TSW Poland fair

We'll fly to Poland for this new adventure!

Next 23rd and 24th January 2026 we are participating in the TSW trade fair, the largest industry event for fruit and vegetable producers in Poland and Central and Eastern Europe.

🚀🌱We are ready to present our best products for the fruit and vegetable sector and provide you with innovative solutions for the growth and well-being of your crops.

👉You can find us at booth 5.40

If you need other informations about the fair click here

We are waiting for you!

 

Happy Holidays

Ready for next season?

As we prepare  for the new year, we want to thank you for allowing us to be by your side, season after season. We heartily appreciate your interest and your constant trust in our company and products.

2025 was a year of challenges, but also of great shared satisfaction. Thank you for walking with us to every little and big milestone.

We wish you a peaceful and successful 2026!

For our part, we will continue to work hard to offer you increasingly advanced solutions, to support you give the right value to your work.

Best wishes!

Lettuce: nutritional advices for the sowing/transplant

To grow good-quality lettuce and obtain healthy, crunchy heads, nutritional strategy must be carefully considered from the early stages of growth. Proper fertilization management is essential to ensure the seedlings are ready to take root after transplanting and prevent common problems.

The Nitrogen (N) and Potassium (K) balance

For balanced lettuce growth, it is essential to maintain a correct ratio between Nitrogen (N) and Potassium (K). Nitrogen is vital for vegetative growth, but its excess over potassium can lead to:

  • Vegetative excesses: Risk of leaves that are too tender and less resistant.
  • Structural problems: The plant may "turn" or have a weak structure.

Potassium (K) is crucial for final quality and stress resistance.

Preventing Hemming: the importance of calcium

A crucial nutritional aspect is Calcium (Ca) fertilization. The deficiency of this element, especially in phases of rapid growth, is the main cause of tip-burn (or hemming), that is, browning and necrosis of the leaf margins. Treating the availability of Calcium prevents this and other related issues by ensuring intact, commercially palatable leaves.


Our nutritional advices

At sowing/transplant, we recommend using SuperPower Humic with a dosage of 25-30 Kg/ha (localized).

Once the plant has overcome transplant stress, to further promote rooting and optimal initial vegetative development, we recommend: 

  • Supremo: 20-25 l/ha in fertigation
  • Leaf P-Ca: 10-15 l/ha in fertigation

Want to discover the complete technical line for lettuce? CLICK HERE

GROWTECH ANTALYA 2025

18- 21st November, ANFAS, Antalya Expo Center - Antalya, Turkey

The Global Meeting Point of Greenhouse Sector

As the biggest greenhouse technologies trade fair, GROWTECH. ANTALYA offers international business opportunities to its visitors and exhibitors coming from all around the world.

684 exhibitors from 31 countries and 39,575 visitors from 135 countries in its 2024 edition.

The biggest greenhouse event of the world, GROWTECH. ANTALYA, will bring together the professionals in agriculture.

FCP Cerea will be present: hope to see you at Stand 3-B111A

For further information click here

Olive Exhibition

The next stage of Fruit Communication will once again see Puglia as the protagonist. Next September 25th we will be present at the Olive Exhibition at the Santa Venia agricultural company, in the heart of Salento, in Veglie (LE).

Protagonists of this new stage of the journey into innovation in agriculture, promoted by Fruit Communication, in collaboration with Doctor Farmer and Fruit Lab, the territories that have most experienced the difficulties of the supply chain and which first had to innovate to give concrete answers to a regional, economic and productive fabric that has always lived on olive growing.

At the center of the day: tolerant varieties, advanced techniques and strategies for the future of the Apulian olive sector.

Cerea FCP will present the most effective nanotechnological products for olive nutrition during fruit setting and enlargement.

To register for the event click here

For more details click here

Fruit Attraction Madrid

A new experience awaits us!

From 30 September to 2 October 2025 we will be present at the 17° edition of the FRUIT ATTRACTION fair in Madrid, the main global fair in the fruit and vegetable sector, organized by Ifema Madrid.

It promises to be a unique event, with the participation of over 2,500 companies and the expected presence of more than 120,000 industry professionals from 150 countries. New products, innovative solutions, research and the latest trends in the agricultural-fruit and vegetable sector will be the protagonists in these 3 Spanish days.

We invite you to our stand (7E24A - Hall 7), to discover with us the entire line of NANO.T nanofertilizers which allow us to correct deficiencies and prevent mechanical and physiological damage to plants.

Better efficiency of use and lower dosages, for innovative and sustainable agriculture.

To register for the event click here

For more details on the fair click here

Watermelon: Balanced fertilization for tasty, sugary and heavy fruits

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:

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

International Conference on Plant Nanotechnology 2025

From 7 to 9 July 2025, Poznań became the global epicenter of plant nanotechnology, with over 100 researchers from five continents. We at FCP Cerea were present at this second edition of the International Conference on Plant Nanotechnologies.

The conference, organised by the Polish IPG PAS (Institute of Plant Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences), is the outcome of an EU-funded project under the European programme "Horizon 2020".

Topics covered

During the three days, several lectures were given by university professors and researchers from different parts of the world: India, Australia, South Africa, USA, Germany, Poland, England, Brazil, Spain, Cyprus, Portugal, Italy. The conference was divided into 5 different sessions:

  1. Emerging nanomaterials and green nanotechnologies
  2. Nanotechnology for sustainable agriculture
  3. Nanosensors and nano-devices in agriculture
  4. Interface between plant biology and nanotechnology
  5. Nanotoxicity and nanomaterial-microbial interactions

The application of nanotechnologies in agricultural research was a cross-cutting theme of the conference. The use of nanomaterials in other production and industrial sectors is already well established and very active: electronic microprocessors, cosmetics, paint production, medical care (drag delivery and vaccines).

Application in agriculture is still in the accreditation phase and several universities (biotechnology and agriculture) have started to use this technology in basic research. In particular, the application of this technology to agriculture concerns:

  • Nutrition (biostimulants, micro- and macro-elements),
  • Protection of plants against pathogens (controlled release of active ingredients and biocontrol)
  • Seed priming (nanopriming).

Professor Alfredo Ambrosone, associate professor at the University of Salerno, illustrated an interesting application of nanomaterials produced by plants (extracellular nano-vesicles). Professor Ambrosone’s research work has shown that this technology is able to use different sources from which to obtain "nanovesvicole" of plants. He also explained how this technology can help open up new scenarios for agricultural applications, biotechnology and innovative strategies for plant disease management. (Visit the official website to learn more about the project).

At FCP Cerea, intensive research on nano-fertilisers has been underway for some years now, leading to the development of innovative solutions that can correct deficiencies and chlorosis, improving the efficiency of fertilizer use

The Nano.T family has expanded to two new products:

  • Nano.T CaPO (calcium-based), which improves fruit quality and shelf life
  • Nano. T Zn (based on zinc and potassium), which helps to mitigate thermal stresses

To discover the whole Nano.T family click here

Pepper: balanced nutritional strategy for the full production phase

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:

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

In the fruit ripening phase we recommend:


TO SEE THE COMPLETE FERTILIZATION LINE click here

Increase the size of the olive tree’s drupes

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:

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

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:

For the stone swelling phase we recommend the use of:

To be repeated in the hardening phase.

TO SEE THE COMPLETE FERTILIZATION LINE click here

Glycos plus: improves fruit coloration on apple trees, table grapes and other crops

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).

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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.

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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).

 

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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).

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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).

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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?

From flowering to ripening of the table tomato

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

Here are our technical recommendations according to the stage concerned.

In the pre-flowering, late flowering and fruit set phases:

Afte fruit set:

While in the enlargement phases:

In the maturing phase:

  • K-Fast (10-15 l/ha) in fertigation, with interventions at 8-10 days

Do you want to discover the complete technical line for TABLE TOMATO?

 

Replenish nutrient reserves during post-harvest

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

Want to discover the whole technical line?

Flowering and fruit set of grapewine

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:

In the cluster stretching phase we recommend the use of:

 

Want to discover the complete technical line?

Stone fruits: nutrition from fruit enlargement

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:

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

FROM VERAISON UNTIL 10 DAYS BEFORE HARVEST

We recommend 2 treatments every 10-15 days of:

Do tou want to discover the complete technical line?

Flowering and fruit set of table grapes

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:


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

HAZELNUT: from germination to fruit set

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:

Discover the complete technical line:

APPLE TREE: a winning synergy of phosphorus and calcium

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).

Image

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).

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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)

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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.

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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).

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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.

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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).

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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?

OLIVE TREE: Effective nutritional strategies in vegetative development

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:

 

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: 

Discover the complete technical line:

Macfrut 2025

The reference event for international agri-food professionals.

One of the most important trade fairs worldwide and showcase of Italian excellence in agrifood and agri-tech. The event is characterized by its uniqueness in networking three key elements for the growth of the sector: Business, thanks to the presence of professional operators; Networking between the impese and Knowledge, thanks to internationally renowned experts who guarantee the quality of the topics and intercept the news in the sector.

Macfrut represents a unique opportunity to meet all the main players in the fruit and vegetable sector (Italian and foreign).

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

Spring frosts: how to protect the plant?

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 ?

MAIZE: localized fertilisation for better efficacy

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

Discover the complete technical line:

Improved efficiency fertilizers: NUECR4 technology and new perspectives

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).

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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.

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

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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).

Image

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.

Fertilization of the apple tree at vegetative growth

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:

 

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.

Fertilization of actinidia at vegetative growth

The fertilization, in this stage, is intended to provide the necessary nutrients for the next flowering and allow the subsequent development of the fruits. For actinidia, proper water management is fundamental: water shortages and excesses are very harmful to the plant.

Often the numerous irrigations that are made during the vegetative season lead to situations of stress and decay of the plant. That’s why the fertilization in vegetative recovery contributes, together with the correct irrigation, to the healthy development of the root system putting the plant in the most suitable conditions to effectively absorb water and nutrients.

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

Do you want more details?

Fertilising of the stone fruits at vegetative growth

The fertilization must be directed primarily to obtain a uniform and synchronized flowering. In this context, nitrogen should not be used excessively and stress situations caused by, for example, thermal fluctuations (cold return) and water imbalances should be avoided.

Phosphate fertilization in vegetative recovery is essential to renew the root system and consequently improve water and nutrient absorption.

It is very important to protect the plant from any cold returns that can cause serious damage to production.

 

THE TECHNICAL LINE

 

Fertilization at vegetative growth:

UNIVERSAL UP or RED BALL at a dose of 200-300 kg/ha - Granular to the ground

HYDROSTAR - 10 kg/ha + SUPREMO - 20 litres/ha - in fertigation, from vegetation to pre-flowering

In case of forecast low temperatures and cold weather:
Foliage: CERERE at a dose of 1-1.5 liters/ha 24-48 hours before the start of the heat fall (also usable in case of full flowering).

Do you want more details?

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

Fertilization of the melon in the post-transplant stages

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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Fertilization of the strawberry during the fruit set

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.

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GROWTECH ANTALYA 2024

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