-4 l/ha by foliar application

FROM VERAISON UNTIL 10 DAYS BEFORE HARVEST

We recommend 2 treatments every 10-15 days of:

• CalcioMagno 20l/ha + Supremo 20l/ha in fertigation
• MagnetiCal 3-4l/ha + Giove Bio Gold 1-2 kg/ha by foliar application

Do tou want to discover the complete technical line?

In order to put the plant in the best productive conditions it is necessary to stimulate a good and uniform flowering to promote the fruit set.

To achieve this, it is advisable to provide the plant with biostimulating products, in combination with normal fertilization, so as to avoid stress situations and increase the efficiency of use of nutrients at the most delicate stages of the production cycle.

The technical line:

In the pre-breeding phase:

• Nano. T Fe with dosage of 5 l/ha in fertirrigation + HydroStar with dosage of 10 kg/ha in fertirrigation
• VigorGreen in a dosage of 1.5 l/ha by foliar application

At the end of flowering we recommend the use of:

• VigorGreen in a dosage of 1.5 l/ha by foliage

In the allegation phase (and post-allegation) we recommend:

• Crisco with a dosage of 1.5 l/ha by foliar, to promote the elongation of the cluster.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE TECHNICAL LINE CLICK HERE

In the hazel the flowering has already taken place in the winter months. The plant is now in a phase of vegetative growth with the growth of new shoots. Stimulating a balanced vegetative growth of the plant allows at the same time to promote the subsequent fruit set.

Therefore, in these stages it is important to have an optimal management of nitrogen and other nutrients (magnesium, iron and boron), to maximize the photosynthetic activity of the plant and promote a higher yield.

The following products are recommended in the stages of end germination and setting:

• CereaSlow 40, with a dosage of 200 Kg/ha, granular application to the soil
• NaturBlack 1.5 l/ha + Febo Mix 2 kg/ha, foliar application

Discover the complete technical line:

We tested the efficiency of Leaf P-Ca in the field. Experimental tests have shown that its application produces fruits with greater size and average weight, and also more colored.

During 2023, a fertilization test was set up in collaboration with the Technology Transfer Center of the Edmund Mach Foundation in San Michele all'Adige (TN), on the cultivar Fuji/ M9 in Spagolle, in the municipality of Castelnuovo (TN), to test the performances of the Leaf P-Ca product by Fcp Cerea in comparison with the standard company thesis.

Leaf P-Ca is a synergistic formulation of phosphorus (23.6%) and calcium (6%) bound together, recommended to promote fruit development and increase its size, hardness and shelf life.

The test was carried out on a sandy-loam soil (48.5% sand, 46.5% silt and 5% clay), subalkaline (pH 7.6), extremely calcareous (total limestone 64.4%) but with low active limestone endowment (< 1%), with high organic matter endowment (7.6%), very rich in assimilable iron and copper (48.4 and 48.8 milligrams/kilo respectively) and with very high contents of exchangeable magnesium (1000 milligrams/kilo of MgO).

The plants, planted in 2019, are grafted on the M9 rootstock and bred with biaxial system (3.50 x 1.18), with planting density equal to 2414 plants per hectare (photo 1).

Figure 1. Plants in bloom on 19 April, before setting the test and particular operation of measuring the area of the trunk section of both axes for the selection of plants to be used for measurements during the growing season, as well as taking the entire unit production per plant. (Source: Fcp Cerea)

Each thesis was replicated four times within the plot in elementary plots of 12 homogeneous plants. Three representative plants were selected in each parcel, as they are homogeneous in the trunk section area, to carry out measurements of fruit growth during the growing season and for harvesting the entire unit production per plant.

The product Leaf P-Ca was used at a dose of 5 liters/hectare for three foliar applications, scheduled 20 days after flowering, 35 days after flowering and 50 days after flowering. The firm’s thesis was simultaneously treated with a concentrated solution that guaranteed the same calcium supply, which is the element that most affects the dynamics affected by the test.

All distributions were carried out with the same pump and with volumes ranging from one thousand to 1500 liters/ hectare in relation to the vegetative development of the plant.

From the three sample plants of each plot, 4 branches were chosen per plant, two on each side and placed at two different heights, for a total of 96 branches, to carry out diametric development and growth measurements of all fruits. These measurements were made with the gauge at the 2nd surgery, one week after the 3rd surgery (photos 2 and 3 on the left) and more than a month after the last surgery (photo 3 on the right).

Figure 2. Particular of fruits in growth in a branch of the replica 1 of the two monitored theses Leaf P-Ca (left) and company (right) to 20 June. (Source: Fcp Cerea)

Figure 3. Details of the fruit growth measures on 20 June (left) and 25 July (right) with caliber. (Source: Fcp Cerea)

Chemical thinning of the fruits was carried out on all the plants tested and after mid-June, two other calcium-based interventions were carried out with the same solution used previously in the company thesis.

It should also be borne in mind that in July there were hail events which partially affected commercial production but did not affect the test with regard to the results set. 

The results showed no difference in the number of fruits per plant, whereas the fruit growth was significantly different (figure 1). At the end of July, plants treated with Leaf P-Ca had an average diameter of almost 3 millimeters higher with a daily growth statistically different from the company thesis.

Figure 1. Average diameters of the plants sampled in the two theses at the three survey dates. Significantly different values are indicated by different letters. Significance levels are reported for values of P < 0.05. (Source: Fcp Cerea)

This is confirmed by the result found at harvest with an average 3.6% more weight per fruit of the thesis treated with Leaf P-Ca (figure 2).

Figure 2. Average weight per fruit of the plants sampled in the two harvest theses. (Source: Fcp Cerea)

The distribution of fruits in the different size classes has also moved towards higher percentages in the upper classes, although statistical analysis does not detect statistically significant differences other than as trends.

Figure 3. Percentages of fruits in the different size classes in relation to the theses. (Source: Fcp Cerea)

Therefore, it is confirmed that Leaf P-Ca tends to increase the size at the same unit production per plant thanks to the synergy between phosphorus and calcium.

The analysis carried out with the spectrophotometer carried out on a sample of 40 fruits per parcel has also detected less yellow and more coloured fruits in the theses treated with Leaf P-Ca compared to those of the farm thesis.

Finally, an analysis of the main nutritional parameters was carried out, which revealed a substantial alignment of the two theses with significantly better performances than the untreated comparison test (Figure 4).

Figure 4. Comparison of some nutritional parameters in the three theses. Significantly different values are indicated with different letters. Significance levels are reported for values of P < 0.05. (Source: Fcp Cerea)

Do you want to discover the complete technical line for apple tree cultivation?

Considering that the flowers (and therefore the fruits) of the olive tree develop from the flower buds that arise from the branch of the previous year, in the vegetative growth phase it is necessary to make sure that the plant generates new and abundant sprouts for the following year.

In addition, in this phase, in preparation for flowering, it is essential to provide elements such as phosphorus, boron and calcium to induce a greater differentiation of the fruit buds and improve the fertility of the flowers, then the potting.

Fertiliser plans for traditional and intensive olive cultivation

TRADITIONAL CULTIVATION

In the vegetative recovery phase we recommend the use of:

• OLIVO (or Super Red) with a dosage of 300 kg/ha
• LEAF N with a dosage of 4 l/ha by foliar

After 15 days:

• LEAF N with a dosage of 4 l/ha by foliar

In pre-flowering:

• GIOVE BIO GOLD (1.5 l/ha) + NATURBLACK (1-1.5 l/ha) + HYDROSTAR (2.5 Kg/ha) for foliar

INTENSIVE CULTIVATION

In the vegetative growth phase we recommend the use of:

• OLIVO (or Super Red) with a dosage of 300 kg/ha
• LEAF N with a dosage of 4 l/ha by foliar

After 15 days:

• LEAF N with a dosage of 4 l/ha by foliar

In pre-flowering: 

• VIGORGREEN (1.5 l/ha) + NATURBLACK (1-1.5 l/ha) + LEAF P-CA (3 l/ha) by foliar
• SUPREMO (20 l/ha) + HYDROSTAR (10 l/ha) in fertigation

Discover the complete technical line:

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We will be present at STAND 052 - Hall South, to present our granular and special products, with some interesting news about the line Nano.T.

We are waiting for you!

When? From 6 to 8 May 2025

Where? STAND 052 - South Hall / Rimini Expo Centre

For more information click here

Frosts, sudden changes in temperature, drought, excess water, high temperatures are all abiotic stresses that plants encounter when environmental conditions are not optimal.  These abiotic stresses lead to a slowing or even inhibition of the metabolism, limiting the development of plants and fruits.

The consequences will be: slowing down/reduction of chlorophyll photosynthesis, reduced protein synthesis, plants more susceptible to pathogens and therefore weaker, reduced vegetative development, difficult and/or compromised flowering, poor fruit set, poor quality and suboptimal production.

How can you help the plant in these delicate conditions?

After years of studies, research and field tests FCP Cerea proposes CERERE, a physioactivator, thermoprotector and osmoregulator suitable on all crops in every phenological phase. 

CERERE is a concentrate of medium and short-chain polyols (or polyalcohols) belonging to the family of hydrogenated carbohydrates (organic compounds).  These compounds enter directly into the plant cells and are able to help the plant to better manage free water, thus making it stronger and more resistant to adverse temperatures (too low or too high) and water stress (shortage and/or excess of water). 

Polyols can be rapidly transformed (within plant cells) into amino acids, essential compounds for plant metabolism, while plant-derived humic extracts stimulate the plant to a rapid recovery from abiotic stress.

CERERE also makes the membranes more elastic even in cases of frost, allowing fruit to swell and limiting the risk of cracking.

CERERE  is therefore a valid ally both to prevent the damage that abiotic stress can cause and to promote a rapid response and reactivation of the plant metabolism after stress.

The technical line of FCP Cerea

CERERE should be used 1-2 days before the expected adverse condition at a dose of 1.5-2.5 l/ha by foliar application on any crop (fruit, field and greenhouse horticulture, wine and table vines).  Repeat treatment 1-2 days after the stressful event. 

If the stressful event is prolonged (for example, periods of great heat and/or major thermal changes between day and night) treat every 8-10 days at a dose of 1.5-2 l/ ha.

To counteract the cracking of fruits use CERERE from walnut fruit every 12-15 days at a dose of 1.5-2 l/ ha.

CERERE can be combined with the most common plant protection products and foliar fertilizers to improve their effectiveness and persistence since it has an adhesive and wetting action.

Want to know more about our CERERE ?

In a few weeks, the sowing of maize will begin. Situations of stress and nutritional deficiencies (especially phosphorus) can have a negative impact in the subsequent emergency phase. For this delicate phase we propose a localized fertilization in order to induce a rapid and vigorous emergence of corn, paying special attention to the highly soluble phosphorus, fundamental for rooting.

Specifically, we recommend the use of:

• Blurain, a NPK fertiliser that uses the NUECR4 technology for controlled release of nitrogen, potassium and meso-elements (calcium and magnesium), with a dosage of 200-250 kg/ha located at band
• Universal Up, a NP with high phosphorus content, containing humic acids, which is more suitable where potassium fertilization has already been carried out. Dosage: 250-300 kg/ha located in band

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The agricultural sector will face many challenges in the near future. Trying to produce "more with less" will be an increasingly pressing goal as the world’s population is growing, arable land is shrinking and in Europe the Green Deal foresees a 20% reduction of fertilizer use by 2030.

This means that the efficiency of fertiliser use must be improved (Nutrient Use Efficiency - NUE).

Ideally, the perfect fertilizer can be considered as one that gives its nutrients as the plant requires them, following their needs according to the phenological stage in which it is (fig.1).

Figure 1- The ideal fertiliser releases elements in a synchronous way to the nutrient requirements of the crop. Source: Lammel, 2005 in G. Ciuffreda, "Nitrogen: three concepts to know in order to make better use of it". The agricultural informant, supplement to 15/2016.

The NUE can be expressed by the following formula and represents the percentage ratio of nutrients absorbed by the plant to nutrients supplied to the soil.

The FAO estimates that globally the NUE of macronutrients is about 50% for nitrogen, 10-15% for phosphorus and 40% for potassium [1].

Figure 2 - For every kg of nitrogen added to the soil, the plant uses less than half in China, about three-quarters in Europe, while the world average is around 50%. On the other hand, in the African continent the efficiency of use is very high as a result of the very low use of nitrogen as fertilizer. Source: Brentrup et al., 2010 in G. Ciuffreda, "Nitrogen: three concepts to know in order to use it better". The agricultural informant, supplement to 15/2016

These low efficiencies are due to a number of factors which can be summarised as: 

• Use of fertilisers with low nutrient efficiency (poorly soluble phosphorus, classical nitrogen forms;
• Application of incorrect cultivation techniques (wrong use times, under or overdosage).

The NUECR4 technology fertilisers of FCP Cerea are highly efficient in that they release nutrients slowly ensuring greater availability for plants, limiting negative phenomena such as leaching (removal of nutrients from the area explored by the roots by percolation into the deep layers of the soil) which is one of the main causes of the loss of efficiency of traditional fertilisers.

The NUECR4 fertilizers (CR acronym of "Cationic Retention") behave like the clays of the soil that, having negative electric charge, bind the cations to give them up over time. Specifically, once distributed in the soil, the granulate is hydrated, the nutrients are solubilised and the cations present (NH4+, K+, Ca++, Mg++, etc.) remain in the granulate and are progressively released (fig.3).

Figure 3 - Mechanism of action of NUECR4 technology

The NUECR4 technology is particularly active against the ammonia ion NH4+ (nitrogen), an essential element for plants whose soils are generally poor but also improves the efficiency of other essential elements such as potassium, calcium and magnesium.

Finally, it should be noted that the slow release of nitrogen takes place without using synthetic polymers (microplastics) that cover the granules of controlled release fertilizers, thus being more environmentally sustainable.

The benefits of NUECR4 technology contained in Fcp Cerea fertilizers are:

• Increased element use efficiency (NUE);
• Gradual release of nutrients;
• High nutrient availability for the plant also in the medium/long term;
• Strong and steady plant growth from early vegetative stages;
• Increased yields;
• Greater environmental sustainability

Today there are two products with NUECR4 technology in the range

• Blurain 10.12.16 suitable for tree crops, small fruits, horticultural open field and greenhouse. Ideal for a bottom fertilization or starter in band.
• Control 6.14 with low chlorine content, which has the advantages of NUECR4 Technology associated with slow nitrogen release from urea formaldehyde (40% on total). This allows the availability of nitrogen for plants to be further extended over time. Control is a formulation suitable for vegetable crops, fruit trees, meadows and golf courses.

In addition, in the near future Cerea FCP will obtain the registration of a microbial biostimulant CE (according to the new regulation EU 1009/2019) can improve the NUE by using the capacity of certain bacterial strains to bind atmospheric nitrogen and release nutrients (phosphorus and potassium) present in the soil in a form not available for plant roots.

A synchronized and uniform flowering remains the main goal to be pursued in this phase, so you must carefully manage nitrogen and pay special attention to possible biotic and abiotic stresses that may occur. The nutrition in vegetative response must therefore promote a balanced vegeto-productive development.

The technical line

• BluActive 300-400 kg/ha - granular, at the soil
• Hydrostar BTC 10 kg/ha - 2 applications in fertigation every 15 days

In case of forecast low temperatures and cold returns:

• Cerere at a dose of 1-1.5 litres/ha 24-48 hours before the onset of heat loss (also usable in case of full flowering).

In case of recurrent ferric chlorosis set the first application in vegetative recovery/sprouts development of:

• Nano. T Fe 5 l/ha + SuprEmo 20 l/ha

Technical in-depth analysis:

For the apple tree to check if it has received enough cold hours you must:

• Determine the "cold" period (e.g. October-January)
• Count the number of hours in this period below 7.2 °C.
• Consider that the required requirement is between 1000-1200 hours.

The technical line

Fertilization at vegetative growth:

• BluActive or Red Ball: 300-400 kg/ha granular to the soil
• Hydrostar BTC 10 kg/ha, 2 vegetative growth interventions, in fertigation
• Calcito 10 l/ha , 2 interventions from vegetative development to prehorning, in fertigation

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n.b.: technical background:

For the drupacee to check if they have received enough cold hours, you must:

• Determine the "cold" period (e.g. October-January)
• Count the number of hours in this period between 2.5 and 9.1 °C.
• Consider the following requirements:

1. apricot 400-600
2. peach 700-800
3. Apple 800-1000
4. almond 250-500
5. cherry 700-800

In the post-transplant phase it is important to encourage the root formation of the melon, limiting as much as possible the negative effects due to unfavourable climatic conditions such as thermal changes or periods of drought.

For this reason it is important to add, in addition to the usual elements (NPK), substances (e.g. humic) that play a biostimulating role to promote the absorption of nutrients and contribute to the improvement of soil structure.

In the next phase it is good that the biostimulation action is directed to stimulate homogeneous blooms and to promote the consequent fruit set.

Technical line

POST-TRANSPLANT:
HYDROSTAR - 15 kg/ha (2-3 applications) in fertirrigation

VEGETATIVE GROWTH and EARLY BLOOMS
SUPREMO - 20 l/ha in fertirrigation

VIGORGREEN- 1,5 l/ha  +  GIOVE BIO GOLD - 1-1,5 kg/ha , every 8-10 days (foliar application)

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In some areas, the productive phase is approaching and the fertilization must aim at maximising the fruit set and the development of new fruits.  It is also essential to obtain high quality fruits, tasty and durable.

Calcium and phosphorus are used to improve the specific weight and consistency of fruits, while potassium is used to enhance fruit flavour and colour.

Therefore, in the flowering phase of the fruits, it is recommended to use foliar:

Naturblack (1.5 l/ha), a concentrate of humic acid extracts with physio-activating action particularly oriented to the new fruit.

To encourage the enlargement of the fruit is recommended to intervene in fertigation with: 

Focus Ca (10-15 l/ha) which, thanks to its acidic pH, is able to improve the absorption of nutrients in the soil.

with

Giove Bio Gold (5 kg/ha), effective at low doses thanks to the powder formulation with very high solubility, performing an anti-stress function

For foliar it is recommended instead: 

Leaf P-Ca (2-3 l/ha) to improve the quality and weight of fruits and VigorGreen (1.5 l/ha), a Canadian seaweed concentrate that stimulates the metabolism of the plant by improving flowering, moist and uniform production.

Vuoi maggiori dettagli?

20 - 23rd November, ANFAS, Antalya Expo Center - Antalya, Turkey

GROWTECH. ANTALYA, as the world's largest exhibition dedicated to greenhouse technologies, not only gathers global attendees and prominent companies specializing in categories such as Greenhouse Technologies and Equipment, Irrigation Systems and Technologies, Seed Development and Growing, Seedling Cultivation, Plant Nutrition and Protection but also introduces a fresh perspective to the fair industry through events like the International Conferences, Growtech Agriculture Talks, and ATSO Growtech Agricultural Innovation Awards.

FCP Cerea will be present: hope to see you at Stall 6-C122

For further information click here

The industrial tomato is a crop with high production potential. To obtain abundant yields it is necessary to set up vigorous and balanced plants without excessive vegetative (luxuriance). For this it is very important in the post-transplant phase to "start" the seedlings at best ensuring an optimal rooting.

The following stages of transplanting are very delicate and the tomato needs a specific and balanced nutrition in order to stimulate rooting and, at the same time, create the conditions for an ideal development of the aerial part of the plant.

The technical line for post-transplant

An expanded root system that supports the plant in the production phases is the main goal of the fertilization in the post-transplant stage.

With the background fertilization, some of the macronutrients necessary for the development of the plant are provided, in particular phosphorus and potassium.

After the stress of transplanting, we proceed with phosphorus and calcium-based fertigations that stimulate rooting and strengthen the plant (greater resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses), in combination with organic nitrogen that improves nutrient absorption.

Specifically, we recommend the following products:

STAGE OF TRANSPLANT:

• Cereaphos, at a dosage of 200-250 kg/ha with localized application to the soil. Or Universal Up, with a dosage of 200-300 kg/ha with localized application to the soil. These two transplanting products promote rooting and a vigorous start, thanks to the high content of highly soluble phosphorus and humic acids.

TRANSPLANT STRESS OVERCOME:

• Leaf P-Ca, which contains phosphorus and calcium of high concentration quality that promote the rooting and development of balanced and compact plants, with a dosage of 10 l/ ha in fertigation;
• SuprEmo, rich in amino acids, tryptophan and organic iron to stimulate the optimal development of the plant, with a dosage of 20 l/ ha in fertigation;

Discover the complete technical line:

In May, 30th, at the Oranfresh conference hall in Catania, took place As-prò, the first event joined by renowned speakers and several industry professionals.

As the name suggests, the event was born from the will to develop a projectuality that, starting from Sicily and specific crops, aims to promote and spread innovation in citrus cultivation.

CEREA FCP gathered with sicilian Research & Development Institutes, European researchers and farmers to share knowledge and experience, not only to offer new research insights or do scientific divulgation, but also to provide concrete and innovative solutions for those who operate in the field.

It must be noted that the event was also streamed live online and shortly it will be available for online streaming.

It was Federica Argentati, President of the Sicilian Citrus Fruit District, who opened the conference and played skillfully the role of moderator by introducing the speakers with the different topics covered: rootstocks, iron chlorosis, production aspects and the phytosanitary impact.

As regards rootstocks, Alberto Continella, associate Professor of General Arboriculture and tree crops at UNI Catania, has presented results on some research relative to tolerances to pathogens and to different production potentialities both from a qualitative and quantitative point of view.

María Á. Forner Giner e Mary-Rus Martínez Cuenca of the Center of Production of Citrus Fruits and Plants of the Valencian Institute of Agricultural Research (IVIA) also took part to the conference in live streaming from Spain. They explained the essential role that iron plays in citrus fruits and how the element is absorbed. Finally, they thouroghly analysed iron chlorosis, a problem widely spread in mediterranean areas, to understand the triggering causes and what it involves in terms of yield.

Giuseppe Ciuffreda, Head of Research & Development and Agronomy of CEREA FCP, despite the complexity and vastness of the topic, has illustrated the advantages deriving from the use of nanotechnology to tackle iron deficiencies, in line with the European strategy “Farm to Fork” and environmental sustainability.
CEREA FCP over the last few years has in fact started testing  Nano.T® Fe in Sicily, a new nanotechnology product, active in a wide range of pH, effective at low dosages, completely biodegradable and also used during the day in fertigation. Also, it is a winning product as compared to other traditional chelating products, since it does not precipitate and favours the acidification of the rhizosphere. As underlined by Ciuffreda, CEREA FCP is further improving the application techniques by testing the product in greenhouses on different rootstocks.

Antonino F. Catara, Scientific Director of the project SIRPA, has addressed the management of systemic pathogenic organisms of citrus fruits. Throughout his speech, possible benefits deriving from the use of nanofertilizers have emerged (not only iron-based, but also containing other elements, topic that CEREA FCP is already dealing with) to mitigate the diseases of citrus fruits coming from phloem pathogenic organisms; this is possible especially thanks to the slow and constant release of nutrients, to a major bioavailability (specific area, dimensions, reactivity), to the reduction of nutrient loss and to a major resistance against biotic and abiotic stress, aspects that favour the respect for the environment and induce quality productions.

Finally, Giancarlo Roccuzzo, researcher at the CREA institute in Acireale, dealt with the topic of agroecology to prevent microdeficiencies and illustrated techniques to recycle organic waste and increase organic matter.

Closing the event, Drs. Argentati has suggested to create a permanent workshop to network with interested parties and farmers. This solution would allow to compare the most innovative and promising techniques favouring a more rapid development and a more punctual and widespread divulgation towards manufacturers.

On the basis of these assumptions, the As-prò project will continue with other events to make the citrus industry more and more influential and profitable.

WE'LL KEEP YOU UPDATED !!!

(wou will find below the video with the interviews to the speakers)

As-pró is a project born from the collaboration between FCP Cerea and Research & Development institutions based in Sicily, european researchers and farmers. The name refers to one of the main characteristics of citrus fruits (aspro : sour), and it is also formed by the suffix PRO which points out concepts such as:

• innovation
• projectuality

with the aim of always looking ahead in space and time.

As-pró is thus the union of two essential starting points of the event which, by focusing on some of the most symbolic crops of Sicily, aims to promote and spread innovation in the agricultural field.

The first event taking place in May 30th will deal especially with problems related to iron chlorosis.

Symptoms of iron chlorosis in plants are generally caused by a low content of iron assimilable by the soil. This is called deficiency-induced chlorosis since the factors influencing it are:

• Particularly calcareous soils
• pH
• susceptibility of the rootstock

The Mediterranean area is particularly affected by this phenomenon, considering soil characteristics, thus also the two main citrus fruits producers in Europe: Italy and Spain.
The cultivated lands in Italy and Spain are approximately 150.000 and 300.000 ha over 500.000 ha of the entire continent (FAO data 2020).
In Italy, the most affected area is Sicily with 81.000 hectares (ISTAT data 2021) equal to 58% of the whole cultivation on the national territory, followed by Calabria with approximately 37.000 hectares.

For this reason, the first As-pró event will take place at the Oranfresh Conference hall in Catania, on Monday, May 30th from 4:00 p.m.; during the convention, organized in collaboration with Fruit Communication and the Order of Agronomists in Sicily, partners of the project will introduce the latest news to tackle the pathology and enhance yield.

Iron chlorosis has a significant economic impact since it negatively affects:

• the life cycle of the tree
• the number and dimension of fruits
• the quality and aspect of fruits

Iron plays an essential role in photosynthesis and this is the reason why iron deficiency symptoms in citrus fruits are mainly visible in leaves losing their bright green colour and taking shades from light green to pale yellow according to the severity of the disease (leaf yellowing). Iron deficiency also influences the development and growth of new plant organs: in this case, according to the severity of the disease, the plant may encounter an early defoliation of sprouts up to their death or a stunted growth of the root system.

Citrus fruits are efficient plants which, in conditions of iron deficiency, have developed adaptive mechanisms to increase both absorption and the carrier capacity of the element.
The defence strategy adopted by the farmer should take into account these mechanisms and assist the plant while carrying them out.

The knowledge of the physico-chemical characteristics of the soil and the best agricultural pratices are always recommended, in particular if they help to maintain a correct structure of the soil and an adequate quantity of organic matter. However, the choice of innovative rootstocks and the use of suitable products makes the difference in containing the disease.

FCP Cerea is testing with great results a new product based on nanotechnology in Sicily, Nano.T® Fe, and is investigating, through trials in its greenhouse on different rootstocks, the most effective strategies to tackle iron chlorosis.

Nanotechnology represents an innovative approach since the product, thanks to the tiny particles (<100 nm), does not precipitate in non-soluble forms and guarantees a major contact surface with roots as compared to common products. The acidic nature of Nano.t Fe (pH 1,3) also favours the acidification of the rhizosphere which is essential for the absorption of nutrients. Moreover, the product is completely degradable, not subject to leaching and slowly released according to plant demands since it is retained by the solid particles of the soil. The event of May, 30th will be the occasion to listen to some of the most prominent experts in citrus cultivation, to explore the technical aspects and to significantly improve yield.

Chlorophyll is a natural pigment mainly present in leaves and which takes part in a fundamental process for human life: photosynthesis. Nitrogen, magnesium and iron are the essential nutrients that the plant needs in order to synthesize chlorophyll.

Iron is a necessary microelement which is however often ignored by farmers in fertilization. It is not very mobile within plant tissues and this is the reason why symptoms of iron deficiency are mostly visible in young leaves, through a yellow colour (chlorotic), showing the  absence of chlorophyll synthesis (green) and a low photosynthetic activity. The agricultural land is rich in iron, but the assimilable form, or soluble one, is very low.

Iron chlorosis is a widespread problem, especially in tree crops characterized by a multi-year cycle and by some objective limitations, since they struggle to store a correct quantity of iron.

The low availability of assimilable iron in the soil is the primary cause for deficiency. This type of chlorosis is defined as lime-induced since the high concentrations of active limestone and the elevated pH block iron (precipitation of iron-based salts) and highly limit its availability to the plant. Italian tree crops (grapevine, citrus fruits, kiwi, stone fruits...) are generally planted in soils rich in limestone with an elevated pH (over 8,0).

In order to tackle this difficulty, there are different aspects to take into account:

• choice of a rootstock tolerant to high concentrations of limestone;
• use of iron-based fertilizers;
• irrigation management, since irrigation water brings carbonates and bicarbonates in the solution, making them active and inhibiting iron absorption.

Among these aspects, what could contribute the most to provide iron is an adequate iron-based fertilization planning.

Nano.T® Fe, thanks to its innovative patented formulation, allows to increase the effectiveness of iron absorption since the iron-phosphate within the product and the nano-dimension (<100nm) form compounds that protect the microelement against carbonates and other inorganic salts in the soil.

After using Nano.T® Fe in fertigation, the product stays in the soil and moves through the mass flow and in proximity of roots, avoiding precipitations. Also, it allows the plant to absorb iron with long-lasting effect. This ensures a nutrient effect and prevents from chlorosis, since the iron that is not absorbed by the plant remains available enriching the soil.